I Have A Gardener But It's Expensive

System

I'd cut the tree down and get shot of the bush too. If you want flowers/bushes I'd grow them in pots.

I think I'm too minimalist for my own good sometimes.

Kimberley

Ok so who do I get to take the tree away? A Tree surgeon?

Kimberley

Mojisola wrote: »

The neighbours' lawns don't look very good - are the gardens in shade most of the summer, is the ground very wet?

As you know so little about gardening, I would find someone to lay good quality, shade-resistant turf from the end of the path to the bottom of the garden. I'd also take down the tree at the bottom of the gravel area. That will allow a lot more light into the garden.

The area to the left of the path could be planted up with easy-to-look after shrubs. You could take your time choosing these and, in the mean time, let your grandson experiment with growing some flowers from seed.

Thanks, yeah we get mainly shade in the garden.

DaftyDuck

You know Mojisola said you'd get multiple viewpoints on what to do??? Well, leave the tree, deffo keep it there.

Yes, it's shady, but it's there, big and beautiful, and it'll cost at least £300 to have it chopped & taken away, and the roots will still be there for ~ 5 years before they rot away and think of all the wildlife it'll harbour and you could hang a hammock from it and what about a bird feeder in the tree and....

If you are there for a few more years, then maybe take the tree away. But, you are just starting out, so keep it simple... for now...

Farway

Are there any open to public gardens near you? Like RHS Wisley, Kew or something similar?

If so take you grandson on a day out in the spring, take a note pad & pen and jot down the names of any plants / shrubs you like the look of

Then you & grandson have a cup of tea & a cake in the inevitable cafe there will be on site

27col

If you are paying someone to keep your garden looking like that, then you are being severely ripped off. I would be interested to know what exactly they are actually doing. Especially during the winter. It is quite obvious that nothing is being done. there is absolutely nothing that they need to do at this time of year. In fact, they are damaging the ground by just walking over it, if it is as wet as it looks. Get rid of them.

RAS

I'd actually consider having a wee chat with Trading Standards about this lot. Just to get their names on the list of possible pee takers.

I paid my mum's gardener for several years. He did half an hour a week in summer and every fortnight in winter, on a garden 300 foot long. Mowed every week in the summer. Long hedges cut, beds weeded and some "bedding" plants in the front garden depending on the season.

crisp

sounds cheap for back breaking work

DaftyDuck

crisp wrote: »

sounds cheap for back breaking work

Well, it would be if any work was being done - which from the picture looks unlikely.

I think the only things those "gardeners" are breaking while at the OPs are wind and biscuits.

Kimberley

Thanks guys, I'm keeping the Tree, I like Trees and want to put a bird house/feeder on it. I've also ordered a hoe and other tools from Argos ready for spring. Will get some grass seeds late March. Would like some tips on what flowers and plants to get though. The plants will go in planters and flowers probably up the top where the dark soil is maybe? I will also be getting a couple of benches for the summer. I hope they have an expert advisor at the Nursery.