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Interview with a Horticulturist
Thinking of making a career in Horticulture? Find out more about this job from Natalie Ho, a horticulturist with the Singapore National Parks Board.
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Hi Natalie, thanks for doing this interview. Can you tell us what inspired you to become a horticulturist? Is it something you’ve always wanted to do since you were a kid?Honestly, it didn’t begin with an inspiration. I chose the relevant course after my Cambridge ‘O’ Levels (around 17 years old). Realised that it’s pretty interesting as the course also covered design. It also suited my introverted nature, because I don’t need to interact too much with people.
Having said that, I’ve always found plants and flowers very relaxing, even as a kid.
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| But making plants part of my career was never on my mind, I think, it’s mainly due to the ‘pragmatic’ nature of our Singapore society. Initially, I even thought of becoming a Sound Engineer! | |
Wow. Sounds goods to me that you followed your passion after all. Can you tell us a bit more about what a horticulturist does? A typical day at work?
Typical day would be checking round Fort Canning Park in a buggie, a maybe a walk in the morning. I look out for things like hanging, broken or fallen branches, sick plants, termite tracks on trees, bees or wasps nest, vandalism or any flowering or fruiting happenings in the park.
Besides checking the plants, I also need to conduct a check on the facilities. After making my records, I will tell the contractors what needs to be followed-up.
Good if you like the outdoors, I guess. Now, what is it about your job that gives you the “buzz”?
I get excited when I’m able to correctly identify a plant or tree. Feels like I have hit the bull’s eye. It’s also very exciting for me when I find a plant with medicinal properties, a rare plant or any plants not native to Singapore. It’s like finding a rare treasure!
Rare treasure indeed! And the greatest challenge on this job this …
My greatest challenge - the sun!
Which do you think features more in your line of work: training or gifting?
This is subjective. I believe … that if you have passion and a generally inquisitive mind, it will speed up the learning process.
Good career prospects? How do you think horticulture will fare in the future of Singapore?
Good prospects, I believe. Horticulture is definitely a growing industry in Singapore, especially when conservation efforts are so talked about in these few years. I think mindsets toward horticulture is also changing, with a deeper appreciation for this specialised industry.
Entry requirements?
A diploma in Horticulture & Landscape Management should get you a job in private or public sectors like National Parks Board. A degree would bring you further of course!
Before we wrap up this interview, any last tips for those thinking of being a horticulturist?
Are you ready to climb a few trees, catch some flies and meddle with some dirt? Haha. But seriously, besides having a love for nature, helps if you have an observant eye and an adventurous spirit because this is certainly not a desk-bound job.
