How We Onboard New GardenAdvice Clients
From a One-Day Gardening Course to Ongoing Support with MyGardenTeam
Many of our clients come to us because they want to understand their garden better. They may have moved into a new house, inherited an established garden, or simply feel unsure where to start.
At GardenAdvice we have developed a simple way to help people build confidence in their garden. It begins with a one-day practical gardening course in their own garden, and then continues with ongoing support through our MyGardenTeam service.
To explain how it works, we can look at a recent example — Fiona and Michael’s garden in Clapham, South London.
Step 1 – The One-Day Gardening Course in Your Garden
The first step is a full day working together in the garden.
This is not just a consultation. It is a hands-on gardening day where a GardenAdvice expert works alongside the client and teaches the key skills needed to manage the garden.
During the day we:
- Assess the garden and existing plants
- Identify any problems with soil, pests, or plant health
- Demonstrate pruning and plant care
- Show how to improve soil and lawn health
- Discuss planting ideas and future development
By the end of the day the client understands how their garden works and what to do next.
Example – Fiona and Michael, Clapham
When we first visited Fiona and Michael, their garden already had a good structure. There were fruit trees, climbing roses, lavender and a lawn. However, the garden had not been maintained in a structured way for some time.
During the one-day course we focused on a number of key tasks, including:
- Installing support wires for climbing roses
- Pruning and training the roses correctly
- Feeding shrubs and fruit trees with Growmore fertiliser
- Improving the lawn by adjusting the soil pH
- Installing pheromone traps in the fruit trees
- Creating a compost heap using reclaimed pallets
- Preparing areas for companion planting around the fruit trees
These were practical tasks that immediately improved the garden while also helping Fiona and Michael learn the techniques themselves.
Step 2 – A Garden Report and Concept Ideas
After the day in the garden we prepare a garden report.
This summarises what we observed and sets out a clear plan for developing the garden. It normally includes:
- Notes on soil, plants and garden health
- Recommendations for seasonal gardening tasks
- Simple concept illustrations showing possible improvements
- Suggestions for planting and garden structure
These plans are not formal design drawings. Instead they help the client visualise how the garden could develop over time.
Step 3 – Starting the Garden Development
Once the report has been discussed, we help clients begin the next stage of developing the garden.
This often includes:
- Improving soil health
- Structural pruning of trees and shrubs
- Training climbers and fruit trees
- Adding seasonal planting
- Improving wildlife and ecological balance in the garden
The aim is to create a healthy structure in the garden that will improve year after year.
Step 4 – Ongoing Support with MyGardenTeam
After the initial course many clients choose to continue working with us through our MyGardenTeam service.
This provides ongoing support from the GardenAdvice team, including:
- Seasonal gardening notes for your garden
- Practical task lists throughout the year
- Planting advice and crop schedules
- Help diagnosing plant problems
- Guidance on developing the garden over time
Rather than a one-off visit, MyGardenTeam creates an ongoing relationship with a gardening expert who understands your garden.
Fiona and Michael’s Garden – The Next Steps
Since their initial gardening day, Fiona and Michael have continued developing their garden with support from the GardenAdvice team.
Recent advice has included:
- Training their nectarine and apple trees
- Planning a vegetable growing schedule
- Improving clay soil with organic matter
- Planting sweet peas and seasonal flowers
- Planning future planting areas in the garden
Over time the garden will continue to evolve, but it now has a clear structure and direction.
A Garden That Grows With You
Gardens develop over seasons and years. Our approach is designed to help clients build confidence and knowledge so they can enjoy the process.
The combination of a one-day gardening course and ongoing MyGardenTeam support gives clients both the practical skills and expert advice needed to create a thriving garden.
If you would like to start developing your own garden with the GardenAdvice team, you can begin with a one-day gardening course in your garden and continue with support through MyGardenTeam.
