What to Look for When Hiring a Gardener?

Ah, the garden – this is where tea drinking and chilling are a must. But if your backyard oasis looks more like a rainforest, it is high time to turn to a specialist. But how to find a gardener who is really good at what they do and who is worth the money being paid to them? You want your plants to grow and not merely exist, and for that, you require someone who understands their work.

This blog post will guide you through the essential steps of how to find a gardener. Grab a cuppa, sit back, and let’s dig in!

Identify what exactly are your gardening needs

Before you google the phrase “how to find a gardener near me”, you need to figure out what are your garden needs. Is it just mowing or something fancier? Gardening tasks range from mundane to sophisticated. Let’s look at some examples.

So, what is it that you want for your garden? Ask yourself the following questions:

1. What services do you need? Do you need a weekly mow? Or maybe the grass is not up to your standards, in which case you can use some lawn care tips.
2. How often should a gardener visit? For general maintenance, a fortnightly visit might suffice. However, if your grass grows very fast, you might want to opt for weekly visits;
3. One-time project or ongoing care? Determine whether you need a one-time spruce-up or regular care. Regular care will keep your garden looking its best all year round.

Research potential local gardening professionals

Now that you know what kind of gardener you need, it’s time to start your search.

Online searches and local directories

Your favourite search engine will give you plenty of results to start with. Just type in “where can I find a gardener near me” or “how to find a gardener in my area” and watch the magic happen. You will likely also see some directories, so do check them out too. These platforms often include customer reviews and ratings, which come in handy.

Look for gardeners with consistently high ratings and positive testimonials. If you happen to find photos of their work, even better. Also read the customers’ opinions of this and that gardener or company.

Community groups and social media

Local community groups, either online or in person, can be a great resource too. Platforms like Facebook, Nextdoor, and local gardening forums can provide recommendations from people nearby who have firsthand experience with local gardeners.

Word-of-mouth recommendations

Visit the neighbours, friends or any other person from the community and ask for the gardener’s contact that they have hired. Most of the time, people around us, the friends and the family members give the best recommendations.

Verify credentials and experience

Before you hand over the care of your garden, a little research is in order. First, check for certifications and qualifications. While not always required, formal credentials show a gardener’s commitment and knowledge of best practices. Certifications from groups like the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) or City & Guilds prove the gardener has professional training and follows industry standards.

Insurance is another thing you need to check for. If a gardener damages your property—like smashing a window with a falling branch—public liability insurance covers repair costs. On the other hand, equipment insurance replaces lost or damaged tools. Finally, personal accident insurance covers medical bills and lost income if the gardener gets injured on your property.

Check previous projects

Ask to see a portfolio of past projects. Also some before-and-after photos, as nothing speaks louder than that. For those people who are still looking for a good landscape gardener or for a garden designer, these portfolios can be a treasure trove of information. If their work can turn the jungle like mess into the horticultural paradise, then you know you are on to a winner.

And don’t just stop at photos; ask for references, too. Talking to past clients can reveal more than just the final look. They can tell you if the gardener showed up on time, or if they had an unfortunate tendency to disappear for lunch and return three days later.

For an idea of what true garden glory looks like, check out our garden ideas projects page.

Request quotes and compare prices

You’ve narrowed down the list to a few gardeners. Good. Now reach out for quotes. That way, you will get a sense of the going rates. Still, you want the best deal possible, right? The quotes should have the breakdown of the labour costs, cost of materials used and any other additional costs. If a gardener gives you a quote that is more riddled than a crossword puzzle, do not hesitate to seek clarification. You do not want to be surprised with extra charges.

Mind you, comparing quotes is not about finding the cheapest option. It’s about finding the best one for the best price. Consider the quality of materials, the gardener’s reputation, and what each service includes. Remember, the goal is to hire a local gardener who will give your green space the love and attention and not underdo it.

How much do gardeners charge on average in UK?

Pricing can vary quite a bit depending on the job and location. Here’s a general idea to help you plan your budget:

Gardeners’ hourly rates

On average, gardeners in the UK charge between £20 and £40 per hour. This rate covers tasks like mowing, weeding, and basic pruning. However, if your garden is overgrown, you might find yourself at the higher end of the price range.

Garden designers and landscapers

Garden designers or landscapers, on the other hand, perform more complex jobs and charge accordingly. So, how much do garden designers charge per hour in the UK? Typically, their rates range from £50 to £200 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the project.

Landscaping projects are usually priced per project rather than per hour. A complete garden makeover can range from £600 to £4500 or more, depending on the size of your garden and the scale of your vision. Remember this: when you invest in a garden designer or landscaper you increase your property’s value.

Is It worth paying a gardener?

This question is like when you wonder whether to hire a cleaner. Sure, you could do it yourself, but do you want to? Don’t you want to enjoy your garden without a sore back or mud-caked boots? Besides, gardeners always bring their own tools which they know how to use properly. It’s worth to hire a gardener if:

Hire your qualified gardener

Ready to transform your garden into a lush paradise? Let a Fantastic gardener help you out. The seasoned professionals we work with are fully insured and trained to the highest standards. We offer a wide range of services, from lawn care and hedge trimming to landscaping and tree surgery, all tailored to your needs.

Here is how things will go if you decide to book with a Fantastic professional either for regular garden maintenance or for a more serious landscaping project.

1. Let us know what needs doing and the size of your garden. We’ll give you a personalised quote. Once booked, we’ll confirm your service;
2. On the scheduled day, a team of gardeners will arrive with all the necessary tools;
3. The gardeners will assess your garden and get to work, delivering the best results they can;
4. Voila! Your garden is now a beautiful retreat. For continued bliss, consider our regular maintenance service to keep it looking great all year round.

Takeaways