Experienced gardener needed urgently!

[vshah]

3 June: Hello, I live in central ED and am looking for a good, experienced gardener to come in the next few days to clear, weed, and most importantly prepare cuttings for me to take to my next house (also in Dulwich). (House move imminent and booked gardener not responding, hence the urgency.) Will also need a regular gardener longer-term so if this first visit works out it could lead to regular work. Please reply if you are available, experienced in cuttings and ready! No symptoms and can follow all social distancing measures. Thank you.

[Sue]

What are the plants you need cuttings of?

Depending on the type of cutting, it may be the wrong time of year to take them, unfortunately.

[vshah]

Hello, I'm flexible as I don't want to damage them or do the work unnecessarily. There are hydrangeas, baby sage, ferns, rose, jasmine, heuchera, fuchsia and a lot more. I wanted the gardener/expert to give me a view and then I'd pick the ones that might survive and take only those to the new house.

[PlantPower]

Hi there, you can find all the advice you need on the RHS website. They have sections on each plant and also on propagating. It is fairly simple, but you you'll need to know timing and process. Gardener's World website also has a wealth of info. Good luck with the move.

[vshah]

Hi PlantPower and Sue - really good advice, thanks. I'll have a look at both sites whether I secure a gardener or not. Thanks!

[Sue]

Also, vshah, some of the plants you mention can't be propagated by cuttings (to the best of my knowledge).

Given your imminent move, it feels like you are giving yourself a lot of extra work by adding plant propagation to it, particularly given the aftercare!

Had you considered just buying more plants when you get to your new house?

Also, it's possible the plants in your present garden may not be suitable for the new garden, for various reasons?

Adding my best wishes for good luck with the move!

[vshah]

Thanks Sue, maybe you are right. I spent thousands of pounds on plants over the last seven years and didn't want it to go to waste completely - plus I thought I could save some ?? in the future if I took some with me - plus worried they might die with new owners moving in if they're less interested in gardening! I'll look at the websites and take a view if trying to take any cuttings is sensible. Thanks for the best wishes for the move - very stressful!

[Sue]

Could you just take whole plants with you?

Were they included in the sale?

Maybe the new owners don't want them anyway? Worth asking?

Some people seem to just want no plants in their gardens these days, or else a few "no maintenance" ones 😢

[RGC Gardens]

Hi Vshah

We are experienced gardeners RGC Gardens working in the area for 10+ years. Interested in doing the job and doing the propagating (what is possibl, from your list roses, sage all good & I have propagatedmany times before). Please call 07947761964. Sylvia, RGC Gardens 07947761964

[vshah]

Hi Sue, I don't have the contact details for the buyers so can't ask. Sadly, I think I'll leave it - time is running out and very busy with the move, plus if it's the wrong time of year I'm worried I'll ruin perfectly good plants for nothing or leave the garden looking patchy. Thanks everyone for your advice and, next time, I'll start planning this sort of thing differently!

[Sue]

Completely understandable!

Good luck, and I hope you will be very happy in your new home and garden!