Can you design my garden for me?
I am not a garden designer but am very happy to advise on plants which would be appropriate for your garden (size, soil and aspect) and individual tastes.
Can you spray weed-killer / pesticides for me?
As an organic gardener, I do not use non-organic products in the garden. I can advise you on, and implement, organic strategies to deal with most garden weed or pest issues which may arise.
Aiming for a balanced garden, which attracts plenty of beneficial wildlife, will mean that chemical solutions are not needed.
Can you landscape my garden / lay my patio / build a fence?
I do undertake green landscaping – this usually refers to changes to planting in the garden and can include;
- planning and digging new beds
- changing the shape of beds
- preparing lawn soil and laying turf / sowing seed
- putting together wooden raised beds
- digging ponds
- making small repairs to fences
- installing trellis and wire
- treating wooden garden furniture and
I am not a ‘hard landscaper’ and leave building jobs such as patios, brick walls, new fences and so on to the professionals in that field.
Can you give me a fixed quote?
I charge a single, flat rate, per hour for all work. If you would like an estimation of how long a job will take I am happy to give you a rough idea, however looking at a garden is not the same as actually gardening in one and issues frequently arise which are not immediately obvious on the face of things.
If I think a job will take significantly longer than expected I will let you know as soon as possible and you are always in charge of how many hours I work in your garden so there will no surprises on my invoice.
Do you take away rubbish and/or green waste?
I do not take away cuttings or other garden rubbish and encourage my clients to invest in a compost bin (a brilliant way to make your own mulch and growing media). Green waste can also be disposed of in your food waste bin.
Can you source plants for my garden?
Yes, contact me to discuss what you would like.
Do I need to provide gardening tools?
I bring my own hand tools, I do not bring lawnmowers so you will need to have your own if you would like the lawn mowed. If you have garden tools I am happy to use yours but usually find mine are sharper (see below!)
I recommend that my clients invest in good gardening tools – it does not have to be expensive if you buy one or two a year. If you would like advice on what tools I consider to be garden essentials please let me know.
Can you sharpen my tools for me?
Yes, I can sharpen and clean your hand tools – don’t worry if they are very dirty – it’s not unusual!
Can you service / sharpen my lawnmower?
I do not service lawnmowers – but I would recommend you have your lawnmower serviced once a year. Try a company such as Enfield Garden Machinery
http://www.enfieldgardenmachinery.co.uk/
Can you cut my hedge, which is growing into my neighbours garden?
Potentially – the best thing to do is speak to your neighbour first and if they do not want to cut it themselves, ask if your gardener can have access to cut if from their side.
Can you deliver compost / mulch?
I can arrange delivery to your address from a recommended supplier.
Can you create window boxes for me?
Yes, I can source plants, growing media and pots – contact me to discuss.
What are the benefits of organic gardening?
Organic gardening strives to work with the natural elements of your garden – rather than against them. There is an emphasis on improving overall garden health through maintaining a health soil.
Organic gardening avoids the use of chemicals in the garden which can damage the wider environment as well as the health of human and animal/insect inhabitants (for example some pesticides inadvertently impact pollinator populations).
Organic garden aims for a more environmentally friendly way of gardening, encouraging natural predators to keep pests in check rather than reaching for pesticides.
Weeds are controlled through cultural methods such as hoeing and mulching.
Do you take on one-off jobs?
Yes I can come and spruce up your garden in advance of a special occasion or house sale for example.
Do you take on regular maintenace?
Yes, I can come and garden on a regular basis – the frequency will reflect the size of your garden, whether you have a lawn, the plants you have and the level of finish /neatness you require.
East Organic Gardening 