Getting ready for gardener starting

[Ciri]

Ive been trying to persuade a particular gardener to take on our garden for about 4 years and she has finally agreed. My garden is a big and rather "natural". Im ridiculously excited abut the prospect of it being brought under control. What would you do by way of preparation for a new gardener getting to know your garden?

I'm wondering whether to do a list of what plants are in the beds etc since at this time of year you can't really tell.

Well, it's always useful to have a list of what plants are where in any case.

I would have thought that she will need to know what your longer term plans are, do you just want to tidy things up or do you have bigger plans like changing the layout or even redesigning parts or all of the space. If you want some stuff moved now might be quite a good time to do it, otherwise there is cutting back and mulching to be done.

If she's a good gardener I would be looking forward to hearing her ideas and suggestions.

Finding out what hot drink and biscuits she prefers. Deciding Loo Use Policy.

(slightly) more seriously, what’s your overall aim (strict discipline, a little gentle direction rather than full on rewilding, more interesting plants etc); disposal - do you have a compost heap/have you agreed if she’s taking garden waste away. Use of chemicals. Budget.

I've already bought a new kettle for the potting shed and put the heater out there next to my comfy chair. I will add biscuits!

We have a large composting area so I've shown her that.

It's a very big garden so I think initially it just needs bringing under control. I've put a lot of things in but probably in the wrong places sometimes. I then eventually want to bring more year round colour in. My garden is marvellous in June and then fades off a bit.

I have a day off tomorrow so I think Im going to try to do her a bit of a plan showing what is in the main planted areas and naming the varieties where I can.

I feel like I should tidy up a bit too but that will probably make it more difficult for her to see what is in there already so perhaps not.