How much does a gardener cost?

tonymorley1504

I think the replies here are pretty much self explanatory. Horses for courses if you will. If you want a lawn laid that you can play billiards on, don't use the local odd-job man who limits himself to a ten year old hover mower. But if you're happy with a tidy-up that will prevent passers-by seeing you as the scourge of the neighbourhood, then there's no need to call out the most expensive landscapers in your postcode.

Commonsense and budget have to prevail. There's scope for all, customer and gardener. I find the two have some of the happiest relationships when they find 'common ground'. I wouldn't swop my job for a better paid one.

tonymorley1504

Ant, I'm not sure if you already have the bamboo in or are intending to plant it. If it's a planned project rather than existing one I'd obviously advise you to think very carefully about the type of bamboo. Some of the running bamboo species are among the very worst of invasive plants. Once unchecked you have an extremely difficult and arduous job on your hands to 'recontain' them.

If it's already planted, hopefully you took advice and bought a less rampant species. Whatever. Make sure you buy a very good quality barrier, the thickest and best you can afford, and if it isn't a continuous run ensure the overlap is significant. The bamboo will find a gap if there's one to exploit. And obviously it's quite a labour intensive job as you say and one you don't want to undertake twice.

Done properly a barrier doesn't just control bamboo, it enhances it. You get a thicker, more vibrant plant, exactly where you want it.

Good luck.

cyclonebri1

Chop the bottom out of a 25 gallon water butt and plant in that if planting new. Use it the full 3 feet ish depth, bamboo roots dig deep;)