How to stop gardening service

[Gardening11]

I know it’s not really an issue but I get so tense around these things. A neighbour 5 doors down recommended their gardener. I’m so stressed with doing everything as DH does nothing so I happily contacted her. It’s £37 an hour and she came last week for 2 hours. She did a great job and was a lovely enough person but handing over £74 was a little much but I just assumed all gardeners are around this price.

One of my other neighbours I was talking to today said that’s really expensive and they use one for much less and looking at my garden they said she hasn’t done a good job as vines are over hanging which could have been cut etc. I’m not an expert so just assumed she did a great job. Their gardener charges £25 an hour.

what would you do? The lady is going to contact me when she next in the area to book an appointment. What do I say? I feel really anxious about telling her I no longer want to use. I’ll be saving for much money by using the cheaper gardener who by the sounds of it will actually do a better job.

‘Thanks for your work on the garden. My husband and I would like to keep on top of it ourselves as much as possible, so rather than scheduling another visit, could I contact you when we next feel it needs doing? Best wishes.’

Just say you've decided to hang fire on having a gardener and thank her for her previous work. £37 is expensive, and is she qualified and a gardener, or does she tidy gardens? £25 ish is better but depends on what they do, plus if they have waste to dispose of it costs. For £37 I'd expect her to offer more specialist services such as lawn care and that they'd address all the garden issues.

£37 is A LOT

Can you maybe just sit with your anxiety for a bit and figure out what it is you are anxious about? Make it as ridiculous as you like - what is the worst that can happen after you cancel? She will show up at your door insisting on doing your garden? Hire a killer to seek revenge?
Sometimes getting things out of proportion helps me see the funny side of my anxiety.
In the actual fact, the most that would happen is she will shrug her shoulders and move on to the next job.

Thank you for this! It made me laugh!

I sat with my anxiety as you said and I think what I’m worried about (which sounds utterly ridiculous) is that she won’t like me! I know that sounds bizarre. I think I try to make people like me and get upset when I’be upset anyone.

It's quite a common fear.. but, again, what is the worst that would happen if she doesn't like you?

I can tell you she will like you a lot less for making up an obvious lie than just being professional about it.

I would just say ‘Thank you for your help, we were really pleased with the work you did. However, we’ve had an unexpected bill and can’t afford a gardener for the foreseeable. Really sorry! All the best’.

Just tell her sorry but I don’t require your services anymore. Keep it short but sweet. £37 an hour is ridiculous! An experienced gardener in our area charges about £30 an hour and a less experienced one about £25 max .