In the words of its author, horticultural eminence Dr James Hitchmough:
“The characteristics of professions, and the need for professionalisation in the landscape and nursery production sectors of horticulture are discussed, and the relationships between professionalisation and professionalism investigated. When compared with the broadly accepted vital attributes of professions, horticulture as a discipline can clearly not be considered as such. The vast bulk of people who currently describe themselves as horticulturists are involved at the occupational or semi-professional level, only a few sub-groups satisfy the criteria associated with true professions. Horticulture contains so many disparate sub-groups both in terms of sector of activity and secondly educational level that it presents the community and other disciplines involved in the landscape with a very confusing picture. This is a particular problem for degree graduates as it “greys” the distinctions between themselves and horticulturists with much more basic levels of training. If horticulture as a discipline does not embrace increasing professionalisation, then it faces the possible loss of management positions and skill areas, traditionally occupied by horticulturists, to more educated disciplines.
“The present and future role of educational institutions, the horticultural industry, and professional bodies in influencing the development of professionalisation, and professionalism in landscape and nursery production horticulture is discussed.”
This paper, of uncertain publication status, is dated about 1990.