From zero experience to YLOY contender
Christian Cox didn’t have a grand plan to become a landscaper. In fact, his entry into the industry came from spotting a job advertisement online
Christian Cox | Landscape Foreman | Luijten | Auckland
“I randomly applied on Seek one day and that was that,” he says.
What started by chance has developed into a career Christian is determined to take further with Auckland-based Luijten Landscaping.
He says the variety of the work was one of the things that convinced him landscaping was an industry he wanted to stick with.
“Each day is enjoyable,” he says. “I’m an all-rounder at Luijten, so each day is different and I get to be part of some great projects.”
While being an all-rounder has allowed Christian to develop skills across different aspects of landscaping, it’s the construction side that he particularly enjoys.
“My favourite part is probably the hardscape side – things like building decks and paving.”
One project at Wesley College in Pukekohe stands out in particular.
For Christian, the satisfaction came from more than simply delivering a good landscape. Seeing how the finished space would benefit the students provided another dimension.
“It was such a cool job and it provided the kids with a new place to hang out during the day,” he says. “I will never forget the excitement on their faces when we were building it.”
Testing himself at Young Landscaper of the Year
Christian’s progression from having no previous landscaping experience to competing in Young Landscaper of the Year (YLOY) gives him plenty of motivation heading into the event.
“I entered this competition to prove to myself that I am one of the best young landscapers and to pay back Luijten for hiring me with zero experience,” he says.
While there’s clearly a competitive element to that ambition, Christian also sees YLOY as another opportunity to develop.
“I’m hoping that competing will increase my abilities in all parts of landscaping.”
It fits with his long-term plans. Christian wants to continue progressing within Luijten and take on greater responsibility as his experience grows.
“In the next few years, I would like to be a head landscaper at Luijten and hopefully one day a project manager.”
For someone who entered landscaping through a spontaneous job application, that represents quite a journey – and YLOY provides Christian with an opportunity to see just how far he has come.
Young Landscaper of the Year will be held at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens on 19 September, with 10 finalists competing across a range of practical and professional challenges.
