Find a Gardener near you
The average rating for Bark Gardeners is 4.76, based on 1,300,493 reviews
5/5
based on 1,300,493 reviews
If you're struggling to keep up with your garden or simply don't have the time to dedicate to outdoor maintenance, you might be wondering if hiring a gardener is a good option. In this guide, we'll explore the benefits and considerations of bringing in professional help for your garden, helping you make an informed decision that works for your lifestyle, budget and garden needs. As someone who has juggled a demanding career with a burgeoning vegetable patch, I understand the challenges firsthand. This guide aims to provide clarity based on both professional insights and personal experience.
Many homeowners find themselves contemplating professional garden help for various reasons. Perhaps you've inherited a high-maintenance garden, your circumstances have changed, or you simply don't enjoy gardening as much as you thought you would. According to a Royal Horticultural Society survey, over 40% of garden owners feel overwhelmed by garden maintenance at some point.
The truth is that gardens require consistent attention, and sometimes life gets in the way. There's absolutely no shame in recognising when you need help - in fact, it's a practical approach to ensuring your outdoor space remains healthy and beautiful.
Time constraints due to work or family commitments
Physical limitations or health issues
Lack of gardening knowledge or confidence
Moving to a property with an established garden
Feeling overwhelmed by garden maintenance
Professional gardeners bring much more than just labour to your garden. Their expertise and experience can transform your outdoor space and potentially save you money in the long run.
A trained gardener brings valuable horticultural knowledge that many homeowners simply don't possess. They can identify plant diseases quickly, understand proper pruning techniques for different species, and provide solutions to common garden problems. This expertise helps prevent costly mistakes that could damage plants or require expensive replacements. For instance, knowing the specific pH requirements of azaleas versus hydrangeas can be the difference between a thriving bloom and a struggling shrub. A professional gardener will have this knowledge at their fingertips.
"A good gardener doesn't just maintain what's there - they understand plant health, seasonal requirements, and how to improve your garden's overall ecosystem. This knowledge takes years to develop and is perhaps the most valuable thing we offer." – Sarah Thompson, Professional Gardener with 15 years' experience
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of hiring a gardener is the time you'll reclaim. Garden maintenance can consume several hours each week, particularly during the growing season. A recent study found that the average UK homeowner spends approximately 10 hours per month on garden upkeep – that's 120 hours annually that could be spent on other activities.
For those with busy schedules, physical limitations, or simply other priorities, this time saving alone can justify the cost of professional help.
A well-maintained garden significantly increases your property's curb appeal and market value. According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, 84% of buyers said curb appeal was important when purchasing a home. A tidy, attractive garden can add significant value to your home, making professional garden maintenance a potentially sound financial investment. For more detailed insights, resources like the National Association of Realtors offer valuable data on how landscaping impacts property values.
The cost of hiring a gardener varies widely depending on your location, garden size, and the level of service required. In the UK, you can expect to pay anywhere from £15 to £50 per hour for professional gardening services.
When considering the financial aspect, it's important to factor in the complete cost of DIY gardening, not just the gardener's fee:
Equipment purchase and maintenance (mower, trimmer, tools, etc.)
Materials (compost, fertiliser, plants, mulch)
Storage space for equipment
Time value (what could you be doing instead?)
Potential mistakes that require correction
For example, a quality lawn mower can cost between £200–£500, and that's just one piece of equipment you'll need. If you have a small garden and limited storage space, hiring a gardener who brings their own professional equipment makes financial sense. Consider also the cost of waste removal; understanding gardener prices can help you budget effectively.
Many gardeners offer flexible service arrangements to suit different budgets and needs:
Regular weekly or fortnightly maintenance
Seasonal visits for major tasks (spring clean-up, autumn preparation)
One-off projects or garden rescues
Consultation services for DIY gardeners
This flexibility allows you to tailor professional help to your specific requirements and budget constraints.
Finding a reliable gardener requires some research, but the effort is worthwhile to ensure you find someone who understands your vision for your garden.
While formal qualifications aren't always necessary for basic maintenance, they can indicate a higher level of expertise. Look for gardeners with:
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) qualifications
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in Horticulture
Membership in professional associations
Insurance and relevant safety certifications
A portfolio of previous work or client references
When interviewing potential gardeners, consider asking:
What services do you provide and what's included in your rate?
Can you provide references from long-term clients?
Do you have expertise with specific plants or garden styles?
How do you handle garden waste?
What's your approach to chemical use and ecological gardening?
Do you provide your own tools and equipment?
Using a service like Bark.com can simplify this process by connecting you with vetted professionals who have reviews from previous clients, saving you time in finding and screening potential gardeners.
Once you've hired a gardener, establishing clear communication is essential for a successful working relationship.
Be specific about your garden priorities and expectations. Create a written agreement that outlines:
Exactly which areas and tasks are included
Visit frequency and approximate duration
How extra tasks or materials will be handled
Payment terms and methods
Cancellation policy for both parties
A clear understanding from the beginning prevents misunderstandings and disappointment.
The most successful client-gardener relationships are collaborative. Your gardener brings horticultural expertise, but you know your garden's peculiarities and your preferences. Regular communication about what's working well and what could be improved will help your garden thrive. If you're seeking inspiring gardening ideas, share them with your gardener to align visions.
Consider keeping a garden notebook or shared digital document where both you and your gardener can record observations, tasks completed, and plans for future visits.
Many gardeners offer services beyond routine maintenance. Depending on your needs, you might consider:
Garden design consultations
Planting schemes and seasonal colour planning
Pruning of speciality plants (roses, fruit trees, etc.)
Kitchen garden establishment and maintenance
Wildlife garden creation
Water feature maintenance
These specialised services can add significant value to your garden without requiring you to develop expertise in these areas yourself.
There's absolutely no shame in hiring a gardener – it's a practical decision that many homeowners make. The question isn't whether hiring a gardener is "cheating" at gardening, but whether it's the right solution for your circumstances.
Consider your time availability, physical capabilities, gardening knowledge, and how important your garden's appearance is to you. For many, hiring a gardener for some or all tasks represents the perfect balance between enjoying their outdoor space and managing their time effectively.
Whether you choose to handle all garden tasks yourself, bring in occasional help for specific projects, or arrange regular professional maintenance, the most important outcome is a garden that brings you joy rather than stress. And if hiring a gardener is what achieves that, it's certainly worth considering.
The average rating for Bark Gardeners is 4.76, based on 1,300,493 reviews
5/5
based on 1,300,493 reviews
Need a gardener but not sure of the cost? Read our handy price guide to find out how much your expert will charge for all your gardening needs, including landscaping services, pressure washing, and more!
