About the course
This City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Commercial Gardening and Landscaping is ideal if you are looking to begin a career in the horticulture, landscaping, or grounds maintenance industries, or progress to further land-based qualifications. Suitable for learners aged 16 and over, this qualification is designed for those with little or no previous experience, as well as those wishing to develop their practical skills and industry knowledge. You will gain a broad understanding of the commercial gardening and landscaping sector, developing the essential skills required to create, establish, and maintain a wide range of outdoor environments. The qualification covers key aspects of plant identification and care, landscaping operations, grounds maintenance, and the safe use of tools and equipment, providing a strong foundation for employment or further study.
Commercial gardening and landscaping play a vital role in shaping the environments where people live, work, and relax. From creating attractive public spaces and private gardens to enhancing biodiversity and supporting environmental sustainability, the sector offers rewarding opportunities to make a positive impact on communities and the natural world.
Why Choose Myerscough?
Myerscough College offers an outstanding learning environment for aspiring gardeners and landscapers. Set within a beautiful rural campus, students benefit from access to extensive landscaped grounds, award-winning gardens, and a wide range of practical training areas. Our nursery facilities and specialist landscaping resources provide real-world experience that helps develop the skills employers are looking for. Learning at Myerscough gives you the opportunity to work with industry-standard equipment and gain hands-on experience in a professional setting, preparing you for a successful career in the commercial gardening and landscaping industry.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Start date: September 2026
Course length: One Year (35 weeks)
Course Modules
Care, maintenance and use of tools and machinery
The purpose of this unit is for learners to have the skills and knowledge to use and maintain tools, equipment and machinery used in horticultural tasks. This unit does not cover the use of chainsaws.
Commercial gardening and landscaping
The purpose of this unit is for learners who are interested in commercial gardening and landscaping to have the required skills and knowledge for tasks within this area of horticulture.
Health and safety for the land-based industries
The purpose of this unit is for learners to understand the principles and importance of health and safety within land-based settings. This unit covers health and safety legalisation which provides the requirements upon which policies and procedures within the industry are based. Working in land-based roles is exciting and varied but operating in these environments can be dangerous and present potential risks and hazards. As part of this unit learners will look at the legislation that is in place to maintain safety, the requirements for risk assessment and how these impact on working practices.
Horticulture business pactices
The purpose of this unit is for learners to understand the business practices used in horticultural businesses. It covers preparing quotes and invoices, communication methods and retail skills.
Plant naming, identification, selection and science
The purpose of this unit is to provide learners with the basic knowledge and skills to name and identify plants incorporating aspects of plant science.
Preparation, Planting and Maintenance of Plants
The purpose of this unit is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to prepare growing mediums, such as soil, for potting and planting and to maintain them. This unit also covers turf in green spaces, including wild flowers.
Working in the horticulture industry
The horticulture industry is diverse and provides a wide range of career opportunities. It is important for those working in the industry to understand how it is organised and the professional standards required for those working in it. The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with knowledge of the industry structure and the types of organisations that operate within it. Learners will understand their roles and responsibilities in supporting a business to achieve its commercial objectives. As part of the unit requirements, learners must achieve 150 hours of work experience within the industry.
Entry requirements & additional information
3 GSCEs at Grade 3 (D), including English Language, Maths, & Science or related subject
Assessment of technical qualifications is a mixture of internal practical assessment of skills conducted by the teaching team, internal written assignments marked by the teaching team, an externally set synoptic examination that combines the knowledge and practical skills of all the mandatory units, an external exam that combines the knowledge of all mandatory units and a Health and Safety exam. The assessments and exams are spread throughout the course of the year.
Upon successful completion of the Level 2 Technical Certificate in Horticulture, learners may be able to progress to the T Level if they achieve a grade 4 in both Maths and English.
Costs that are mandatory for the course:
Steel toe-capped boots with good grip and ankle support � approx. £12-35
Costs that are optional for the course:
Gardening gloves
Secateurs