Recommend someone for Garden/Lawn Sowing

Builderwoman!

Hi,

Can anyone in Co Kildare recommend anyone to level and sow a lawn, cut out some beds and lay a garden path. Don't even need them to plant it up, we can do the finishing off ourselves. Just need some of the hard work done first. Afraid to go near Landscapers 'cos we want nothing fancy...don't need Diarmuid Gavin for design or anything...we want a garden but not a picture perfect mega expensive outdoor room...we just need somewhere for kids and adults to play and enjoy! There are so many cowboys out there these days it would be good to get someone recommended to us that would come in and do the job for a fair price. Any suggestions welcomed.

Kashkai

Best of luck getting someone BW. Over the past 3 weeks, we've called 14 landscapers, paving contractors etc to clean up our lawn, level and seed it, build a fence and gates, and finally to put in kerbing and a driveway. To date, 3 guys showed up and we've gotten one price which was OTT.

From what we've gathered, these people are snowed under with work (SSIA's or good weather encouraging people to get this type of work done)and they can pick and choose what jobs they want to do. I think there's too much work in our job for them and they'd rather have smaller jobs where they can get in and out in a day or two.

If you do get someone, let me know and I'll do likewaise.

David

Sonnenblumen

Readers should bear in mind the following lead times when considering landscaping garden etc:

'Average' landscapers: up to 3 months.

'Good / Specialist' (full complement of skills): 6 - 9 months.

Large projects ie (excess 150 mandays): 12 months +

Of course there will be some who can pop around tomorrow but invariably clients are poor planners and grossly underestimate the lead times when seeking a service. Hopefully things will improve but its never too early to start.

Apart from lead times there are several factors as to why a landscaper would/would not respond to an enquiry.

At the end of the day there's no point being busy if you ain't making money and most definitely no point doing 'basic make-overs when there are exciting design opportunities.

Most will not afford us, but more would like to. C'est la vie.

Kashkai

And like the lady said, she wants a basic lawn for kids and adults to play on. The Diarmuid Gavins of this world want showpieces that are not very practical to those of us with kids who actually want a garden to play in and thus enjoy.

My own gripe is with people who promise to call round and then you never hear from them again. Sonnenblumen may call that being busy, but I'd call that bad manners. If you have too much work on then good luck to you but don't make arrangements to call and then don't show up.

We'll probably get around to doing it ourselves (not easy finding the time with young kids) but rather that than wait for a landscaper to grace us with his presence.

2 stroke

Don't even need them to plant it up, we can do the finishing off ourselves

You will find it hard to get anyone professional with this attitude. I know its not easy paying for everything but the people doing the job get a margin on the plants/shrubs ect. Also this is the easy part of the job. Another point is, if you are doing the planting yourself, many landscapers won't want to put their name to the job.
Several years ago I spent a week laying lawns in a particular garden in castleknock. The couple planted the flowerbeds themselves and made a dogs dinner of the job. The end result was that I lost work in the area because locals thought I did a bad job.

Sonnenblumen

Prosperous Dave wrote:

And like the lady said, she wants a basic lawn for kids and adults to play on. The Diarmuid Gavins of this world want showpieces that are not very practical to those of us with kids who actually want a garden to play in and thus enjoy.

My own gripe is with people who promise to call round and then you never hear from them again. Sonnenblumen may call that being busy, but I'd call that bad manners. If you have too much work on then good luck to you but don't make arrangements to call and then don't show up.

We'll probably get around to doing it ourselves (not easy finding the time with young kids) but rather that than wait for a landscaper to grace us with his presence.

I am not defending 'no-shows', it is as you suggest bad manners but very bad business practice to not honour appointments.

People seeking professional landscapers would be starting well to visit: www.alci.ie (features over 100 vetted landscapers throughout Ireland).

Builderwoman!

Well said Dave! Totally agree. Sonnen don't care how blooming busy people in any profession are...common coutsey costs nothing! I phoned three landscaping companies back a few months ago when we had a few bob and three no shows out of three calls! No phone calls, no follow ups since. Nada! Now the money is gone elsewhere and the budget is smaller, hence two stroke, the reason I asked for "someone"...NOT a landscaper to do the work...just need someone to do the grunt work with machines, level, sow lawn etc. Then we together with a friend who is a wonderful gardener will plant it up. It's a rear garden so it's not an ad for a landscaper! From what I can gather what I call "D Gavinitis" is beginning to creep into the gardening industry here.... arrongance and greed prevails...and everyone seems to be desiging "outside rooms". What people like Prosperous Dave and his family and our family want is a child friendly place to play in and enjoy.

Dave, we have had two guys in over weekend to look and give prices. Really like one guy and waiting to call someone for reference for him tomorrow but postd here in the meantime as I know there are a lot of Kildare people on the site and wanted a recommendation for a third quote. Will keep you posted on how things turn out.

If anyone wants to recommend "someone" good, please feel free to do so!

Builderwoman!

David, can highly recommend a local guy to do fencing if interested. Very professional and reasonable. If you need to source gates can recommend somewhere too and he will then hang them for you.

cold_filter

I can recomment myself and my friend, we did about 100sq m yesterday, once our backs heal up we'll call it should be about 2015....

2 stroke

Confusing. You are looking for someone that isn't a landscaper but has landscaping machinery and is willing and able to use same machinery competently in your garden. And this person has to be recomended by someone?
Regarding quotations being ott. Have you factored in repayments on machinery and the fact that whoever is doing the work needs to earn a living.

Builderwoman!

Not confusing at all 2 stroke... I've spoken to at least two guys who fit the bill and have been recommended another by another boards member today. Thankfully these guys weren't arrogant enough to believe that some customers only want a lawn prepared and put down and don't want a "garden creation". It's a rear garden for kids and adults to enjoy, as I have said, grass, a path, (a veg area which we are looking after ourselves after it's rotavated), a couple of beds and maybe a feature area under a tree....nothing fancy. It's pretty level and all top soil has been spread. Not rocket science as one guy told me...just a bit of work with the right machinery and a couple of days work at most. I know from the quotes that I have received that whoever gets the job will be more than happy with what they are getting for a couple of days work....and the repayments on his machinery will be well covered!

2 stroke

Bwoman your job sounds much easier now. Generally, I find that if a woman wants

somebody to level and sow a lawn

it usualy needs a hi-mac and tractor and trailer and several loads of topsoil. Now your saying that the jobs almost done

It's pretty level and all top soil has been spread

.

Builderwoman!

2 stroke...are you trying to say women are difficult to deal with??!!! Never under estimate us! I for one know what I am talking about, well most of the time, and if I don't I just ask! Nothing difficult here about our job...just someone required who has the right machinery and a couple of days to spare!

2 stroke

Bwoman, I'm afraid I'm not far enough away to risk saying something like that. Fact is though that it is more commonly the woman of the house that deals with gardening issues. Most men would put in on the long finger forever.
What upset me most is the fact that you don't consider someone, that can do the type of job you require, a landscaper. Its something I now only do parttime but I consider my self a landscape gardener eventhough many of the jobs are only places for the kids to play
However I only do beds if I'm doing the planting. I raise my own bedding plants and buy shrubs ect trade. Generaly what I supply is better quality than what you get in garden centers and I can make a few euro without ripping off the customer

Sonnenblumen

There are many Kildare based professional landscaping companies and no doubt like many other parts of Ireland, it probably also has it's fair share of cowboy operators.

I am not surprised that it might be difficult to source a local landscaping company to provide services at a 'fair' price. Apart from the scope of the work and the corresponding market rate, part of your difficulty sometimes can be in understanding what inputs are required. There can also be several reasons why a company might not be interested.

Anyway you might find a local 'retiree' or handyman to help.

Out of interest what criteria are you using to calculate a fair price? It would surprise me if you are familiar with the cost structures/overheads of running a landscaping company. Wanting a cheap price is one thing but expecting someone to offer it is another. Your comments are not uncommon in wanting a basic job but at a basic price. The latter is no way to run a business and anyone who offers such is not really a business person but more likely operating on the fringes. Anyways, I was more interested in some of the broader comments, some which I felt were unecessarily condescending and dismissive of the industry. Nothing like a bit of ignorance to stir up emotions!

I respect professional businesses, particularly one's that take great pride in managing, in performance, in marketing etc etc. Business structure, level of operation and project scope all determine the pricing. There will be projects by nature/size which are not feasible. For us pricing is rarely a reason for loss sale but lack of availability most definitely is. But why should availability be a problem ? Clients are increasingly booking key services in advance of requirement need, typically 9-12 months which means when Mr/Mrs X decide in April to invest in a new garden, their preferred landscaper has been booked since the previous Winter.

Regulation and compliance will weed out cowboys, but prospective clients must in order to avoid disappointment plan in advance. Affordability might be an upset for some, but availability is a greater cause of disppointment for more.

One cannot compare 'DIY' with professional service providers and confusing greed with professionalism and associated cost structures is simply naieve and missing the key points entirely.

prospect

Hi BuilderWoman/Prosperous Dave,

I used a guy from Sallins, his company is called Lets Grow, you may have seen his van knocking around.
He is courteous and professional. He is into planting native trees and shrubs and promotes a natural looking garden.

You are welcome to view the work he did for us if you wish.

P.

Actually, just re-reading the thread and realise you are looking for a labourer who does lawns. There is a guy who lives near enough to you both (near Digby Bridge) called Declan O'Brien/O'Byrne who just lays lawns and does lawn care in alot of the green areas around Naas. He sounds like the type of guy you need. I can dig up his number for you if you wish.

squire1

You're too slow off the mark prospect. I passed his number on yesterday. I'd say Declan would be grand for the job if he is available.

Sunnenblumen, who, is fairness is going to wait 9-12 months for someone to do work for them in any profession let alone something that is as seasonal as gardening?

I don't think BW was being condescending or dismissive of the industry, she mearly pointed out that she was not looking for a design service, rather a bit of grunt work from a guy with the right tools for the job.

When you are looking for work like this to be done it is as important to weed out the cowboys as well as the contractor who, due to overestimation of their own worth, seem to think they can charge what many would consider to be obscene prices.

There is a market out there for professional landscapers "as seen on TV" but maybe, just maybe, not everybody wants that?

Builderwoman!

2stroke...take your point...I wasn't trying to not give someone their proper title but in posting this I didn't want someone to misconstrue what we actually wanted. I didn't want them to recommend a full landcaping company/person who thought they this was a big design opportunity. Wouldn't mind passing on the headache of the garden to some such company or person but quite frankly we know we don't have the budget. Anyway as I have said with it being an area for kids to enjoy playing in there is little point just now of investing too much money into it. I can see that you have pride in your work and when you raise your own plants of course you want them to be treated properly. My husband is a keen veg gardener who cannot wait to get his tunnel up so I know where you are coming from with that. I totally agree that many many garden centres are ripping people off big time. We have found a fab little nursery/garden centre where they raise all their own plants and shrubs and their quality is fantastic and very reasonably price. The surroundings aren't fancy mind you but someone has to pay for all that fancy design and glass in most of the newer garden centres!!

Sonnen, the criteria I would be using would be comparing prices for the same job. I don't know how people in the gardening industry calculate their prices (maybe you can give us such insight?) so I have no yardstick to measure quotes by other than by one another and the services and commitments they offer alongside that quote. Together with references of course as well. I think though that you underestimate the industry in the Kildare area. Thanks for recommending the website. I found a guy on it yesterday who is coming to look at the job tomorrow. He specialises in lawns and he can fit us in. So there are landscapers out there interested in smaller jobs like ours. I would never confuse greed, by the way, with professionalism....I always associate it unprofessionalism!!

Prospect thanks for your reply. Will check out Lets Grow too as we do need sound advice on tree planting. But Squire beat you to it with Declan's number. I cannot however reach him on it and have left a message. He does sound ideal and since both you and Squire have used his services he comes highly recommended too which is very important.

Squire...totally agree I wasn't trying to be condescending or dismissive of landscapers I was merely trying to ensure that we got someone who didn't have high expectations of the job...as you say someone with the right attitude and the right tools. Thanks for all your help and advice.

Builderwoman!

Thanks for all the help Squire and Prospect all the guys you recommend have been in touch and we're awaiting visits and prices. Still very much up in the air. Really liked talking to Trevor from Let's Grow...think he could turn out to be very helpful indeed. Many many thanks. Really appreciate help and will keep you posted.

Sonnenblumen

squire1 wrote:

Sunnenblumen, who, is fairness is going to wait 9-12 months for someone to do work for them in any profession let alone something that is as seasonal as gardening?

There is a market out there for professional landscapers "as seen on TV" but maybe, just maybe, not everybody wants that?

What's you're point?

You seem to accept cynically at least that there is a demand for high level landscaping but doubt the lead times. But why? You're clearly confusing gardening with landscaping, probably an uninformed view of the higher value segment of the landscaping market and certainly not familar with client profiles which plan extensively and wait confidently but patiently for site selection right through to service providers eg architects, landscape design/construction, interior design etc etc. Such clients by definition of value and scope of project are a small segment but nonetheless a very valuable segment within the overall market. Some might be 'trendsetters' but most prefer to remain very private.

Perhaps you are not not familiar with Clients with €50k - €100k+ landscaping budgets are by definition within the elite category in terms of spend but even within a more modest € 30k range, such clients are obviously astute, frequently visually very aware and have broad but clear comprehension of project requirements. Typically such projects have lead times of at least 6 months and a run time of as low as 10 days or less.

Naturally the elite end is by definition exceptional rather than norm but nonetheless it is there and is increasingly a very important aspect of the market. Companies servicing this market do so within a very dynamic, creative and all year round business.

2 stroke

who, is fairness is going to wait 9-12 months for someone to do work for them

Squire, and anybody that thinks likewise. I ask the question, What if anything do you/your partner do for a living and if you had only a few days work ahead of you would you stay in that game or get into something else. If anybody in this seasonal game is sitting around, at this time of year, waiting for work to come in I would wonder why. Most contractors could probably squeeze in a few maintainance jobs but taking on another large garden is another thing.
I only do this parttime but I'm already turning down work for next year. And I refuse to work for the person that dosn't plan ahead. They are usualy the ones that haven't thought the job out properly and will want to make changes without paying for the extra labour. Then when the job is done they look for a discount.
Sblumen,well said!

Nothing like a bit of ignorance to stir up emotions!

Few employments involve as much unappreciated sweat of brow.
Bwoman and Pdave if you show some respect for peoples profession when making your enquires you may find that they show respect and curtesy back, maybe even a cheaper price. In the past I have often priced work according to costumer attitude, now I don't even price a job if I take a dislike to the customers attitude.

squire1

Sonnenblumen wrote:

What's you're point?

You seem to accept cynically at least that there is a demand for high level landscaping but doubt the lead times. But why? You're clearly confusing gardening with landscaping, probably an uninformed view of the higher value segment of the landscaping market and certainly not familar with client profiles which plan extensively and wait confidently but patiently for site selection right through to service providers eg architects, landscape design/construction, interior design etc etc. Such clients by definition of value and scope of project are a small segment but nonetheless a very valuable segment within the overall market. Some might be 'trendsetters' but most prefer to remain very private.

Perhaps you are not not familiar with Clients with €50k - €100k+ landscaping budgets are by definition within the elite category in terms of spend but even within a more modest € 30k range, such clients are obviously astute, frequently visually very aware and have broad but clear comprehension of project requirements. Typically such projects have lead times of at least 6 months and a run time of as low as 10 days or less.

Naturally the elite end is by definition exceptional rather than norm but nonetheless it is there and is increasingly a very important aspect of the market. Companies servicing this market do so within a very dynamic, creative and all year round business.

Not cynical at all Sonneblumen. We are obviously in agreement. The market for such projects is very small as you point out.

Maybe, the very long lead times and the obvious lack of trained and talented landscapers to meet demand is one reason why there is a perception that the work is generally overpriced. Now that is cynicisim but it is also the ecominic model of supply/demand so good luck to ya.

I've certainly no problem with somebody supplying a premium service at a premium price but my point was and still is that the market for that is small.

BW, glad you have a few guys lined up. Hopefully, you will get it sorted quickly and be able to enjoy your garden for the Summer.

NextSteps

Builderwoman! wrote:

We have found a fab little nursery/garden centre where they raise all their own plants and shrubs and their quality is fantastic and very reasonably price. The surroundings aren't fancy mind you but someone has to pay for all that fancy design and glass in most of the newer garden centres!!

Care to share the name??

Builderwoman!

2stroke, I totally appreciate the "sweat of brow" as you put it regarding gardening. If I thought it was easy or unskilled I would undertake to do it myself! However, I totally resent your implication about having respect for people's profession or my "attitude" when I make an enquiry. You have NO IDEA how I addressed the matter to the landscaping companies that never showed up. I am ALWAYS respectful and courteous on the phone and would expect the same level of courtsey back and some degree of professionalism too. If someone says they are going to call over x day between x time and x time I expect them to do so or at least phone back if they cannot. I cannot sit and wait indefinitely until someone decides to turn up. If they are not interested in the job (and one person was that I phoned last week) I would much prefer them to be honest and say it was too big/too small a job/no time etc. The fact that four out of four people this time (many recommended here or through the landscaping website Sonn gave) have showed up and looked at the job...indeed says something for my telephone manner! It works when dealing with professionals on the other end!!!

Sonn, let's be realistic the market for 50k plus jobs is small. However I made it blatently obvious from the outset that I had no such budget or no such expectations of anyone. Most people like us after building a house want to get site cleared, lawn down and some shrubs in. Then they want to find someone who will help "grow" their garden over a few years (allowing time for the finances to improve and circumstances like smaller children get older so that you can spend more on planting etc with them being damaged by playful kids). We may well have found that person thanks to Squire. If not there are a few other contenders.

UB - The nursery/garden centre is just outside of Rathangan Co Kildare on the Clonbullogue road it's called "something duibhe". It's behind a read and white cottage a couple of miles out from Rathangan. Excellent quality at a really good price.

Sonnenblumen

Builderwoman! wrote:

I totally resent your implication about having respect for people's profession or my "attitude" when I make an enquiry.

Sonn, let's be realistic the market for 50k plus jobs is small.

QUOTE]

Your implication is that I am not realistic and I do know know the market size for € 50k + projects (not jobs but projects!!).

In previous posts I tried to explain some of the market dynamic but your attitude persists in telling me my business when it is clear I am speaking form an informed position and you are not.

There is a gulf of difference between jobbing type work an dfull scale medium-large projects, but why do you insist on imposing your attitude when clearly you are not speaking from an informed position.

IMO it is far better to acknowledge a position on a learning curve, do the learning and move on.

cmcd

Sonnenblumen wrote:

QUOTE]



There is a gulf of difference between jobbing type work an dfull scale medium-large projects, but why do you insist on imposing your attitude when clearly you are not speaking from an informed position.

I believe Builderwoman does speak from an informed position. The position of a consumer, which Im sure you Sonnenblumen know are the most important people in the business equation. No consumer, no jobs, or projects as you like to call them. Thats my view or presupposition on the situation.

2 stroke

Bwoman, I have read back through your posts and no mater how I read it you seem to lack respect for landscapers and gardeners. I also recon we may have spoken on the phone, I almost certainly spoke with Pdave. If you are the woman I think you are, you said something along the lines of " I don't want to get a professional landscaper". If I did quote a job after hearing someting like that I would make sure to charge a professional price.

Kashkai

2 stroke wrote:

Bwoman, I have read back through your posts and no mater how I read it you seem to lack respect for landscapers and gardeners. I also recon we may have spoken on the phone, I almost certainly spoke with Pdave. If you are the woman I think you are, you said something along the lines of " I don't want to get a professional landscaper". If I did quote a job after hearing someting like that I would make sure to charge a professional price.

Started a new job this week and thus was away from Boards and didn't see the comments being posted here.

So 2 Stroke spoke to me did he???? So that narrows it down to the one guy who called to the house and promised to get back to us with a price by "the middle of next week". That was 3 weeks ago now and we are still waiting to hear from 2 stroke. Very professional, very courteous, very mannerly. Your mama must be so proud of you :rolleyes: .

If you actually were the guy that showed up (and not just bullsh!tting here), I believe my wife and I were very friendly to you, explained clearly what we wanted and asked for a "ballpark quote" so that we could let you know - there and then - if we could afford you because we didn't want to waste your time if the cost would be out of our budget. If you were the guy that showed up, you refused 3 times to give us an idea of the cost of the job and said you would have to work out the quote but would definitely be back to us by the following Wednesday. My wife called you a few days later and asked you if you had managed to find the time to do the estimate and you said you'd have it to us shortly. Never heard from you again.

Then again, you could also be the one guy I spoke to on the phone (as I work long hours, my wife phoned the rest of them), you promised to call out that day - never showed up, no phone call etc - day wasted waiting for you. You phoned on the Saturday out of the blue saying you'd call around on the Sunday afternoon - as it was my daughter's birthday, we weren't going to put her party on hold in the unlikely event you would grace us with your presence (unlikely though that may have been). So I asked you to call around the following week at some point when you had the time, which you agreed and we never heard from you again. Very mannerly, very professional and very courteous. Diarmuid Gavin must be so proud of you.

So 2 stroke, best of luck with the gardening game - you'll need it with your so called professional attitude. As Builderwoman and myself have found out, there are a lot of primadonnas in the gardening, sorry landscaping business who object to the great unwashed not getting down on their bended knees while handing over their SSIA's, chequebooks, credit cards, car keys, children etc, and of course not showing the proper respect :rolleyes:

In all seriousness, my wife and I are courteous, respectful and above all friendly individuals. There are many fellow Boardsies (family, friends, work colleagues) who can testify to this. Its people like you who have an attitude problem. You are there to provide a service, you get well paid for your service. You shouldn't expect potential customers to put up with missed appointments, not having the courtesy to return phone calls, not keeping your commitment to supply a quote. Yes I'm pissed off at people like you who not only expect to get well paid for their job but expect eternal gratitude when you bother to show up.


PS - Hiya doin' Builderwoman. Sent you a pm. Started a new job this week and thus was away from the pc for a while. Amazing what people say about you behind your back (re posts above). Looks like us terrible consumers will have to stick together. So you dig my garden and I'll dig yours. We'll probably do a better job of it anyways .


David

Builderwoman!

2Stroke are you trying to tell us that you wouldn't charge a professional price for a professional job at all times???? I don't have a lack of respect for gardeners or landscapers...in fact why have I turned to your very industry to undertake our garden if I don't respect their work. I could have gotten a local farmer to do some of the work but quite honestly (no disrespect to farmers) we want to ensure that we are doing this lawn properly with good levels, no stones, proper edges good drainage etc. We are looking for someone with expertise to put down a good lawn. We are planning for the future and are willing to pay for the right advice. We are not looking for an pefectly preeened, ready made "outdoor room" complete with pavillions, curved walls and fully grown trees and shrubs. That's why I did not want to lead anyone astray from the beginning by thinking we had an open ended budget for a fab ready made garden and that we had lots of money to pump into design. We want to lay the foundations for the future and plan the garden in such a way now that it can be added to over time. I don't think I spoke to you on the phone I think if I had I'd know;) Why don't you show yourself and give us your company's name or pm me and I'll tell you if I am who you think I am!

Prospect btw thanks..the guy you recommended called over. A true gent with great ideas. Really liked him. He doesn't do lawns but we think he is def someone we will work with in the future when it's time for planting.

"Then again, you could also be the one guy I spoke to on the phone (as I work long hours, my wife phoned the rest of them), you promised to call out that day - never showed up, no phone call etc - day wasted waiting for you. You phoned on the Saturday out of the blue saying you'd call around on the Sunday afternoon - as it was my daughter's birthday, we weren't going to put her party on hold in the unlikely event you would grace us with your presence (unlikely though that may have been). So I asked you to call around the following week at some point when you had the time, which you agreed and we never heard from you again. Very mannerly, very professional and very courteous. Diarmuid Gavin must be so proud of you.

So 2 stroke, best of luck with the gardening game - you'll need it with your so called professional attitude. As Builderwoman and myself have found out, there are a lot of primadonnas in the gardening, sorry landscaping business who object to the great unwashed not getting down on their bended knees while handing over their SSIA's, chequebooks, credit cards, car keys, children etc, and of course not showing the proper respect :rolleyes: "

HEAR HEAR DAVE! COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF!

"In all seriousness, my wife and I are courteous, respectful and above all friendly individuals. There are many fellow Boardsies (family, friends, work colleagues) who can testify to this. Its people like you who have an attitude problem. You are there to provide a service, you get well paid for your service. You shouldn't expect potential customers to put up with missed appointments, not having the courtesy to return phone calls, not keeping your commitment to supply a quote. Yes I'm pissed off at people like you who not only expect to get well paid for their job but expect eternal gratitude when you bother to show up."

I AGREE DAVE COMMON COURTSEY COSTS NOTHING...WE HAVE NEVER BEEN ANYTHING BUT COURTEOUS TO PEOPLE ON OUR SITE AND IN OUR HOME. I RESENT ANY OTHER SUCH IMPLICATIONS HERE.


PS - Hiya doin' Builderwoman. Sent you a pm. Started a new job this week and thus was away from the pc for a while. Amazing what people say about you behind your back (re posts above). Looks like us terrible consumers will have to stick together. So you dig my garden and I'll dig yours. We'll probably do a better job of it anyways .

GOT YOUR PM. THINK WE'LL PASS ON DIGGING YOUR GARDEN AND OURS IF YOU DON'T MIND. I THINK WE MAY HAVE FOUND OUR MEN FOR THE JOB...A GUY FOR LAWNS AND ANOTHER FOR PLANTING....BEFORE WE GIVE THEM THE JOB WE JUST NEED TO CHECK OUT NOW THAT IT'S NOT ANY OF THE ABOVE!!!!!

Cmcd - you summed up my senitments exactly. 2Stroke & Sonn - remember no matter what power you feel you hold in your hands...remember the customer holds the ultimate power in his hands...his money and his custom. We are free to choose with whom we want to spend our money....you guys are dependant on people like us here on boards for your living. You are not doing yourselves any marketing favours here. Remember long after the frivilous spending is over bread and butter customers like us will be waiting for ye in the long grass!!

Sonnenblumen

To be clear, I have tried to offer some advice and do not wish to become embroiled in any specific debate or wrangle.

We can stand head and shoulders above most landscapers and SSIA's have little impact or relevance for our typical projects. Such is the demand for our services and with wiating lists stretching beyond 6-9months, I could argue that our dependence is limited.

However I am not that arrogant or naieve to assume too privileged position and impose any self importance on clients.

We do projects for clients and not jobs for customers, and PD there is a substantive difference.

However I also know that there are many landscapers much smaller and less capable/competent than us, but I am not going to judge them. There are different levels in the market and consequently different levels of sophistication. It's as plain as that, and no amount of 'bullying attitudes' will change branding/marketing.

Finally, B'woman, I would encourage you to read the threads more carefully before jumping in with global statements despite some local bad experiences.

If we cannot be more professional lets at least be adult and polite in the exchanges. Anyways, I've had enough of the DIYspeak.

Builderwoman!

Sonnen, upon your recommendation I visited the ACLA (?) website and contacted a number of your members. They guy we are about to hire spoke about the work we had for him as a "job" and called us "customers". Sorry if he's letting the side down....oops maybe he's coming down to our level...us poor little ole DIYers! He in fact mentioned that other ACLA members and certain TV personalities were ruining the landscaping industry at the moment. Glad to know that at least some of your members have their feet firmly in the sod!

Kashkai

Hand on a sec BW, you mean there exists an actual gardener/landscaper who will show up, give a quote and not expect you to re mortgage the house for him??? :eek: :eek:

Sorry I can't believe it. It must be the alcoholic haze I'm seeing through at the moment. Must re check this forum in the moring when my hangover is gone.

Now will I have a dream about an honest gardener doing my lawn or a nightmare about a landscaper sucking the last dregs of my money out of my bank account while he makes excuses about not showing up????????

Sonnenblumen

Builderwoman! wrote:

Sonnen, upon your recommendation I visited the ACLA (?) website and contacted a number of your members. They guy we are about to hire spoke about the work we had for him as a "job" and called us "customers". Sorry if he's letting the side down....oops maybe he's coming down to our level...us poor little ole DIYers! He in fact mentioned that other ACLA members and certain TV personalities were ruining the landscaping industry at the moment. Glad to know that at least some of your members have their feet firmly in the sod!

I am happy to have been of assistance.:)

2 stroke

Dave, thats quite an attack. But the world is a smaller place than you think and you haven't placed who I am. and I never said you weren't friendly or courteous or mannerly. I don't just do landscaping and I enjoy the anonymity of theese boards so will not be identifying myself further. I provide a good service to my customers but am not here to provide a public service, ie. I am not a goverment department. I am one man without a secretary and see no point in pricing work I havn't time to do and I certainly havn't time to price work for people, that are getting 14 prices. If you want to price around thats fine with me. Fact is I am not available to work or to price a job at the drop of a hat, maybe on a rainy day but I usualy spend them on the phone or doing up the books. You are complaining about people you rang 3 weeks ago not turning up yet. I never make an appointment until I contact people back, however people are constantly leaving mesages like ''I'm at home today between 3 and 5'', then they leave another mesage at 4.45 complaining that I didn't keep the appointment, I wasn't even be in the same county the day I got that actual mesage. You are wasting peoples time if you are asking more than 1 or 2 people to price a job. Why ask 14 to price if you only have work for 2 or 3. Why not choose someone you want to deal with first then see if you can negotiate a price. And then book them last september. I'm currently working on a job that I quoted last july. It probably is an ssia job, the guy told me he wouldn't be able to pay anything until may. I planted most of the trees and shrubs during winter/early spring, currently I am waiting for sewage works to be completed so I can lay the lawns and patio/decking then he will be ready for tarmac before he moves in. I know not everyone can afford to complete their landscaping before they move in but a little planning goes a long way if you know you are going to have money at a certain date. The country is awash with people panicking to spend ssia money at the moment and there are lots of cowboys out there creaming it, and you will find a lot of gardens full of weeds next year.
Bwoman, I had to laugh ''2Stroke & Sonn'' very good. Since I got the bank off my back a few years ago my prices have come down considerably and I have also learned to pick and choose my customers. not every job is an outdoor room but I like to have 1 or 2 each year, gives a bit of work in the quieter time of year.

Builderwoman!

2Stroke it's not surprising you don't want to even pm me with your company name. I honestly don't think I have spoken to you in recent weeks, I doubt very much if you are even in our area and I only spoke to people from/in the general area or it's environs. I did phone around several months back and maybe you are one of the three "no shows" from that time who didn't even have the common courtsey to tell me they weren't interested at the time or even bother to phone back to say they couldn't make their appointments?! Or maybe you were the person who called to our house and promised a quote and never bothered coming back with it. If someone isn't interested in quoting I would expect a phone call out of common courtsey to say just that.

At least you admit, unlike Sonn, that the country is awash with ssia money being spent on gardens. Regarding getting quotes it is common practice to get three quotes for a job. Why shouldn't we ask for three quotes. I've already seen a huge difference in price between quotes for the same job. One guy took out a measuring tape, fair play to him and another guy didn't even bother to "walk out" the measurements! Says something for pricing practice in the industry when you see people just standing and looking and not even bothering to get an idea of the area.

Come on Dave you've got to figure out if this guy (2stroke) and you have talked.....

Kashkai

Morning BW

Unless 2 stroke is trying to lead me off track and he's not one of the guys I mentioned previously then he has to be one of the following:

My cousin's boyfriend is a landscaper and he had said he'd look at the job but one day a friend of his called me out of the blue and said he was coming over to look at the garden (remember, I never called him. he got my number through the cousin's boyfriend). Anyways, this guy shows up with his mate and walks around the gardens front and back. We were just after moving back into the house and I was dealing with a plumber, kitchen fitters, the electrician and my 18 month old twins who were all in the house at the same time. So naturally enough, I was a little pushed for time to talk at length with this guy. After 10 minutes of him checking out the gardens, he said I wasn't ready for the lawns to get fixed up as I should have my kerbs in place first. I expalined to him that it was on my "to do" list and that I didn't call him to waste his time. He said he'd get back to us with a quote anyways and sailed off into the sunset. Never heard from him again. I have his name and phone number if you want to make sure you are not considering employing him.

The only other guy it coud be is someone from Newbridge who has a big ad in the Golden Pages. Suppose he needs the big ad to go with his delicate ego!!!!!

The Chief suspect would be the first guy though but to be honest, even if he said he'd do it for nothing, I wouldn't be interested as I place a lot of stock in how someone interacts with me. If they have a "you need me, more than I need you" attitude like this guy did, then they can do a run and jump.

So if 2 stroke now comes back and claims that he's not one of the above, then he's lying and just hiding behind the anonymity of the internet.

Thanks for the pm this morning, I'll try the guy you recommended as I've also been given his number by my local estate agent who's also a neighbour of mine.

BTW, the hangover is clearing up now so its off to paint I go. See ya

David

Builderwoman!

Thanks David. I didn't contact anyone in Newbridge so that rules him out for me. Have to pm you about the other candidate. As you say I think 2stroke may be pulling a stroke here by trying to imply he's talked to us. I totally agree you have to start off on the right foot with someone and be comfortable with them before you want them around your home. One guy called to me last week and gave me what I call a "fish" handshake" and the minute he did I ruled him out. A good firm handshake says a lot about a man(or a woman)...remember that everyone reading here!! Sounds like a fickle female's way of ruling someone out I hear you say....maybe but that's
my opinion.

Kashkai

Hi BW,

Just got your pm so I'll have a think about it and pm you back tomorrow.

I see 2 stroke hasn't come back yet - in hiding maybe now that he's been outed as a teller of falsehoods - to put it politely. Like I said previously, its easy to hide behind the anonimity of the interweb. Normally I wouldn't give a toss about the likes of him but when he makes groundless comments on my character, its kinda annoying. Finally, if he is a gardener, then based on what he posted here, I wouldn't want him and his jumped up opinion of himself near my place.

See ya,

David

2 stroke

Hi, not hiding but out broadband land for a while. I'm tired of this topic obviously you are not interested in hearing my advice, and I don't advertise, word of mouth keeps me busy. Bwoman I only said we might have spoken, but pdave too much about you rings through, I know this is bound to rattle you but I do not intend to out you and I suggest you stop trying to out me. Exactly where have I made any comments on your character. You have certainly tried to sully mine.
Regards getting quotes, why only look for the cheapest quote, why not pick the best person to do the job and then work out a price. Dave your last house had weeds growing up through the path why not get the job done properly this time.

Builderwoman!

2 stroke wrote:

Bwoman and Pdave if you show some respect for peoples profession when making your enquires you may find that they show respect and curtesy back, maybe even a cheaper price. In the past I have often priced work according to costumer attitude, now I don't even price a job if I take a dislike to the customers attitude.

2Stroke, I do think that your quote above does sound like you were casting aspersions on my character when, in fact you, have never even spoken to me! Who said I didn't take your advice? I didn't in fact go with the cheapest quote. I did in fact take Sonnen's advice and go with an ACLA member, not sure if you are one or if that means anything to you. The man seems like a very professional guy and his price, his attitude and his work is good. You just seem to be taking offence at my opening statement that I wanted "someone" to lay a lawn etc. I did not ask for a landscaper because I felt that I could not afford one. TV programmes are giving you guys a bit of a bad name I am afraid and many now assume that they may indeed need a 10k+ budget to get a garden. I have now found that there are professional landscapers out there prepared to start up a garden for you and work on it with you over time on a smaller budget than you would think.

Dave - I'm sure after the "weeds growing up through your path" comment you must be coming up with more answers!

cast_iron

Maybe if ye all got together to landscape a playground, we'd all be happier.

Builderwoman!

cast_iron...you kept reading though didn't you????!!!!!!!

2 stroke

Bwoman.

Can anyone in Co Kildare recommend anyone to level and sow a lawn, cut out some beds and lay a garden path

A person that can be ''recomended'' to do the above work is a landscaper in my book.
Pdave go back to law school.

bmaxi

Could you guys not just kiss and make up? This thread is out of sync with the spirit of the forum.

Kashkai

2 stroke wrote:

Hi, not hiding but out broadband land for a while. I'm tired of this topic obviously you are not interested in hearing my advice, and I don't advertise, word of mouth keeps me busy. Bwoman I only said we might have spoken, but pdave too much about you rings through, I know this is bound to rattle you but I do not intend to out you and I suggest you stop trying to out me. Exactly where have I made any comments on your character. You have certainly tried to sully mine.
Regards getting quotes, why only look for the cheapest quote, why not pick the best person to do the job and then work out a price. Dave your last house had weeds growing up through the path why not get the job done properly this time.

Now the mists are clearing and what we have here is a gross mistake by 2 stroke. "My last house has weeds growing up through the paths"??????

Now as my last house is 15 miles away from where I now live (concrete paths all round - no weeds to be seen apart from some moss) and I never ever asked any gardener (or anyone else for that matter) to do any work on it, then its bloody obvious now that 2 stroke has the wrong Prosperous Dave in mind. I suppose its very possible that there is more than one David in Prosperous and 2 stroke spoke to him (poor guy - the other Dave I mean). I've only lived in Prosperous for a couple of years now and apart from Bob the Builder, noone else has been near the place - least not anyone in the gardening/landscaping business. So 2 stroke, apologise now if you're up to it:p

And btw, I'm not rattled, it was fun playing amateur detective for a while trying to figure out who you really were. Builderwoman and myself were just trying to avoid hiring someone who was too good for us:rolleyes: .

Now to find someone to do the garden.......Can anyone recommend a good gardener to do lawns, fencing, kerbing...........................:D

NextSteps

bmaxi wrote:

Could you guys not just kiss and make up? This thread is out of sync with the spirit of the forum.

Hear! Hear!

Builderwoman!

Dave..just read the above after my pm to you...I have hired someone and will keep you posted on his progress. I think I've managed to "weed out" (pardon pun) the right person.

2stroke...we have in fact hired a landscaper...and he's into realistic spends and time frames. He's a member of the landscaping organisation so that should mean he's pretty professional I would imagine! Will certainly post back to tell you if he and his work turns out satisfactorily.

Bmaxi & UB, nothing like a healthy and interesting debate to keep people reading though??!!!!!!??? It's really turned into a debate about the job description of a landscaper, garden budgets and whether or not we're hiring the right people for the job! We haven't outed or named any businesses, unlike other threads. You and plenty others are still checking in on the post ...now that can't be bad for boards?!

delly

The first great debate thread on the G/DIY forum in a while and I've been offline for the last month. Alls well that ends well tho'.

Builderwoman!

Totally agree Delly. Nothing like a good debate on a practical matter.

muffler

And here was me thinking it was going to end up in a dual with spades at sunrise

delly

muffler wrote:

And here was me thinking it was going to end up in a dual with spades at sunrise

Groan >_<