Hiring a gardener can transform your outdoor space into a thriving, well-maintained haven. Whether you need regular upkeep, landscaping design or specialised plant care, finding the right gardener is essential. Asking the right questions during the hiring process ensures that you choose someone who understands your vision, works within your budget and possesses the necessary expertise. Here are the key questions to ask when hiring a gardener and our answers.
1. What Gardening Services Do You Offer?
Not all gardeners provide the same services. Some specialise in landscape design, while others focus on maintenance or pruning. Understanding their scope of work helps determine if they align with your needs.
The two key services we offer are a full garden project design and installation service and regular horticultural maintenance. These two ares can work together as not only will we design your garden, supply and install your plants, we can provide regular care to keep everything healthy and looking it’s best. We also offer regular horticultural services which can be weekly, fortnightly, monthly or seasonally, with usually the same gardener for each visit so you can trust that your gardener is very familiar with what your garden needs.
2. What Are Your Qualifications and Experience?
Ask about their training, certifications and experience. Have they worked on similar projects before? A gardener with a background in horticulture or landscape design can offer valuable insights and expertise.
Collectively, our team here at Verdis, led by Adam (Bsc Hons) have all the relevant professional qualifications needed, extensive plant knowledge and over 30 years of experience in lawn care, tree care, pruning techniques, soil analysis, environmentally sensitive practices, topiary care and management and many other general horticultural tasks.
3. Are You Insured?
Hiring an insured gardener protects you from liability in case of accidents or damages on your property. Always verify their insurance coverage before proceeding.
At Verdis we have full insurance coverage for all of our staff and your property in the unlikely event something should go wrong. We take health and safety very seriously at Verdis and make sure all of our staff are well versed in health and safety procedures.
4. What Plants and Materials Do You Recommend for My Garden?
A knowledgeable gardener should be able to suggest plants suited to your soil type, climate and maintenance preferences. Their recommendations will give you insight into their expertise and approach to gardening.
There are many ways we can make recommendations on ways to enhance your garden, from planting plans for smaller areas through to full garden designs. As a regular client, any advice on your garden is given freely as part of our service. Our regular clients receive a monthly report detailing the work we have carried out through the month which also includes recommendations.
5. What Is Your Pricing Structure?
Understanding how they charge—whether by the hour, project, or contract—helps you budget accordingly. Be clear about costs for materials, labour and any additional charges that may arise.
Our planting plans and garden designs are quoted in full before hand, depending on the size of the project. As part of the plan or design we will supply you with a full quote for the installation of the project that is tailored to your budget. With purely maintenacne work, following an intial chat to discuss your garden and its requirements, we will provide you with a quote based on the frequency of visits. We provide full day regular maintenace services which can be weekly, fortnightly, monthly or seasonally. All costs for sundries such as spray treatments, lawn care treatments, weed killer, mulch, etc, will be quoted as required for your approval before proceeding.
6. Do You Provide Ongoing Maintenance Plans?
If you’re looking for long-term garden care, ask about their maintenance plans. Do they offer seasonal services, weekly visits, or one-time clean-ups?
Yes, as mentioned we provide regular scheduled maintenace plans. The frequency can change throughout the year depending on the season and your individual garden requirements.
7. How Do You Communicate and Provide Updates?
Clear communication is key to a successful partnership. Ask how they keep you informed about progress, scheduling and any potential issues with your garden.
We take great pride in our efficent scheduling and prioritise communication and transparency when it comes to any changes to your scheduled visits. We also provide our regular clients with a monthly report detailing the work we have completed and any recommendations for future work.
8. What Happens If I Am Not Satisfied with the Work?
Discussing expectations upfront ensures that both parties are on the same page. Ask about their policy for adjustments, revisions, or dissatisfaction with the service provided.
Client feedback is highly valued at Verdis. If you are in any way dissatisfied with the work we have done, we will do everything in our power to make it right.
Finding the right gardener requires more than just a quick online search. By asking these essential questions, you can hire someone who aligns with your gardening goals and ensures your outdoor space thrives. A little preparation goes a long way in selecting the best professional for the job.
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