When employing a gardener, you need to know they will do a good job. How important is a formal qualification?

Complex Landscapes

For large and complex landscapes, qualifications from bodies like the RHS are well regarded.

Domestic Gardens

For domestic work, experience and passion often count more than certificates.

What to Look For

Check for public liability insurance. Ask about local growing knowledge.

Professional Bodies

Membership of the Professional Gardeners’ Guild or Chartered Institute of Horticulture shows commitment.

The Value of Experience

Many of the best gardeners learned through years of hands-on experience.