The 'Winter Hours' system
The contract is structured to provide garden care on a year round basis.
During the growing season (March - November inclusive) a set number of hours are completed per month on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
During the dormant season (December to February inclusive) 'winter hours' equate to half the number completed in the growing season, on a fortnightly basis, or as weather conditions allow.
Why work in the Winter?
Although the weather is less favourable during the dormant season, it is still a valuable time to undertake a variety of garden tasks :
Routine pruning of many deciduous shrubs and trees is best performed in the winter.
Dead flower stems and foliage of many non evergreen perennials should be removed at this time.
Leaf clearance is ongoing during this period.
Major renovation pruning of tress and shrubs, both deciduous and evergreen, is best carried out at this time.
In fact, it can be a crucial time to prepare the garden and get ahead of the game before the busy growing seasons to come.
Hours and pricing
There is a reduction in hours over the winter but the monthly payment remains the same. This negates the need for electronic/regular payments to be changed.
For nine months of the year, the hourly rate is lower and for the remaining 3 months, the hourly rate is higher. The AVERAGE hourly rate is shown below.
Contracts range from a minimum of 2 hours per month (growing season) to a maximum of 12 hours per month (growing season).
HOURS PER MONTH PRICE PER MONTH (£)*
2 60
4 105
6 145
8 195
*prices as at July 026
Other monthly hours are available (up to a maximum of 12), contact for a quote
Contract v's as and when
Hourly rates are significantly cheaper
Your hours in the monthly work schedule are guaranteed
Having offered this type of contract since 2004, it has proven to be the most cost effective way to provide consistent and uninterrupted care for the garden.
