Keeping our sites tidy is important for a number of reasons. Although keeping visual clutter to a minimum throughout the job is important to the client, reducing mess is also key to helping our operation run as smoothly and safely as possible.

Overview

• Tool storage- When going to get a different tool, leave the tool you were using and no longer need with the other tools.

  Never keep hand tools in trugs as these can very easily end up on the compost heap/ in the tip.

• Pots and mudiness- Plant pots should be stacked rather than thrown onto the ground after planting.

  When working a border aim to reduce soil spilling over edges. Brush back onto the bed before it is trodden into paving/ lawn.

  Be wary of muddy boots and walking over lawns and paving.

• Safety/ efficiency- Be wary of trip hazards, keep unused tools with the other tools

  Rakes and spades should be left faced down to avoid the classic slapstick rake-to-the-face scenario.

  Avoid wasting time thoroughly clearing areas that will be made messy again before the end of the day but do carry out quick cleans whilst mess is made.

• Finishing touches- Sweep/ leafblow all debris and leaves as the final task before leaving.

  Ensure edges are cleared of soil and bits, if the border edge has become softened it may be necessary to cut a new one with the half-moon tool.

Managing mess in the garden

‘Mess’ in a garden setting often comes in the form of tools spread across the ground, empty plant pots strewn around after planting, full trugs or bags left rather than being emptied straight away, muddy trails in the lawn caused by walking back and forth in work boots etc.

Gardening is generally messy work, soil will inevitably be spread out of the beds onto edges but it is important to regularly try to remedy this by brushing the soil back onto the border and to scrape off muddy boots before walking back across the garden.

Leaving a good impression

Although to us as gardeners, the garden is a workplace/site, it is worth remembering that we do work within clients’ home space. Whilst many of our clients may be easy going, some may be irritated by the site of a messy garden even temporarily whilst the work is being carried out. This might seem slightly pedantic but the garden is their space and it is important to treat it with respect throughout the course of the job. This will ensure our thorough reputation is maintained whilst leaving a good impression on the client (and perhaps even their neighbours who may then enquire).

Garden tidy jobs

When doing a garden tidy or clearance job it important to clear beds to a sufficient level of tidiness. Removing all fallen leaves, roots, stems and stones (as well as any litter found) with a rake should be followed by removing any leftover bits that slipped through the net after the initial raking. A tidied bed should have a clear surface with just bare soil and retained plants left at the end of the day.

Safety and efficiency

In terms of safety and efficiency a tidy site means trip hazards are reduced and less time is wasted locating tools.

Whilst it is important to keep on top of tidying throughout the course of the job, don’t forget that the final task of the day will always be sweeping and blowing away and dust, dirt and debris. With this in mind make sure not to waste time tidying to the fullest extent partway through the job for it to be made messy again when work is resumed.