How to change my gardener?

jeanie99

Our local gardener did some pruning for me in my front garden, quoted at an hourly rate.
Because he is well known in the village he spent more time talking to people than doing the pruning I was paying him to do.
When I got his bill I said " you have got to be joking" he had included all the time he chatted.
He certainly didn't get what he was asking for, what a cheek.

What a liberty!!

I prefer to be quoted for the price "per job" because of behaviour like this.

Keep it simple and to the point. If you feel comfortable, you can also mention that you value your space and want to handle things yourself. It's okay to set boundaries, especially if it's affecting your peace of mind. You don’t owe anyone a detailed explanation, so focus on what feels right for you. Good luck!

Our local gardener did some pruning for me in my front garden, quoted at an hourly rate.
Because he is well known in the village he spent more time talking to people than doing the pruning I was paying him to do.
When I got his bill I said " you have got to be joking" he had included all the time he chatted.
He certainly didn't get what he was asking for, what a cheek.

There are some fab gardeners out there but quite a few rubbishy ones too, speaking as a Hort myself.

Ive just done the same thing, I sent him a text saying two of my late husbands friends have offered to look after my garden for free then thanked him for all his hard work. My son said I should have just said he was unreliable as I never knew when he was coming but I thought my way was kinder although he has left a big bag of garden waste on my drive.

You don’t have to give a reason but to keep it simple you could just say a family member will be doing it from now on - he can’t argue with that. Alternatively you could just get a sign printed ‘push to open and don’t let it hit you in the arse on your way out’ !! He sounds a grumpy sod !!

Before you give him/her the heave ho try to find another cheaper gardener. You do not have to give a reason for your change of mind. If you tell him.her they are too expensive the price might drop.

He sounds rather rude to me, so as others have said, thank him for his services, but move on, once you have someone else. You don’t need to justify your decision. I have recently had someone recommended to me to help in the garden. He is exactly what I need. Only comes once every 4-6 weeks to do the heavier jobs and general weeding, pruning and tidying.

Lisaangel10

The gardener sounds rather more “autistic” than the OP thinks she might be, autistic people are often described as “difficult.” Also the misunderstanding about the garden sign is a typical autistic trait.

Why not have a chat and tell him the truth?

I would not get involved in “why” just say thank you I can’t afford you anymore.

The gardener sounds rather more “autistic” than the OP thinks she might be, autistic people are often described as “difficult.” Also the misunderstanding about the garden sign is a typical autistic trait.

Why not have a chat and tell him the truth?

Another person , who probably doesn't pay tax and thinks that the world owes them a living .
I've had one after the other including a DIY guy who stormed off leaving my shed roofless in a rainstorm .
Now another one has become increasingly unpleasant .
Find a new gardener and give the bully the heave ho .

Just say that with the cost of living escalating, you can't afford him any more.. he doesn't respect you and you would be better with someone else IMO

We are changing the way we manage the garden so I'm afraid we won’t be needing your services any longer. Here’s 2 weeks pay in lieu of notice. Thank you for all your help.

Grateful thanks to everyone who replied. I particularly liked OldFrill's suggestion - only wish I had that kind of courage!

Present him with a sign
"Push off, Thanks".

I told my gardener that my daughter was going to do it between his visits. As he didn’t have a fixed time, he didn’t come again, which was what I wanted. My daughter did in half an hour what took him two hours. He liked to chat too.

I agree with Oreo and Aldom I also would have an imaginary nephew going to do your gardening but I do agree, find somebody first before you get rid of your present one.

I told my gardener that I thought I could manage myself this year but would it be ok to call on her in an emergency. Saw her later on and she was her usual friendly self.

I agree Aldom
I think I would tell the gardener (after he has finished his work in your garden) I won’t be able to pay you again as times are hard, so a relative is going to help me, but thank you for your work. This will make an easier job of it if you are autistic, and not good at dealing with people.Good luck with finding a better gardener next time.

Push to open is perfectly normal signage. You see similar wording on doors in and out of stores like Marks and Spencer for instance. No need to use PLEASE. It's an instruction not a request.

Sago

Just tell him thank you for the work he has done but you don’t need him anymore.

This! My mum “sacked” two gardeners before she found one who “suited” her haha and she told them why!! 🫣🫣

I bought a lawn mower and told our gardener that it was a gift from the ACs.

I enjoy mowing, although the stripes aren’t very straight, in fact on the bottom lawn there aren’t any stripes at all. However, I dont really care.

Find someone else first is my advice. You don’t want to be left without anybody.

Agree with Sago Say thanks but I ll make this your last visit I don’t need any more work done but thanks for all your hard work ( even if he hasn’t worked hard it somehow feels better to be nice in a situation like this ) If he asks why say you ve decided to do it yourself / or you can’t really afford it at the moment / or he’s done well but your husband/ brother / cousin/ son wants a job to do and he’s going to do it for you

Don’t worry it’s up to you entirely who you employ and why what and when don’t be scared