It was first identified in California in 2000 and then later in Oregon, USA.  However, the form of P. ramorum in North America is of a different sexual mating type to the fungus in Europe.

Infection by P. ramorum is usually characterised by the presence of dark red to black sap oozing from the trunk: bleeding cankers or tarry spots.  This is often on the lower portion of the trunk but may also occur several metres up the stem. When the outer bark is removed from the bleeding canker, mottled areas of necrotic, dead and discoloured dinner-bark tissue can be seen. Black zonelines are often present within and around the edges of the necrotic region.

Frankly, I am glad not to be a Shrub or Tree.

Tired of closing grass pathways after rainfall, the National Trust has come up with the idea of using sports turf expertise designed to cope with Premier League footballers, to develop surfaces that could handle high volume footfall on the grass.

The spokesperson for National Trust property Hidcot said:  “We want people to walk on the grass, play on the croquet lawn and get up close to the plants but our main grass paths get very muddy whenever it rains and we have to close them regularly. So we hit upon this scheme to try the footballer’s turf.

“We have installed new drainage, replaced the clay soil with specially modified soil and then laid turf on one area and used seed on another to see which reacts best.

“It is exactly the same system as laid in the goal mouths at Old Trafford and on many other sports pitches. Our visitors tend to shuffle along looking at the garden so it will be interesting to see how the grass holds up under that use, rather than the way footballers would use it.”

Head Gardener, Glyn explained that the first priority was to improve drainage.

“The original clay soil was removed and replaced with the new modified soil which has a high proportion of rounded sand grains to encourage drainage. But it also contains nylon fibres which bind with the grass roots to make it much stronger. The grass is a mixture of types, including fescues and bent grasses which are drought resistant and take hard wear. There is also a small amount of dwarf rye grass.”

The 150,000 visitors a year will be testing out the new turf.

Chris comments: “The assistance I received in placing the advert online with Land-Force.com was second to none and compared to the price of advertising though other sources, the fee was very reasonable. Ultimately though, when advertising a vacancy, the most important factor is how the position was filled and ours was indeed filled via Land-Force. Needless to say, I have already placed a new advert on the site for another position that we are currently recruiting for.”

Landscape Designer

For those with an eye for patterns, colours and arrangement, plus a love for plant materials, landscape design might be the ideal career choice. A landscape designer has the opportunity to look at the big picture– to see how the gardens,  buildings, walkways, driveways, and environs work together to create incredible effects. Whether it be a formal setting, or more casual country garden, the best gardens are well-planned by trained designers. Designers also usually are responsible for creating inventory lists and cost estimates.

Horticulturalist

A horticulturist will be involved in working directly with plants, but must also have the knowledge and management skills to oversee a number of tasks. These can include plant propagation, chemical management for pest and weed control, integration of gardens with public interpretation and government requirements, greenhouse management, and so on. A person with strong leadership skills looking at landscape jobs would find this to be a rewarding path.

Gardeners & Groundskeepers

Landscape jobs are typically associated with gardeners and groundskeepers. These people spend most of their time in direct contact with the soil and plants, caring for them and nurturing them. Gardeners will be the first to see the green shoots in the spring, and then the first buds, and flowers. Those who wish to have the closest relationships with plants and the soil will know that this is their niche. Groundskeepers not only work with blooming plants, but will care for lawns and hedges, creating neatly manicured natural areas.

Aborist

An arborist is one who specialises in the care of trees. This will likely involve the need to be able to work at heights, and to climb. Arborists know how to prune each species, and how to recognize and combat disease and pests. For those with a love for plants and working out of doors, but who like an element of risk, this could be satisfying work.

Outdoor Lighting Specialist

There are those with a mechanical bent rather than a green thumb, who also find gardens appealing. Such people might consider becoming an irrigation and/or outdoor lighting specialist. Gardens and lawns need water delivered regularly, and people prefer that the piping be hidden. Lighting enhances natural scenes but no one wants to look at a maze of wiring. Expertise in these areas is in demand.

When looking for landscape jobs, there are positions for people of varying talents. Landscaping, in any of its many aspects, can be a rewarding career path.

In the field of natural resources and conservation, rangers, wardens, and landscapers work outside in all weather conditions. They are involved primarily with land stewardship and monitoring. In addition, they work with the public to educate on topics pertaining to the land’s resources and the steps that can be taken to preserve them.

Ecology

Protect the endangered species of the world when you work in the field of Ecology. Analyse how organisms interact with their natural environment and report on the distribution of organisms in a specific area. Make a difference when you work to create and maintain thriving natural habitats.

Energy

Energy is a rapidly growing field with diverse and exciting new positions. Wind is an energy source still being evaluated so there are many positions for wind resource specialists. Out in the field, they conduct assessments, design measurement campaigns, and evaluate wind farm layouts. Similarly, hydrologists are hired to study the distribution and circulation of water and their work is done primarily through research at outdoor sites.

Construction and Engineering

There are many construction jobs that focus on the geotechnical aspects of building projects. Evaluating the earth’s subsurface, creating foundations, and monitoring the conditions at the building site are all duties that fall under this category. Geotechnical engineers and construction workers assure that the physical and chemical properties are taken into consideration before and during building.

Recycling and Waste Management
Those looking to work hands-on to better the environment can consider a job in waste and recycling. Many of the worksites are located outdoors and the jobs can include collection services, sorting and processing, and composting and landfill operations.

Farming and Animal Care

Another hands-on industry is farming. The United Kingdom is rich in farm land. Animal care, horticulture, and fencing are just a sample of the many jobs in the agricultural community.

Recreation Jobs

For individuals who are adventurous and athletically inclined, there are many outdoor recreational jobs that connect people with the environment. Those working in a wilderness park, leading a mountain climbing or river rafting expedition serve an important purpose. They are bringing others closer to nature as well as educating them on their surroundings.

Citing significant interest in ‘Grow Your Own’ (GYO) and better weather as the reasons for the change, the HTA is “cautiously optimistic” that the garden industry is well-placed as the UK economy turns towards recovery.