We currently have around half a dozen customers in a Pennine area, and what is interesting about all these landscaped gardens is that everyone has taken the maintenance option after the garden has been landscaped.
Many years ago, around 2003–2004, we carried out a large landscape option. This garden was a comprehensive project with a large patio area, extensive lawns, a water feature, and an extensive planting scheme.
The customer said to me, "I don't want anybody else to look after this garden, except you, as you know the garden and all the plants within this garden area!"
That is how our maintenance service started. We maintained that garden for many years and subsequently offered all our new customers a maintenance option once their garden had been completely landscaped. By using our maintenance service, these gardens tend to sustain a good standard. Having a professional on-site with a "gardener's eye" really helps these gardens to mature and gives the householder many hours of pleasure and peace within their own garden.
If somebody walks into your garden and has no, or little, knowledge regarding landscaping, horticulture, design, etc., they will still recognise that you have a lovely garden if it has benefited from a professional landscaping layout initially, and a professional involved in its maintenance and development.
I have witnessed many householders hiring people who are not professionals. These people may spend a specific amount of time at the property, however, usually, they are not aware of plants; they may pull out precious plants when carrying out weeding duties, and also have substandard lawnmowers, probably because they cannot afford the right machines to carry out the works.
This is false economy. The best example I can think of is that it is a bit like buying a quality car, getting "the man out of the pub" or some associate of someone, and letting them maintain and service your car. The dealership would probably declare your guarantee null and void, your car would lose value significantly, and you would probably have a variety of problems. What I am trying to say is your garden is an important part of your property, and if you have somebody who does not know what they are doing, then the same things will happen!
Today we are all faced with the challenge of reversing climate change, or at least becoming more efficient and effective in managing the changes happening right now.
If we all try to change gradually, landscaping your garden by introducing a variety of plants and shrubs, and encouraging pollinators and other wildlife, would be a good start. I realise it is not just down to us and other leading G7 nations; the whole world has to start changing, bringing wildlife back, and nurturing the natural world. Then, along with many other considerations, we may achieve our goals.
However, if we do nothing and blame other nations, we will still be seeing regular reports on News at Ten showing us the latest town or village which cannot cope with excess rainfall, severe droughts, or winter windstorms.
Our generation has to make a difference and not be worrying about garden maintenance. With our temperate climate, maintenance is inevitable. Unfortunately, to encourage more sales, some pretend nobody needs to do any garden maintenance.
If it is planned and structured, garden maintenance can be easily completed without too much hard physical work. You can then enjoy your garden area instead of it being an eyesore and a general, unsightly mess!
So, if you would like to discuss any aspect of garden maintenance, contact us. We will come and speak with you to discuss your garden's exact needs and requirements—or get stuck in yourselves and have a good experience!
Regards,
Paul, Roseberry Landscapes
