OPEN WINDOWS | Arteries
July 1st, 2022
“For sites to look attractive,
it is important to be thorough and work
in a way that is not disturbing to others.”
ALFRED
Landscape caretaker, USA
Heera Alaya: Good morning, Alfred.
Alfred: Good morning.
May I have six to eight minutes of your time?
You sure may.
Please tell me what your job entails.
I have been with a landscaping company for 11 years, caring for plants in this area (and a few others). I maintain plants throughout the year by regularly watering, pruning, and replacing them [damaged plants]. For sites to look attractive, it is important to be thorough and work in a way that is not disturbing to others, for instance, restaurants with outdoor seating. We also rotate seasonal flowers to make the area beautiful.
And it is beautiful.
How often do you water these plants?
Every three days.
Do you keep track of the next watering date?
Yes, we have a schedule to follow.
How many gallons of water does the tank hold? And what do you do when you run out of water?
The tank holds 500 gallons [of water]. We fill up the tank before we leave the company site, and if we run out of water, we fill up the tank at assigned points on our route.
Do you have a co-worker?
I do [have a co-worker]; he is watering plants in the next block. It is always the two of us. We have a replacement for the day only on our day off.
What is your typical workday?
Most mornings, I wake up at 4.00 am. I have breakfast before leaving home at 5.30 am and reach the site by 6.30 am. It takes me about an hour to complete several buildings in this area.
I have five job sites (with the same company) to attend. By the time I finish work and drop off the tanker at the company, it can be 4:00 pm. It depends on how fast we can get through traffic. The most challenging part of my job is driving. I am driving from one job to another, and my focus must be on the road.
By the time I reach home, it is close to 6:30 p.m., and I am tired. I have been doing this job for a while, so my body has gotten accustomed to it. On my day off, I relax and visit friends and relatives.
What must we appreciate about the job of a landscape caretaker?
Plants are delicate, and we must take care of them regularly, which some people don’t understand. Sometimes, when people pass by, they compliment us, which is welcome. I appreciate it.
The work you do is one of the reasons this area is appealing. Thank you again for allowing me into your workspace and talking with me.
Oh, you are so welcome.
