Step-by-Step: How to Vet and Choose Your Gardener
Follow this systematic process to avoid costly mistakes:
Gather 3-5 candidates from different sources. Visit their websites, social media profiles, and review platforms. Look for:
- Professional presentation and clear service descriptions
- Portfolio photos of completed projects
- Client testimonials or reviews
- Years in business
- Certifications or affiliations
Before scheduling consultations, confirm basics over phone or email:
- "Are you insured for liability and accidents?" (Require proof before site visit)
- "What certifications or training do you have?" (Look for horticultural certificates, landscaping licenses, JardinSuisse membership)
- "How long have you been serving clients in Zurich?" (Minimum 2-3 years ensures local knowledge)
- "Do you have experience with your specific need: native plants, biodiversity gardens, rooftop spaces?"
Eliminate candidates who:
- Can't provide insurance documentation
- Seem evasive about qualifications
- Rush you toward a decision
- Request full payment upfront
- Refuse to provide references
Schedule on-site assessments with your top 3 candidates. During the visit:
Ask specific questions:
- "What approach would you take with my garden?"
- "Which plants would thrive in this microclimate?"
- "How do you handle Zurich's regulations on tree cutting and pesticides?"
- "What sustainable practices do you employ?"
- "How often would you need to visit, and what would each visit include?"
- "What happens if I'm not satisfied with work?"
Request itemized written quotes including:
- Hourly rate or task-based pricing
- Materials and plant costs
- Waste disposal fees
- Travel or access fees
- Payment terms
- Timeline for work
- What's specifically included and excluded
Contact 2-3 previous clients provided by each candidate. Ask:
- "How long did this gardener work for you?"
- "What services did they provide?"
- "Were they reliable with scheduling and communication?"
- "Did they complete work as quoted, or were there unexpected costs?"
- "How did they handle problems or concerns?"
- "Would you hire them again?"
Pay attention to: Enthusiasm level in responses. Lukewarm references often indicate mediocre service.
Create a comparison matrix:
| Criteria | Weight | Candidate A | Candidate B | Candidate C |
|---|
| Price (hourly or total) | 25% | | | |
| Insurance & credentials | 20% | | | |
| Experience with your needs | 20% | | | |
| Communication & professionalism | 15% | | | |
| Sustainable practices | 10% | | | |
| References quality | 10% | | | |
Don't automatically choose the cheapest. A gardener charging CHF 85/hour who works efficiently and avoids mistakes costs less than one charging CHF 60/hour who damages plants or misses critical seasonal timing.
Never proceed without a written contract. It should specify:
Scope of work: Detailed description of services, areas covered, frequency of visits
Pricing: Total cost or hourly rate, payment schedule, cost of materials
Timeline: Start date, completion date (for projects), seasonal scheduling (for maintenance)
Materials: Who provides what, quality standards for plants and amendments
Waste disposal: Who handles it, costs included or extra
Cancellation terms: Notice required, refund policy
Liability: Insurance coverage, responsibility for damages
Satisfaction guarantee: Process for addressing concerns or unsatisfactory work
Review carefully before signing. Ask for clarification on anything unclear. Professional gardeners expect questions and welcome detailed contracts—they protect both parties.
