Exciting echiums!

Today I went to an open day at The Echium Garden in Edwinstowe ,notts. 

We normally think of these plants growing in the south of England.

However, I have bought one.

Some are grown in large containers.

Mine is not like this.

I am going to keep it in  a pot and protect it in Winter.

Linda and Ray Heywood will be at the RHS Chatsworth show in june. 

They have already done well at Hampton Court flower Show. 

Their talk”The land of the Giants” is very popular.

Go to http://www.echiumworls.co.uk to find out more.

www.annesmithdesigns.co.uk

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What is the right help for you?

I have been giving some thought to the various types of help that is available to gardeners.

It is important that you think what you need and how to get the help.

This includes  garden designers, gardeners, arborists,

landscapers , joiners , electricians or general odd job men.

1) if your garden is full of rubbish get a clearance man.

2)If your trees are overgrown or need pruning get an arborist.

3))Do not expect a designer to be happy if they have come into your garden to survey it and you “waylay” them asking for tree advice.

4)If you know what plants you want get a gardener in to plant them.

5)Joiners will be happy to put up a pergola.

6) Electricians can advice and install lighting.

So often now I meet clients who have no idea who to contact for what.

These leeds to confusion,frustration and sometimes quite bad aggression.

Think before you act!

You will save yourself a lot of trouble!

www.annesmithdesigns.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Lacking respect:

 

My recent contact with aggressive clients has made me quite disheartened by how the General Public treat people  in horticulture.

They know little of the training and expertise that we have.

Just because they have watched some gardening on TV  they think they know it all!!

Why don’t they look at the length and depth of training we go through.

They also know little of how to deal with people.

How often will they take advice?

How often will they listen instead of talking non -stop about themselves?

If you are paying for help why not listen to the advice given.

Before contacting a professional why not look into how they work.

Try to research what the job entails.

If the designer follows the regulations set out by the industry, do not try to compromise their professional standing by taking over and flaunting  the rules.

Lastly do not fall back on verbal abuse if the designer tries to maintain some control of the situation.

It all comes  down to treating others with respect.

www.annesmithdesigns.co.uk