Have you even had a gardener?

My husband is a very good gardener, so we've never needed one.
My brother in law retired early, and makes his living as a gardener.

We had a chap who just used to cut the lawns and tidy up. When he retired my daughter put something on Facebook and within a few days this brilliant chap replied, and he’s been wonderful. But not having Facebook, I would never have found him myself.

Ask on local facebook pages, Ex, or maybe your parish magazine. I've never had a gardener but I imagine there are two types, the ones who come in pairs in a van marked 'Acme Gardening' or whatever with hefty machinery who blitz the hedges and lawns once a fortnight or the lone gardener who is knowledgeable about gardening and happy to work to your instruction. I don't know about cost but it might be cheaper than you think. Ask around.

I have a gardener (like your DH I can't tell a flower from a weed!). I asked around locally and a number of people recommended him. As I know little about gardening I usually leave him to just get on with things, but someone else who uses him does give him instructions.

My husband is a handyman and gets lots of work during the summer doing gardens. From landscaping to just general tidy ups. He used to be a financial adviser in another life but loves this job! Look in local newspapers or shops where they advertise get a couple of quotes.

I suppose it depends on the level of expertise you're looking for?

My mum had someone who charged £11 an hour and did basic gardening, grass cutting, and taking any waste to the tip.

He would tell her if she needed a couple of extra hours and she trusted him to do that.