Landscape and garden news, tips and advice

Horticulture Week seeks news reporters

If you know how to rub shoulders with government departments and you have a 'dogged and determined approach to uncovering news' then Haymarket Publishing might have a job for you on Horticulture Week.

Hort Week are advertising for two news reporters to help it beat 'the nationals to big stories' about political importance, climate change and food security to the "liveability" of British cities down to the importance of parks and gardens and the nation’s health.

The vacancies are due to an internal promoting of one news reporter to editor on another of its titles and a desire to expand its news desk.

The best bit; it's part time just 35 hours a week.

Free recruitment advertising on Landscape Juice

Are you currently looking for staff or are you planning a recruitment drive in the near future?

Before you think about signing on the dotted line and parting with a handful of cash, consider sending me the details of the position you plan to fill..it literally cold save you thousands of pounds.

Skilled hard and soft landscapers needed

Banbury based landscaping company, The Gardenmakers, are looking for skilled and semi-skilled hard landscapers with genuine provable experience and ability.

Hard landscapers must be competent at paving and wall construction in particular but willing to adapt to company methods.

Landscaping and gardening jobs available

Landscaper required

Affinity Landscapes are looking for an experienced landscaper based out of their Farnham depot.

Must hold a driving license (aged 25 plus for insurance purposes) and preferably a Pa1 and Pa6 spraying certificate.

Contact Gary Rees-Keeble on 08453459123 or email: info@affinitylandscapes.co.uk

Seasonal horticultural placement at Skibo Castle in the Scottish Highlands

This is an exciting prospect, sent to me by Marilyn Hodsdon of Skibo Castle; Skibo are looking for a couple of European horticulture students who would like to travel to Scotland on a work placement this summer.

Skibo Castle is a private residential golf and sporting club, with an international membership and stands in its own seven thousand acre estate in the Highlands of Scotland.

The castle has extensive gardens and much of the produce is grown on the estate with the gardens being carefully and lovingly maintained by an energetic and innovative team headed by Graham Grant, Head Gardener.

Trade Union for landscapers and gardeners?

This post is prompted from a comment left by Steve Jeffries on the Victorian Kitchen Garden article.

Steve said, "I would urge all Land Based workers, join your Trade Union, protect yourself from this attack on your hard earned rights, for which people died. After all, your bosses organise, so why shouldn't you?"

It's an interesting comment but I feel it has been made with little thought for land-based business in the United Kingdom; quite honestly, if a trade union existed, many, many very well run land-based enterprises would go to the wall.

Skilled and experienced gardener required - Lutterworth in Leicestershire

Careers - Experienced and skilled GARDENER required for large garden comprising both formal and informal areas. The garden includes herbaceous borders, shrubberies, lawns, trees, orchards and a vegetable garden with greenhouse.

RSPB Media Manager needed

This job would suit me to the ground....if I was based in the UK, I would seriously consider applying.

• We are looking for a talented media professional to drive our media relations activity, helping us increase popular and political support for the RSPB and its work. You will need an excellent nose for news, great leadership, management and influencing skills, plus a track record of delivering hard-hitting stories and campaigns in traditional and new media. Political nous, a sense of humour and a commitment to wildlife and the environment are essential.

More info: RSPB Media Manager

The Landscape Juice Network passes 900 members

It seems just five minutes ago when the Landscape Juice Network welcomed its 800th member - it was in fact the 9th December 2009.

I am delighted to say that less than two months later and the site has passed the 900 mark.

It's not fair to single out any one member for a special mention but it was a significant event today when Lantra Sector Skills Council joined up.

The first year of business is the hardest

If anyone can survive their first year in business they have ever chance of making it a long term success.

There was a very warming message posted today by Steven Whitaker on the Landscape Juice Network - Steven lists how he spent his budget and asks other traders for their comments.

"I'm just coming to the close of my first season in the business and wanted to share some thoughts on equipment. I wanted to start out under my own steam, and with just a few grand saved up I needed to spread it very thinly indeed."