Someone once said that what a gardener needs is a cast-iron back with a hinge in it. That was before the invention of backhoes, chain saws, edgers, and other power tools used by today’s gardeners and groundskeepers. But much of the work is still physical, and almost all of it is done outdoors — in all kinds of weather. Gardeners prepare flowerbeds, plant trees and shrubs, de-thatch lawns, and apply fertilizer and pesticides. They also prune trees, pull weeds, and perform other maintenance tasks. Gardeners work for landscape companies, hotels, public parks, and individual homeowners; groundskeepers, in contrast, are responsible for maintaining the grass and plantings at golf courses, athletic fields, cemeteries, and other large outdoor areas. The work may involve snow and trash removal, painting, and other non-gardening activities as well. There usually are no minimum educational requirements for entry level jobs as gardeners and groundskeepers, although a high school diploma is required for some jobs. In addition, most States require certification for workers who apply pesticides, such as chemical lawn specialists. The work of these professionals is important to everyone, for few things are as beautiful as a well-maintained greenspace.