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Nursery Owners and Managers

Work Environment

Nurseries and garden centers are usually pleasant places to work. Managers and owners work indoors in comfortable offices and outdoors in greenhouses and sales areas amid a variety of beautiful plants, shrubs, and trees. People who are allergic to certain plants, pesticides, chemical sprays, or fertilizers should carefully consider choosing employment in this field.

Ownership is a demanding occupation, with owners often working six or seven days a week. Working more than 60 hours a week is not unusual, especially between March and September in most regions, when most plants and horticulture-related services are purchased. An owner of a large establishment may be able to leave a manager in charge of many parts of the business, but the owner still must be available to solve any pressing concerns. Owners and managers of small businesses often stay in the store throughout the day, spending much of the time on their feet.