Some landscape designers attend training or certificate programs, but many are self-taught. Designers are usually a lower-cost option and can be quite satisfactory for planting plans and small projects like perennial bed designs. The best way to evaluate designers is to check references and past projects. Horticulturists are trained in the science of growing and producing plants. They typically complete an undergraduate or graduate degree in that field.
Many horticulturists become nurserymen or work in garden centers.
Horticulturists are ideal advisors about specific plant choices and care needs, but typically lack design skills and technical knowledge about drainage, earth-moving, and other aspects of major projects. Landscape Contractors install planting elements of a design conceived by landscape architects or designers. Prices and quality vary widely. Always check references and past projects, as well as their employment status. Of course, life is never this simple.