Can you give me any tips on finding a gardener?

[Downandoutnumbered]

I know this makes me sound like the lady of the manor, which I am not, but we've just moved into a ramshackle house that needs a lot of work done. Neither of us has the foggiest about gardening, we have a toddler and I have a very full-on job that involves a lot of travelling. I think we need someone to stop the garden going bonkers this year, and then we can give it some considered thought next spring once we've done the things that really have to be done on the house. Does anyone have any advice on how to find someone? We're in West London, if that helps.

[GeorgeEliot]

Ask around your neighbours; look in local shops for signs up; lots of gardeners advertise their wares. It will be cheaper for you if you can find an individual rather than a 'garden services' business.

[Bienchen]

No, not lady of the manor at all. Get a recommendation; speak to people in the neighbourhodd whose gardens look ok. I have my own business and never advertise, always had recommendations from clients. If there is a lot of work to be done, then work out a budget for each month and get the work prioritised.

[welliesandpyjamas]

I just used this site for our residents association and got calls back and visits for quotes from gardeners within 24 hours. Quite impressive,mbut it just depends on how 'on the ball' the businesses are.

[Downandoutnumbered]

Thanks, wellies, that site looks really useful - I've asked for quotes so we'll see what we get.

The garden is basically OK - there are things we'd like to change but it's not a priority, so all we need is someone to maintain it for us till we have time to think about it!

[puddinghead]

I'm a gardener recently started out. I advertised myself on Gumtree and Freeindex and in our local free monthly publication. I'm now fully booked. I also have a basic website - have you tried googling? Look for someone insured (this covers you and your property as well as them) and perhaps with a qualification (eg. RHS/C&G). You could also try www.landscapejuice.co.uk