Finding the Best Gardener for Your Holiday Home in Oxfordshire & The Cotswolds

Keeping your property’s outdoor spaces well-maintained is essential for ensuring a great experience for guests and maintaining the property’s value. Hiring a professional gardener can help you achieve this, but it’s important to find the right fit.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help property owners at Short Let Space select the best gardener for their needs.

Define Your Gardening Needs

Before you start looking for a gardener, outline what you expect them to do. Consider whether you need help with, knowing your specific needs will help you find a gardener with the right expertise.:

• Lawn maintenance
• Planting flowers, shrubs, or trees
• Vegetable or fruit gardening
• Pest and disease management
• Pruning and tree care
• Landscape design and improvements

Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Gardener

Here are some of the questions we recommend you consider and ask during interview with your potential gardener:

Qualifications and Experience

• What gardening qualifications or certifications do you have?
• How many years of experience do you have as a gardener?
• Do you have a specific area of expertise, such as organic gardening or landscape design?
• Can you provide references from previous clients?

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Are you familiar with the types of plants in my garden?
• How do you approach pest and disease control?
• What is your method for weed control?
• How would you maintain the health and appearance of my lawn?
• Can you take on larger projects like tree pruning or landscaping?

Work Routine and Availability

• How often do you think my garden needs maintenance?
• What is your usual work schedule?
• Are you flexible with scheduling?

Tools and Materials

• Do you bring your own tools, or will you need to use mine?
• What soil, fertilisers, or pest control products do you recommend?

Fees and Payment

• What are your rates? Do you charge per visit, per hour, or a monthly fee?
• Can you provide written estimates for larger projects?
• What payment methods do you accept?

Insurance and Liability

• Do you have liability insurance, especially if using heavy equipment?

Environmentally Friendly Practices

• Do you use eco-friendly gardening methods?
• What is your stance on pesticide use?
• Do you use organic fertilizers and compost?

Check References

Once you’ve shortlisted potential gardeners, follow up with their references. Ask previous clients about the gardener’s reliability, work quality, and professionalism.

Finalising the Decision

Open communication is key to a successful working relationship. Discuss expectations clearly and agree on the scope of work, frequency of visits, and payment terms before making a final decision.

By taking these steps, you can find a skilled and trustworthy gardener to keep your property’s outdoor space looking its best for guests and owners alike.