Updated: September 2024
Did you now that many private households and country estates employ full-time gardeners? I’ve had lots of clients come to me to help them find a gardener, and to be honest it is one of my favourite positions to work on! In another life, if I wasn’t a recruiter, I think I’d quite like to be a gardener… if you follow me on Instagram you’ll know how much I love Dahlias!
In this article I talk about what a gardener does, specifically in relation to private households and large country estates. If you have any questions please do get in touch – I’m always happy to chat!
Firstly, what is a private gardener?
The National Careers Service puts it simply: “Gardeners grow and look after plants in parks, gardens and other green spaces.” A private gardener usually just works in one garden, as opposed to travelling to different gardens. But if your garden isn’t that big and doesn’t require full time care you can hire a gardener who is self-employed and worked in lots of different clients gardens. I’ve written a bit about how to Hire A Gardener For A Day here if you don’t need a permanent gardener.
Landscaper also has a great article about professional gardeners, saying that they are: “somebody who can make your life easier by maintaining your garden to the highest possible standards.”
So, what does a gardener do?
1. Landscape Maintenance
A good gardener knows how to keep your outdoor space looking its best. They take care of everything from well-manicured lawns to colourful flower beds, making sure your garden is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy.
2. Planting and Cultivation
If you dream of having a thriving vegetable garden or a collection of unique plants, a gardener can make that happen. They know how to plant and nurture different types of greenery, helping you enhance the beauty of your surroundings. If you’ve always wanted to grow your own veggies but aren’t sure where to start, hiring a gardener can turn that dream into a reality.
3. Seasonal Transitions
Gardens change with the seasons, and a gardener is skilled at making those transitions smooth. From the first blooms of spring to the rich colours of autumn, they keep your garden looking great all year long. For winter, they’ll prepare your garden by deadheading, weeding, bringing sensitive plants indoors, and protecting outdoor furniture. This not only keeps your garden safe during the colder months but can also save you money in the long run. When summer comes back around, they’ll be ready to plant annuals and set up your outdoor space again.
4. Pest Control
To keep your plants healthy, it’s essential to protect them from pests. A gardener uses effective pest control methods to keep your garden thriving. They often have knowledge of safe, eco-friendly solutions that you might not be familiar with.
5. Outdoor Event Preparation
If you’re planning an outdoor event, your gardener can help transform your garden into a fantastic venue. They can set up seating arrangements and add seasonal decorations to create an inviting atmosphere. Even for indoor events, they can gather fresh flowers for centrepieces and provide veggies from your garden for the chef.
6. Irrigation and Water Management
Watering is key to keeping plants healthy, and a gardener manages irrigation systems to ensure each plant gets the right amount of water. This can be especially important during hot summer months, especially if you have a large garden. Letting your gardener handle the watering means you can kick back and enjoy those warm summer evenings.
7. Garden Design and Planning
Working with a gardener allows you to design and create your ideal garden. They bring both creativity and practical skills to help you make your vision a reality. If you have a specific garden in mind but don’t know how to make it happen, hiring a gardener is a great way to get started.
8. Equipment Maintenance
A gardener also takes care of all your garden tools and equipment, from lawnmowers to strimmers. This ensures everything works properly, which helps make the gardening process more efficient.