Finding gardeners to maintain clients' gardens

We all know garden maintenance can just comprise some uninformed bloke/woman strimming the living daylights out of a garden, without any real knowledge of the profession

So I was just wondering what you all felt about this tricky mix and match exercise of finding a gardener to 'fit' a client.

Fair enough if the client has an existing resident gardener/ gardeners to look after a newly created garden, but what if you create a large garden from scratch and the clients are clueless about gardening?

Many of my clients can be a bit eccentric, or fairly well known and it is essential to find a knowledgeable, discreet gardener to 'match' the client. Normally I go on gut instinct as much as experience or qualification and knowing the personalities will get along along with the clients is paramount. Clients will often ask for an indication of pay rates and I always advise clients to pay a healthy salary as there is no substitute for an experienced, knowledgeable gardener. The right person will also offer discretion and security to the clients, so that a free bonus.

Let me know what your experiences are?

Eloquently and succinctly put GL. To get a good all-rounder is tricky. Fully endorse the trust/security issues.

L:)

GL Services said:

Interesting comments Lucy.

How do you see a gardener?

Is a gardener good with all aspects of a garden from shrubs to turf ( put in a simple way)

My experience is I find those who tend to stick to plant work (not including grass) often have very little experience with turf management and those who specialise in turf have less experience with plants. Not saying that's bad but some show interest in turf and gain work through that where others love the otherside and will be creative and mindful of how to improve and up keep the plants on a said property.

I think is very hard to find someone who is very good or very experienced with all what is contained within a given property.

Security comes with trust. Trust is gained over time. Confidentiality along with trust is not an easy combination to find.

One skill never mentioned is what I call people skills. Its understanding and handling situations with others.

Replies

Stewart Kerr September 22, 2011 at 1:13pm

Why not give them a price for maintaining it yourself?
lovelucysummers September 22, 2011 at 4:05pm

Eloquently and succinctly put GL. To get a good all-rounder is tricky. Fully endorse the trust/security issues.

L:)

GL Services said:

Interesting comments Lucy.

How do you see a gardener?

Is a gardener good with all aspects of a garden from shrubs to turf ( put in a simple way)

My experience is I find those who tend to stick to plant work (not including grass) often have very little experience with turf management and those who specialise in turf have less experience with plants. Not saying that's bad but some show interest in turf and gain work through that where others love the otherside and will be creative and mindful of how to improve and up keep the plants on a said property.

I think is very hard to find someone who is very good or very experienced with all what is contained within a given property.

Security comes with trust. Trust is gained over time. Confidentiality along with trust is not an easy combination to find.

One skill never mentioned is what I call people skills. Its understanding and handling situations with others.
lovelucysummers September 22, 2011 at 4:05pm

Stewart Kerr said:

Why not give them a price for maintaining it yourself?
lovelucysummers September 22, 2011 at 4:06pm

Unfortunately it's not practicable to maintain a nationwide maintenance service for our company. Nice thought.

Stewart Kerr said:

Why not give them a price for maintaining it yourself?
PRO

Gary RK September 22, 2011 at 6:00pm

Firstly, I would like to think that your first sentence does not apply to the majority of Landscapers/Gardeners on LJN.

I think the key is to build up a trusted network of contractors whose skills are varied but can be utlised to match you client's expectations/demands.

I not sure I fully understand your experience/role/location as your profile is set to Private. Are you a Designer?, Service Provider ?

Perhaps, a bit more of your background would help set the 'scene' for us ?