I would ask the prospective gardener to identify a few common plants, say whether they are perennials or annuals, evergreen or deciduous and say briefly how they would care for them. Anything less than 95% correct, I would look elsewhere. If they pass the first test, then is the time to discuss what you want done. I would also specify that under no circumstances should power tools be used without consulting you first.
From looking at your photos @george-cauty, the "before" photo was obviously taken a couple of years ago as the rosemary hasn't reached the outside light - as it has in the second "after" photo; so I imagine that it was pretty overgrown.
I would also imagine that if the gardener had cut it back from the path 3" or 4", then you would have some very woody branches, that would most likely rip your arm to pieces as you brushed past. So he has cut it back to the base, maybe because it was dead anyway underneath.
Your herbs will bounce back. They are resilient.
He should have called you out and said why he was cutting it back more than you wanted.
My daughter and her husband bought a house with a very weedy garden on heavy clay. They kept-on an existing gardener. She liked to be called a "horticulturist" not a "gardener" - a warning signal.
After her visits, the garden looked good, my daughter was happy. Neither she nor her husband had any knowledge of gardening.
During a conversation with the gardener, I mentioned (it was not my role, but it just came out) that a more long-lasting solution to the weeds was needed. She never came back.
It became my job, about once a month, to do everything except the lawns. A neighbour who kept rescue donkeys was pleased to donate donkey manure. A heavy mulching with that and with Lleylandii trimmings from a hedge was a good start.
location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand. "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
I took an interest in plant names as a child. Iv'e had no formal training. My neighbour employed a gardener when my children were very young and she inspired me to take it up. I had the help and support of a very knowlegable group of gardeners at my local gardening club who helped with my education. One winter I read the index in the RHS Encyclopedia, to increase my plant knowledge. Even today there are so many plants that I am unable to ID, I think it is just as important for a gardener to be able to recognise a weed.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
GardenerSuze said: gardener's ... need to be treated with the respect and understanding of their profession.
With many it's just a job.
In the mangement part of my career, my biggest challenge was how to manage someone who is an expert, more knowledgeable the yourself. Both employees and consultants. One answer is to get them to set their own short-term goals, and agree these. Getting longer term as you grow more confident.
location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand. "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
Little update - I spoke with the gardener and mentioned I was dissatisfied with the work done. I said I wont be paying the full price as you have destroyed my plants and also not finished the job. I suggested a price which I think is reasonable and was being fully amicable. He completely flipped out, has been sending aggressive and angry messages and threats. Said he will file harrasment charges (After all I did was email him once), place a 'sanction on the property' and said hes taking us to court. Spending today installing CCTV around the property because of how aggressive he is being. I'm shocked how someone could be so unprofessional
Oh dear .I’ve been following this thread with interest and was afraid for you that this might happen ,especially when I read that you were withholding payment .I would say ,never do that ,it puts their back up straight away . Its too late to have a proper decent conversation with him now that he has become aggressive towards you . You need some advice on where to go from here ,I do hope you get somewhere soon ,you must feel very uneasy ,but honestly ,I think you’re on a hiding to nothing . Unless you have paperwork pointing out what has been promised and what has actually been done ,I don’t think you’ve got an earthly ,I’m so sorry .
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If they pass the first test, then is the time to discuss what you want done. I would also specify that under no circumstances should power tools be used without consulting you first.
I would also imagine that if the gardener had cut it back from the path 3" or 4", then you would have some very woody branches, that would most likely rip your arm to pieces as you brushed past. So he has cut it back to the base, maybe because it was dead anyway underneath.
Your herbs will bounce back. They are resilient.
He should have called you out and said why he was cutting it back more than you wanted.
That's what they teach you at Harvard Business School. Probably they teach that to students ar Wisley too.
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
After her visits, the garden looked good, my daughter was happy. Neither she nor her husband had any knowledge of gardening.
During a conversation with the gardener, I mentioned (it was not my role, but it just came out) that a more long-lasting solution to the weeds was needed. She never came back.
It became my job, about once a month, to do everything except the lawns. A neighbour who kept rescue donkeys was pleased to donate donkey manure. A heavy mulching with that and with Lleylandii trimmings from a hedge was a good start.
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
Even today there are so many plants that I am unable to ID, I think it is just as important for a gardener to be able to recognise a weed.
In the mangement part of my career, my biggest challenge was how to manage someone who is an expert, more knowledgeable the yourself. Both employees and consultants. One answer is to get them to set their own short-term goals, and agree these. Getting longer term as you grow more confident.
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
I hope you are keeping records of everything. I suggest you contact Citizens advice first thing.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/complain-about-a-service/
Its too late to have a proper decent conversation with him now that he has become aggressive towards you . You need some advice on where to go from here ,I do hope you get somewhere soon ,you must feel very uneasy ,but honestly ,I think you’re on a hiding to nothing . Unless you have paperwork pointing out what has been promised and what has actually been done ,I don’t think you’ve got an earthly ,I’m so sorry .