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Nov 25, 2015 12:05 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Deb
Planet Earth (Zone 8b)
Region: Pacific Northwest Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Garden Ideas: Master Level
I am seriously considering hiring out my spring cleanup to a reputable yard service this year. What I would like them to do is edge all the beds (with a spade not a weedwacker), initial weeding, and spreading compost/mulch. I thought what might be useful would be to mark all the perennials that may or may not be emerging when they come in to work. My thought was to stick in simple markers (popcycle sticks) with the name of plant, and perhaps even paint a ring around the areas they should just leave alone. I wouldn't mind doing that weeding/mulching myself. And I would plan to be on scene while the work is being done. What luck (good or bad) has anyone had with this? Here's a photo from October, and if I don't get this cleaned up this fall , this will all just sit over winter. (My goal is to clean everything up for winter, but we just took a 2 week vacation, and came back to some pretty nippy frosty weather, so...)

Thumb of 2015-11-25/Bonehead/5b8d0b
I want to live in a world where the chicken can cross the road without its motives being questioned.
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Nov 25, 2015 12:37 PM CST
Name: Rick Corey
Everett WA 98204 (Zone 8a)
Sunset Zone 5. Koppen Csb. Eco 2f
Frugal Gardener Garden Procrastinator I helped beta test the first seed swap Plant and/or Seed Trader Seed Starter Region: Pacific Northwest
Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Avid Green Pages Reviewer Garden Ideas: Master Level Garden Sages I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! I helped plan and beta test the plant database.
>> And I would plan to be on scene while the work is being done.

A well-recommended guy who does nothing but yard work, recommended by a good-gardener-neighbor, did some basic clean-up. Among other things, before I could stop him, he laid his hands on the dead woody part of a very old Rhododendron that had died back severely and was just holding on by a thread. I had carefully cut off what I could without endangering the fragile connection between the small live part and the roots.

RRRIIIPPP

"I can clear this out for you."

After the work was over, he tried to increase the price he had quoted and gave as the reason "unexpectedly high" rates at the dump he uses every working day. I had anticipated him and checked those prices myself: flat lie.

Then he also just walked out in the middle of the job, saying nothing and leaving tools plus an open plastic bottle full of gasoline sitting IN one raised bed.

Then he didn't answer his phone for a few days. When he felt like coming back, his "explanation" was that "something came up". Then he had the amazing gall to think that I would hire him again.

Fortunately Becky overheard some of that conversation and communicated with him more clearly than I was comfortable doing. After that, he fled in considerable haste.

>> What luck (good or bad) has anyone had with this?

Not so good.

>> And I would plan to be on scene while the work is being done.

I agree Sighing!
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Nov 25, 2015 1:04 PM CST
Name: Jennifer
48036 MI (Zone 6b)
Cottage Gardener Houseplants Spiders! Heucheras Frogs and Toads Dahlias
Hummingbirder Sedums Winter Sowing Peonies Region: Michigan Celebrating Gardening: 2015
I have not had this done. Frankly, I would have to REALLY know the person/company and trust them. I just can't imagine very many people I know that I could trust. I would have to be there to work WITH them side by side. They might not like that.

I actually was once THAT person who was trading yard work for dog training. Ripped out every bit of the dog trainers Monarda! Sad Blinking

Luckily we became friends and now it is a long standing joke. AND I get her a new kind of Monarda every year now for her birthday.
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Nov 25, 2015 1:35 PM CST
Name: Cheryl
North of Houston TX (Zone 9a)
Region: Texas Greenhouse Plant Identifier Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Plumerias Ponds
Foliage Fan Enjoys or suffers hot summers Tropicals Garden Ideas: Master Level Garden Sages Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
I have thought ahead that i might need help in my garden one day like this. If i hire someone, s/he would first have to come recommended. Not only would i be there, but i would work along side him or her andpayasifi wasn't there. If they do a good enough job with me, i would do a test-job without my help but i would still oversee the job. . Then the third time would be allowing said worker to work alone. By then they would know me and what i want done. I'm not afraid of being the boss of my garden!
Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love Truly, Laugh
uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you Smile.
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Nov 25, 2015 1:54 PM CST
Name: Rick Corey
Everett WA 98204 (Zone 8a)
Sunset Zone 5. Koppen Csb. Eco 2f
Frugal Gardener Garden Procrastinator I helped beta test the first seed swap Plant and/or Seed Trader Seed Starter Region: Pacific Northwest
Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Avid Green Pages Reviewer Garden Ideas: Master Level Garden Sages I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! I helped plan and beta test the plant database.
"The more help a man has in his garden,
the less it belongs to him."

- William M. Davies
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Nov 25, 2015 2:18 PM CST
Name: Ken Ramsey
Vero Beach, FL (Zone 10a)
Bromeliad Vegetable Grower Region: United States of America Tropicals Plumerias Orchids
Region: Mississippi Master Gardener: Mississippi Hummingbirder Cat Lover Composter Seller of Garden Stuff
When I wanted to do a large landscape job, I had no choice but to hire a landscape company, but not a "company" with a tiny crew. I knew a large back-hoe, chain-saw, one or more dump trucks, a commercial tiller, a huge hole borer, and a large crew would be necessary. I estimated that there would have to be at least 6 tons of clay dug out and hauled off. It ended up being close to 10 tons. Plus there were dozens of scrub-trees that would have to be removed. Then a couple of tons of garden soil would have to be moved in. After all that, the landscape would have to be installed. The company I hired was not only reputable but had two landscape architects running it. I knew them both and liked them. I was pleased with the work and the outcome. That was 4 years ago.

The only other time I have ever hired someone to do something is when I wanted to mulch everything, requiring 10 sq. yd. of mulch. This was summer before last. I hired a small outfit for that. Though I told the owner of the company that I wanted nothing but cypress mulch and at least 2" thick everywhere, his crew skimped on the thickness in a lot of areas. I think he/they were trying to get by with buying less mulch, even though I agreed to and paid for the 10 yd. I was disappointed. When I have to re-mulch (probably in the spring), I will do it myself, as I have always done. It will take some time and certainly some effort, but I will get what I want, and more cheaply. I say that knowing I will have back surgery in January (fusion of L4-5-S1), so I guess my plans for doing any physical labor could be altered.
drdawg (Dr. Kenneth Ramsey)

The reason it's so hard to lose weight when you get up in age is because your body and your fat have become good friends.
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Nov 25, 2015 2:29 PM CST
Name: Rick Corey
Everett WA 98204 (Zone 8a)
Sunset Zone 5. Koppen Csb. Eco 2f
Frugal Gardener Garden Procrastinator I helped beta test the first seed swap Plant and/or Seed Trader Seed Starter Region: Pacific Northwest
Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Avid Green Pages Reviewer Garden Ideas: Master Level Garden Sages I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! I helped plan and beta test the plant database.
>> I will have back surgery in January

Good luck!
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Nov 25, 2015 3:05 PM CST
Name: Ken Ramsey
Vero Beach, FL (Zone 10a)
Bromeliad Vegetable Grower Region: United States of America Tropicals Plumerias Orchids
Region: Mississippi Master Gardener: Mississippi Hummingbirder Cat Lover Composter Seller of Garden Stuff
They say the third time is a charm. I hope it is the "second time". Sighing! Thanks, Rick.
drdawg (Dr. Kenneth Ramsey)

The reason it's so hard to lose weight when you get up in age is because your body and your fat have become good friends.
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Nov 26, 2015 12:51 AM CST
Name: aud/odd
Pennsylvania (Zone 6b)
Garden Ideas: Level 1
Good luck Ken. They wanted to do mine 5 yrs ago. I refused and I just do what I can do. I have to take a lot of beaks but I just cannot see letting them cut my back right now,

Deb I agree with others of overseeing the job so you do not risk losing a plant. Every one I have hired to do some work yard work there has been something that goes wrong so I only call for help in the gardens if I am absolutely unable to do something.

One yr I had 11 trees dropped they dropped one on the patio and destroyed an $300.00 flower pot my daughter had gotten me for my birthday.

Had the swimming pool closed up. They knocked down a fence with the back hoe and then left it in my yard for two weeks. Did not move it until I called them and told them I was going to charge them storage if it stayed there another day.

Imagine looking at this for weeks.
Thumb of 2015-11-26/Cinta/54f118
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Nov 26, 2015 7:07 AM CST
Name: Ken Ramsey
Vero Beach, FL (Zone 10a)
Bromeliad Vegetable Grower Region: United States of America Tropicals Plumerias Orchids
Region: Mississippi Master Gardener: Mississippi Hummingbirder Cat Lover Composter Seller of Garden Stuff
Thanks, Cinta. I feel I have little choice unless I want to live the rest of my life on narcotics. No, I take none so far. I don't even take Advil unless I know I am about to do something or have done something (digging in the garden/yard) that will cause significant pain. I have had chronic back pain for fifty years and sciatic pain for the last twenty five, so its not like I can't take pain. Perhaps it is my age, but I have grown weary of that pain. I feel I have nothing to lose and everything to gain with the surgery. By the way, I had back surgery in 1990 for a twice-ruptured disc, so I do have some experience in both the surgery and the expectations.

I apologize for getting off-topic.
drdawg (Dr. Kenneth Ramsey)

The reason it's so hard to lose weight when you get up in age is because your body and your fat have become good friends.
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Dec 25, 2015 10:53 PM CST
Name: Elfrieda
Indian Harbour Beach, Florida (Zone 10a)
Annuals Foliage Fan Herbs Hibiscus Master Gardener: Florida Roses
Salvias Sedums Sempervivums Enjoys or suffers hot summers Ferns Dragonflies
[quote="drdawg"] I have had chronic back pain for fifty years and sciatic pain for the last twenty five, so its not like I can't take pain. Perhaps it is my age, but I have grown weary of that pain. I feel I have nothing to lose and everything to gain with the surgery. By the way, I had back surgery in 1990 for a twice-ruptured disc, so I do have some experience in both the surgery and the expectations.

Iquote]
I missed seeing this; -- are you getting ready for surgery soon ?
“I was just sittin’ here enjoyin’ the company. Plants got a lot to say, if you take the time to listen”
Eeyore
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Dec 26, 2015 6:31 AM CST
Name: Ken Ramsey
Vero Beach, FL (Zone 10a)
Bromeliad Vegetable Grower Region: United States of America Tropicals Plumerias Orchids
Region: Mississippi Master Gardener: Mississippi Hummingbirder Cat Lover Composter Seller of Garden Stuff
Yep, @orchidgal, Jan. 19. L4-L5-S1 fusion.
drdawg (Dr. Kenneth Ramsey)

The reason it's so hard to lose weight when you get up in age is because your body and your fat have become good friends.
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Dec 26, 2015 10:05 AM CST
Name: Arlene
Southold, Long Island, NY (Zone 7a)
Region: Ukraine Dahlias I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Houseplants Tomato Heads Garden Ideas: Level 1
Plant Identifier Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Celebrating Gardening: 2015
Best wishes for a successful surgery, Ken. My prayers will be with you.
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Dec 26, 2015 10:44 AM CST
Name: Ken Ramsey
Vero Beach, FL (Zone 10a)
Bromeliad Vegetable Grower Region: United States of America Tropicals Plumerias Orchids
Region: Mississippi Master Gardener: Mississippi Hummingbirder Cat Lover Composter Seller of Garden Stuff
Thank you, Arlene.
drdawg (Dr. Kenneth Ramsey)

The reason it's so hard to lose weight when you get up in age is because your body and your fat have become good friends.
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Dec 26, 2015 11:00 AM CST
Name: Arlene
Southold, Long Island, NY (Zone 7a)
Region: Ukraine Dahlias I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Houseplants Tomato Heads Garden Ideas: Level 1
Plant Identifier Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Celebrating Gardening: 2015
Brain surgery is so much easier on the patient! I know.
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Dec 26, 2015 11:10 AM CST
Name: Ken Ramsey
Vero Beach, FL (Zone 10a)
Bromeliad Vegetable Grower Region: United States of America Tropicals Plumerias Orchids
Region: Mississippi Master Gardener: Mississippi Hummingbirder Cat Lover Composter Seller of Garden Stuff
Thumbs up
drdawg (Dr. Kenneth Ramsey)

The reason it's so hard to lose weight when you get up in age is because your body and your fat have become good friends.
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Dec 26, 2015 1:07 PM CST
Name: Dirt
(Zone 5b)
Region: Utah Bee Lover Garden Photography Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Photo Contest Winner: 2015 Photo Contest Winner: 2016
Photo Contest Winner 2018 Photo Contest Winner 2019 Photo Contest Winner 2020 Photo Contest Winner 2021 Photo Contest Winner 2022 Photo Contest Winner 2023
Bestest wishes to you Ken!!

I have, at various times, when I was short on time and long on work that needed to be done by a seasonal deadline (i.e. winter) and/or feeling charitable toward someone who needed to earn $, paid supposedly reputable folks to help me out with yard service. There have always been some relatively catastrophic disasters to contend with as a consequence of being unable to anticipate and prevent all of the possible 'accidents', but also a lot of good work got done--thankfully--and, with time, even the disasters can become funny stories that weave themselves into the history of the ever evolving gardens.
Of course, I have certainly perpetrated my share of my own disasters Smiling so there is that too.
Bestest wishes to you Deb!
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Dec 26, 2015 4:18 PM CST
Silver Spring, MD (Zone 7a)
Butterflies Bulbs Container Gardener Hummingbirder Region: Mid-Atlantic Sedums
Vegetable Grower
A friend of mine desperately needed help with her extensive plantings and found help through the local gardening club. The helper had to move into an apartment and no longer had access to a garden, so she appreciated the opportunity to get her hands dirty again, and of course the extra cash didn't hurt. Smiling

This was the perfect solution for both people, and there was very little training needed, since the helper had been a serious gardener at one point.

I hope you're able to find the perfect person for your needs! Thumbs up
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Dec 26, 2015 11:07 PM CST
Name: Elfrieda
Indian Harbour Beach, Florida (Zone 10a)
Annuals Foliage Fan Herbs Hibiscus Master Gardener: Florida Roses
Salvias Sedums Sempervivums Enjoys or suffers hot summers Ferns Dragonflies
Best wishes and lots of luck to you. Getting to know too many people with back problems; some have had surgery and some are undecided.
“I was just sittin’ here enjoyin’ the company. Plants got a lot to say, if you take the time to listen”
Eeyore
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Dec 27, 2015 5:15 AM CST
Name: Jim Goodman
Northeast Louisiana
I suppose that I'm just contrary but no one does things to suit me. So I just putter along a little at a time until eventually it is done.

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