Avoid Nigel the gardener at all costs. He is untrustworthy and leaves very shoddy work.

[darluthier]

I used Nigel the gardener via this forum. And I really, really wish I hadn't. PLEASE, PLEASE BEWARE!! Before I go any further I feel it is very important to point out that I was a professional gardener for 8 years, but unfortunately now I just don't have the time for gardening as I have a much more successful and lucrative business.

I see positive feed back on here for Nigel, but it utterly discombobulates me as to how this can be possible?! I had Nigel and his team of young lads maintain my garden twice. The first time they did very little in the 2 hours all three of them were here, and what they did do actually quite upset me as it was very shoddy and they totally destroyed my honeysuckle in the front garden. The honeysuckle had been growing like a privet hedge, in a rectangular shape, but after they had finished with it, it looked like a horizontal pear with a Siamese twin! The edgings looked as though they has been gnawed-out with a corrugated spade, and the excess earth from them was just strewn all over the beds. However, I really wish this were my only gripe!

As I had struggled to get anyone else to even come to see the job I was forced to use Nigel again, I thought I'd give him a second chance before complaining, but now I just wish I had trusted my instincts. I left keys for Nigel to do the work and on my return that evening I noticed that my motorcycle covers had been partially lifted. I had told Nigel about my concerns here to the point where he had to stop me and say, "It's ok, you won't have to move your motorcycles". I had assured Nigel it would not be a problem to move my prize, collectors motorcycles for them to gain access. I explained thoroughly how special they were to me and under no circumstances were they to go near them. He insisted continuously they could lift everything over them and it wasn't a problem. When you view the attached pictures you will see what they did. I told Nigel what had happened and he agreed to pay for the damage. All seemed fine and I was decent about it, but I did tell him I could not pay him yet as he needed to sort the damage out first. Long story short, he had left his lads on their own, they denied responsibility, and he has now completely bumped-me-off and ignored me despite me telling him I would post complaints on the internet. The damage cost ?257.73. I have tried on several occasions to let him rectify it and he has just completely and utterly ignored me now. This happened over a month ago. I feel it is also very important to let everyone know here that he just used my terrible Flymo mower to cut the grass, which I know takes 2 hours in its self as it is useless, and they used my other garden tools. The reason I called in a pro is to use pro tool, so the rest of the 2 hours can be spent on the rest of the garden! This is just not acceptable. He charges ?74.00 for 2 hours!! To use my tools!?! The limited tools the lads supplied were left on the 2nd visit for Nigel to collect when he came for payment, after the damage was done, they consisted of a sweeping brush, an extension lead and a "shovel"; which was absolutely covered in 1 inch of concrete - no exaggeration, really! They turned-up in a hire van, and he told me his mower was broken. The lads didn't even put my mower and tools away after they used them! Nigel is an amateur gardener, with even more amateur lads. Who are dishonest and disrespectful. DO NOT RISK USING THEM, PlEASE!!

[Otta]

IF you really were a pro gardener, and they came and did a bad job first time, why on earth would you use them again?

You say you couldn't get anyone else, but if I couldn't get anyone else to do a job I still wouldn't go back to someone I wasn't happy with.

This just sounds off to me.

EDIT to change a would to a wouldn't.

[oddJobJohn9312]

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[oddJobJohn9312]

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[darluthier]

If you read the post thoroughly all is very clear. Sounds like you know Nigel and are trying to defend him!? If you look up my website you will see who I am. You do not receive award from royalty for dishonesty - darluthier.com

[darluthier]

If you read the post all is clear, but simply - because gardens grow, fast, and need to be cut-back if you are to keep on top of it. If you look-up my website you'll see that I didn't receive awards from royalty for dishonesty. Do you know Nigel?

[StraferJack]

Because I was giving him such a hard time on here, I PM'd the OP as well (about the general rules of the forum, first time posters, rival business yadd yadda)

Anyway an interesting chat followed and whilst his point is unchanged, he might better have checked the forum first to better convey his message

And despite what I said about not using his business, the truth is those guitars look pretty sweet

[darluthier]

Thank you, StraferJack. No, I'm not a gardener anymore, and haven't been for 10 years! I make guitars. Thanks again, maybe everyone can help put the record straight here by posting on the post!? I am genuinely trying to warn people and do the good thing! My God what has the world come to!?!

[Help-Ma-Boab]

Nice guitars indeed. Perth Uni is new to me but guess it moved on from The College of Knowledge. Lovely part of the world. Had some good nights up there. Ice Factory anyone!

Dont have a garden, but if i need my window box tended I will be wary of Nigel...

[darluthier]

Ha, ha, Ice Factory indeed, Help-ma-Boab! I haven't been up that way, permanently at least, for 14 years. Yeah, it's a University now. A damn fine one too!

[Otta]

I'm not Nigel, but I still don't get why you used him a second time if you were so unhappy withbthe first.

But I will have a look at tour guitars.

[Otta]

Beautiful guitars but at that price range I'llbhave to stick to mass produced Gibson.

[darluthier]

"Read" the post, seriously!!

[darluthier]

That's ok, many of us drive Fords or Audi's but would love to drive an Aston Martin or Maserati, or whatever your dream is!

[Rolo Tomasi]

Ok.

[darluthier]

A public apology would be appreciated, John. A lot of people saw your comments. Thank you!

[oddJobJohn9312]

I don't need to apologise I was stating the obvious

[darluthier]

Actually, you accused me of falsifying information. That is slander, and there is no slander in the truth.

[bitten]

which nigel the gardener?, i have an account of a nigel who is a gardener but goes under a different name on here..!!