Types of Gardening Service and what to look for when hiring a Gardener

Novice Gardener who may be starting out

Engaging a gardener based solely on hourly rates may lead to unsatisfactory long-term results. The gardening industry in the UK remains largely unregulated and is often perceived as an accessible trade to enter. For example, an inexperienced gardener might neglect essential tasks such as properly pruning Euonymus fortunei ‘Silver Edge Gaiety’, potentially causing harm by over-pruning at inappropriate times. 

 

Unfortunately, the market is currently saturated with unqualified gardeners who often supplement their income through unrelated work during off-seasons. Given the modest compensation in the horticulture sector, many skilled professionals eventually pursue alternative careers once they reach a certain threshold. 

 

 

Business regarding the formation of Quotations

Please consider the following analogy from a gardener’s perspective. Preparing detailed gardening quotations often requires significant time and care. The process involves identifying the flora within your garden, as well as assessing the maintenance required for each plant, shrub, and tree. 

 

During on-site visits, we also look into client preferences, personalities, and budget considerations. This procedure can be lengthy, especially if the property has been inherited with tenants or is managed by gardening enthusiasts with decades of experience and extensive plant collections. Please allow sufficient time for this process so all necessary information can be gathered. If you need to leave unexpectedly, kindly notify us in advance so we can reschedule at a mutually convenient time.  

 

Professional Gardener with extensive hands on experience

Managing a garden of distinction requires years of dedication and expertise; it cannot be mastered overnight. 

 

While some may simply wish to keep the grass trimmed using basic tools.

Maintaining complex gardens demands professional knowledge, including an understanding of horticultural trends, plant anatomy and awry of scientific knowledge applied  

 

 

 

 

Drawing on Experience 

Drawing from experience since starting my business with a BTEC qualification and limited initial knowledge, I can attest to the learning curve involved. 

  • Many clients may not fully appreciate the requirements of effective garden maintenance. 
  • Some overlook advice regarding plant care and best practices. 
  • Preferences may include minimal weekly hours or specific gardening outcomes. 
  • Expectations can vary, such as requesting lawns cut very short irrespective of conditions like moss, weeds, or uneven terrain. 
  • Improper shrub and tree pruning is common, including indiscriminate cutting and insufficient thinning. 
  • Awareness of available equipment may be limited, and not all jobs can be completed spontaneously upon arrival. 
  • All tasks must be planned and agreed upon—either verbally or in writing—before commencing work on-site. 
  • A casual approach towards refreshments and interruptions during quotations is sometimes encountered. 
  • Micromanagement and being treated as a cleaner rather than a horticulturist can occur. 
  • Clients may desire a pristine garden but lack regular engagement, resulting in cycles of neglect and maintenance. 

A professional approach requires transparency, thorough planning, and clear communication to ensure both effective garden care and positive working relationships.