Eds Garden Maintenance

Changing the outlook in Cleveland Square through brute force and coffee

2012-02-03T12:52:00.013Z

James Leonard is planting trees in Cleveland Square on behalf of the Residents' Association.

He recently won the contract for maintaining the central garden of Cleveland Square, near Paddington. 6 mature cherry trees (Prunus Autumnalis Rosea) were delivered on the 2nd February. On one of the coldest days of the year James managed to roll these to their designated spot for planting through brute force and a lot of coffee. He has since planted them before the cold weather strikes.

Fantastic Customer Service

2012-01-27T11:40:00.003Z

We recently received the following letter:-

I had to write and let you know that my neighbour recently had some garden maintenance work carried out by Steve and his assistant from Eds Garden Maintenance. They had to use my side entrance and not only did they do an excellent job for my neighbour but Steve fixed my fence and when he had finished washed down my decking and left it better than he found it.

If I ever need any garden maintenance work done I would not hesitate to give Eds Garden Maintenance a call or recommend a friend if this is the level of service Eds offer.

Yours a very happy neighbour

Doctor's Orders

2012-01-18T12:48:00.004Z

John Marshall from Ed's Garden Maintenance found the benefits of his branded trailer.
"Whilst on the way to a job recently I stopped at my own doctor's surgery to drop off a repeat prescription. As I returned to my car parked outside, I was approached by a man also coming out of the surgery, who having seen my "Ed's" trailer, asked if I cut hedges. Having duly replied yes and saying I could have a look immediately, I followed him in his car to his house just half a mile away.

Suffice to say, a price for the job, which in fact was to cut back the hedging surrounding his entire garden, was agreed and time fixed to carry it out. The work is now complete and one very satisfied local customer. One rider to this is that in the conversation he mentioned he has a friend also moving to Chobham. As it turns out, less than 100 yards from my house, so another space to watch ...."

If you have some garden maintenance work to be done why not give us a call and an operator will come round to give you a free estimate. We pride ourselves on offering a prompt, efficient and reliable service.

Mow the Merrier

2011-12-20T10:07:00.008Z

John Marshall soon discovered the merits of his branded van when he started with one regular client in Chertsey, which soon became two and is now up to five with a potential of reaching 20 new customers on one estate by the spring. This has been possible by providing excellent service, displaying a clean branded trailer for great advertising and wearing a smart uniform. Please call us if you wish to have a free quote for some professional garden maintenance.

Giving your hedge an edge

2011-12-05T12:17:00.015Z

Michael has been in business for
three years and is a hedge cutting expert.
Michael cuts about four hundred hedges a year. He has even been asked by a local gardening club in Petersfield to give a demonstration on hedge-cutting.

From being the smallest gardener in his area he is now the largest in terms of work load and customers because he has all the equipment and can do any job. He says "Our work has to be excellent, and we aim to be better than everyone else".

O Christmas O Christmas Tree, thy candles shine so brightly!

2011-12-02T10:38:00.004Z

Lucy has shared this photo of the Teddington Christmas Tree which is now lit up in all its 15 foot glory. Lucy was asked to put the tree up for the Teddington Business Community, opposite the Memorial Hospital.
Only 23 days to go.....

Local Thames Ditton resident sings our praises

2011-11-24T12:43:00.017Z

Local Thames Ditton resident, Mrs Hilary Hepburn, is delighted with her new pond which was installed last week by John Marshall, a relatively new Operator from Ed's Garden Maintenance. She said John has been"absolutely fantastic. I can't praise him highly enough". She said she'd been to RHS Wisley to learn about ponds and John had done it in exactly the same way as had been recommended by the gardeners at Wisley.

Mrs Hepburn poses by her pond, and was thrilled to have her photograph included on our blog.

Ed's Garden Maintenance brings Christmas to Teddington

2011-11-22T14:14:00.009Z

Lucy Williams has been asked to put up the first Christmas Tree for the Teddington Business Community. It has been positioned at the end of the high street outside the Memorial Hospital in Teddington.
Lucy is celebrating two years in business in and around Teddington as an Ed's Garden Maintenance Operator. Most of Lucy's business comes from word of mouth as customers like her reliability.
Well done, Lucy. We are looking forward to seeing photos of the Christmas tree lit up in all its glory.
Lucy is also selling Christmas Trees in her local area.
If you would like to spruce up your garden for Christmas with a tidy up or garden clearance please contact Ed's to be put in touch with an Operator in your local area.

Gardening Makeover

2011-11-14T13:00:00.001Z

Marcus Richardson from Ed's Garden Maintenance has recently had an interesting project.

The customer claimed to have little gardening skills but loved spending time in the garden. The brief was to come up with ideas to give the front and back garden a modern makeover, with a natural look to compliment the surrounding plantation and to create a garden with symmetrical clean lines and that requires little maintenance.

Marcus decided for the front garden to lay new turf, create a brick edging and add some gravel and shrubs. The back garden was more of a challenge as it was very steep and needed to be terraced. Marcus started by rebuilding the steps, installing a deck on the top tier and laying turf. The next step was to remove the shed and build a brick BBQ, South African style to retain the privacy that was provided by the shed. The decking was expanded to tie in with the rest of the garden and over the next few months Marcus will plant more shrubs to give a more secluded feel.

The customer said "I have been delighted with the result and I am looking forward to spending more time in the garden next summer."

Marcus Richardson runs his own Ed's Garden Maintenance business in the Wokingham area. If you are interested in your garden having a makeover please contact Ed's.

Terrific Turfing from Ed's

2011-11-07T10:10:00.000Z

John Marshall from Ed's Garden Maintenance Guildford has transformed several gardens in the last month by laying down new turf in preparation for next summer.

John's most recent project was to clear the site of gravel, level and turf 100 m sq of lawn.

If you are interested in having a new lawn please contact Ed's Garden Maintenance and we will be happy to send someone out to give a free quote.

A little tidying up ...

2011-10-31T14:28:00.012Z

Even a little tidying up can transform a garden - as can be seen from these "before and after” photographs:

James Leonard (North London) took these photos, both before he started work on cutting back these straggly hedges - and of the finished result.

The work was done in September (you can tell by the sunshine) ...

... and you can see how these gardens have benefited from their late summer makeover – immediately increasing their “kerb appeal”!

Before

and After

A few nice words ....

2011-10-24T14:56:00.003+01:00

Here at Ed’s Garden Maintenance we value feedback from our customers - all feedback - including what we’re doing well and which aspects we can improve on (that way we can ensure our service goes beyond our customers’ expectations).

So it was wonderful to receive the following email from Ms O’Neill in Berkshire regarding one of our Garden Business Operators, Marcus Richardson.

“Marcus came to my home last week to carry out the one-off garden tidy-up I’d requested prior to putting my house on the market. I want to record my appreciation both for Marcus’ work and for your impressive service.

“From the moment Marcus called me (only 5 minutes after I had first contacted your website) to my returning home after a week away to find my poor neglected garden whipped into shape in my absence and looking great, your service has been terrific and extremely good value.

“I shall certainly recommend Garden Maintenance and Marcus Richardson to others. Many thanks!”

Thank you, Ms O’Neill for taking the time to contact us – delighted to hear that you were so pleased with the work and we look forward to working with you again in the future.

And well done, Marcus, for doing such a great job! We’re expecting him back from Cloud 9 any day now ...

Press Release: New Business Development Manager

2011-10-21T09:38:00.007+01:00

Ed’s Garden Maintenance, the UK’s leading garden maintenance franchise, is delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Wolff as their new Business Development Manager.

Gary, who joined the company in mid-September, brings with him more than 16 years’ specific franchise experience. He is looking forward to working with Business Owner Edward Mauleverer to develop and expand the business across the UK.

Gary said,

“Ed’s Garden Maintenance is a highly successful business model and, like most successful business models, it’s very simple. The franchisees around the country offer a friendly and professional service that not only attracts but retains customers.

“Regular repeat business is vital in this competitive market and Ed’s Garden Maintenance continues to provide excellent customer service and carry out the work to the highest possible standard.”

Business Owner, Edward Mauleverer said,

“Having already demonstrated that we can support our franchisees further away from Head Office, we are now looking to expand our coverage across the UK.

“Gary’s appointment will enable us to build upon this. His expertise will help us continue to grow and develop our franchise operations and enable us to provide a greater level of support to our Garden Business Operators.”

Gary, originally from the Newcastle upon Tyne area, is a keen photographer and enjoys getting out on his motorbike whenever he can although most of his time is taken up with his children. He now lives in Wimbledon and freely admits that his garden could do with the attention of one of the Ed’s Garden Business Operators!

PRESS RELEASE: 27 September 2011

2011-10-14T16:46:00.004+01:00

From London Recruitment to Bristol Gardens -
Paul Brunton, Garden Business Operator

A former Recruitment Executive has swapped his central London desk for the gardens of Bristol and opened his Garden Maintenance Business in the Frenchay area of the city.

Paul Brunton, 34, moved to Bristol in February of this year after five years working in central London. He started his new business, Ed’s Garden Maintenance, on 1st August and he has quickly become established in and around his local area.

Paul said::

“Moving to Bristol was very much a lifestyle choice. I worked in gardening many years ago and was keen to return to this sort of work, to leave the desk job behind and get back to working outdoors.

“After working as a Recruitment Executive in central London for five years, I wanted to get away from the rising house prices and the high cost of living in the capital. As we have family connections in Bristol, moving to the South West was the obvious choice.

“Since starting my business at the beginning of August, I’ve had a lot of repeat business and have already gained a number of regular customers, which is fantastic. I’m really enjoying meeting people and working in and around my local community. It’s certainly a world away from my previous job!”

Paul Brunton

The National Franchise Show: did you see us?

2011-10-09T14:07:00.004+01:00

Last week the team from Ed’s Garden Maintenance were at the National Franchise Show, NEC Birmingham.

Did you see us? Did you stop for a chat?

The organisers did a fantastic job of promoting the show and with thousands attending each day, our team was kept very busy. We were overwhelmed and delighted to meet so many of you interested in joining us.

But if you were unable to get along to the show or would like more information about becoming a Garden Business Operator, please contact us for an Operator Prospectus

The Prospectus details what you can expect as a Garden Business Operator, how we will help you with preparing your business and marketing plans, and the training and on-going support we offer.

We are now seeking new Garden Business Operators throughout the UK so this is the ideal time to get in touch and find out how you can join us. And joining us gives you the best of both worlds: the opportunity to be your own boss but with the knowledge that you have an experienced and dedicated team behind you.

You can request an Operator Prospectus from the “Join Us” page of our website – we look forward to hearing from you!

Press Release Two: 12 September 2011

2011-09-28T11:31:00.004+01:00

Summer of Expansion for Ed’s Garden Maintenance

For Ed’s Garden Maintenance, summer 2011 has been a time of rapid expansion with seven new franchisees joining the team since the beginning of June, bringing the total into the twenties.

The seven new Garden Business Operators further establish Ed’s Garden Maintenance within the South East of England, with the new businesses setting up in Chobham, Epsom, North London, Balham, Wokingham and Bracknell. Another franchise recently opened in the Bristol area, giving the firm an increased presence in the South West.

Ed’s Garden Maintenance was set up in 2007 and its highly successful business model has ensured steady growth over the past five years. In a short space of time, it has become one of the main Garden Maintenance businesses in the UK.

Business owner Edward Mauleverer said:

“It’s very exciting to see so many new Operators join us in just a few months. We are now a major presence in the South East and are delighted that we are becoming more established around South West England, too. Having now demonstrated that we can support our franchisees further away from head office, we are now looking to expand our coverage across the UK.

“We pride ourselves in providing a prompt, reliable and efficient garden maintenance service, and we’re always looking for friendly, professional, motivated people to become part of our team.”

Ed’s Garden Maintenance will be at Stand H70 at the National Franchise Show at the NEC in Birmingham on 30 September 30th and 1st October.

Press Release One: 12 September 2011

2011-09-28T10:51:00.003+01:00

National Franchise Show First Time Exhibitors Ready for UK-Wide Expansion

Ed's Garden Maintenance is delighted to be exhibiting for the first time at the National Franchise Show at the NEC Birmingham, on 30th September and 1st October.

Ed's Garden Maintenance, based in Thames Ditton, Surrey, was set up in 2007 and its highly successful business model has ensured steady growth over the past five years. In a short space of time, it has become one of the main Garden Maintenance businesses in the UK.

Business Owner, Ed Mauleverer said,

"Over the past few years our business has grown significantly and we're now ready to move beyond Southern England and to start expanding UK-wide.

"We see the National Franchise Show as the perfect opportunity to reach potential franchisees from across the country.

"It's been a great summer for our new and established Garden Business Operators alike. For instance, James Leonard, who joined us in June, has quickly built up his business in and around North London. He already has repeat business and regular customers and he's looking forward to the next few months."

James Leonard said,

"When I set up my business, it was late June and I've tried to take advantage of the summer months as much as possible. It's been hard work but enjoyable.

"The great thing about working with Ed's is the support I receive. Ed and the rest of the team are always there to help and I know if I need any advice, need to talk something over, I can just pick up the phone. You're not left out on your own!"

Ed's Garden Maintenance will be at Stand H70 at the National Franchise Show at the NEC in Birmingham on 30th September and 1st October.

Time for a Change of Scenery?

2011-09-09T10:17:00.003+01:00

Do you feel it's time for a new start?
Do you want to get away from the desk job - and that 9 to 5 routine?
Have you ever thought of working for yourself?

So why not take the first steps to becoming your own boss - and come and talk to us?

Ed's Garden Maintenance is currently expanding - and we're seeking friendly, motivated people to join our team of Garden Business Operators, right across the UK.

Joining us as a Garden Business Operator gives you the best of both worlds: a chance to become your own boss but with an experienced team behind you to provide help, guidance and advice on every aspect of your business.

You will receive ongoing support from day one and benefit from our comprehensive training programme - in gardening equipment, the latest techniques, health & safety practices and in marketing your business.

For more information, why not come along to the National Franchise Show at the NEC, Birmingham from 30 September to 1 October. We're at Stand H70 - and we're looking forward to seeing you.

The National Franchise Exhibition, NEC Birmingham

2011-08-02T11:04:00.003+01:00

Ed's Garden Maintenance is a member of the BFA and will be exhibiting at The National Franchise Exhibition, 30th September & 1st October at the NEC Birmingham (2011). This is a great opportunity for you to come and find out more about an Ed's Garden Maintenance Business and meet some of our team.

Ed's is on a roll

2011-08-02T10:56:00.003+01:00

Ed's Garden Maintenance has recently taken on 5 new enthusiastic operators to join the successful and rapidly expanding Ed's Garden Maintenance Team. By joining Ed's each operator receives a solid support structure and ongoing training which combined with our operators enthusiasm should give them an excellent start in their respective new areas. We wish all the new operators success with their new business ventures.

To find out more about Ed's and becoming an operator please look at 'Join Us' on the Ed's web site or come and meet us at the NEC Franchise Show.

Garden make over by Rodney Collett

2011-07-28T20:23:00.015+01:00

A town house garden has recently been transformed by Rodney from Eds Garden Maintenance. His remit was to create a relaxed seating area with the minimum amount of maintenance - I think the results speak for themselves. Rodney and some other Ed's operators are happy to take on landscaping work so please contact us at Ed's to find out more. The start of the clearing

Paving base laid and the late stage of the paving

Paving complete with a 15 year guarantee with the stain stop dry treat. Note all stain stop impregnation does not guarantee to keep the stains out as you still have to clear up if you spill a red wine on the stones especially if it is a porous stone

Make use of the dead space

Eds Garden Business now covering Wokingham, Bracknell,Windsor and Ascot

2011-07-05T19:06:00.009+01:00

Marcus Richardson has started his training with a view to starting his Eds Garden Maintenance Business at the beginning of August.

Having already completed the initial induction covering subjects such as the importance of customer service and delivering a professional service he has now been learning the tips and tricks to deliver excellent results in the garden from mowing the lawn (including strimming the edges) to cutting and trimming hedges.

"I thought I knew quite a lot about mowing lawns and cutting hedges but now I have professional equipment the results are really quote impressive. I've surprised myself!"

As it happens, while perfecting the techniques, he received two calls from customers wanting gardening services in his area and has already gained some regular work mowing lawns while the customer is on holiday.

Female Entrepreneur Of The Year

2011-06-27T11:14:00.011+01:00

Ed's Garden Maintenance is very proud to announce that Sarah Whaley was a runner up in the The Zimbabwe Achievers Award for Female Entrepreneur. In order to achieve this award Sarah has had to demonstrate a commitment to excellence. The event was held on Saturday 9th April 2011 at the Mermaid Theatre Blackfriars. Sarah said "It is fantastic to win this award and I have to thank Ed's who have always been very supportive of my business growth. I have a mix of wonderful clients and hardworking, passionate employees that has allowed me to grow my business in a time of recession. I would like to say 'thank you' to everyone who voted."

Sarah covers Central London and has been delivering lawn mowing and garden services with Ed's since 2009.

Ed’s Garden Franchise Business opens in North London

2011-05-16T10:06:00.000+01:00

James Leonard recently joined Ed’s Garden Maintenance and will be operating in North London.

James says:- “I’ve just started with Ed’s in the North London region, and can’t wait to get started. As I grew up in the heart of the Kent countryside, I’ve really missed the outdoors since living in London, so what better compromise could I find than by becoming an Ed’s Operator and do something that I’ve missed for years! What attracts me to Ed’s is their substantial support and training to start my business and the positive comments from existing operators who are clearly running successful businesses and having a lifestyle I would like to have.”

New Operators are starting all the time and to find out more please visit ‘Join Us’ on EdsGardenMaintenance.co.uk.

May in the garden

2011-05-01T21:35:00.000+01:00

'Just living is not enough,' said the butterfly.
'One must have sunshine, freedom,
and a little flower.'

Hans Christian Andersen

Well with all those long weekends that we’ve all enjoyed lately I’m sure your gardens are looking beautiful, It was hard to tell what season we were in at times, everything seems to have had a huge growth spurt and at times it has had the feel of summer.

This is the month when for nature in the garden everything is happening – animals and insects are raising their young , the lovely chirping in the nests of the fluffy baby birds, native plants are coming into bloom, butterflies fill the air – if your garden isn’t as butterfly packed as you would like, try planting Honeysuckle or Buddleia ; there is now a new dwarf variety that can be grown in pots for your patio and won’t grow to the size of your house within a couple of years!

It’s time to start thinking about the summer garden. If you want to enjoy colour during the summer, spring is the time to plant out the summer flowering annuals, bulbs, perennials and shrubs. There is in fact so much to be doing this month that I could with a dozen or so pages, below I’ve listed the most important (and fun jobs)

· Lilacs should be pruned lightly after they finish blooming, removing sucker growths and dead blooms. Feed lilacs in May with a good all purpose fertilizer after they have finished blooming

· Prune privet lightly this month (wait till June if its exposed).

· After flowering, reduce tangled growth on clematis montana in positions where it cannot be allowed free rein. (The growth made this summer will flower next spring.) If space is tight, prune every year. If not, do it every few years. Clematis montana can be left unpruned indefinitely, but one day there will be a great big tangle to deal with.

· If you missed sowing some annual flowers sow some now, choose evening flowers, especially if you are out all day, then you can enjoy there fragrance in the evening...fragrant night-scented stocks, white-flowered cosmos 'Purity' and annual evening primroses, which open their brilliant lemon flowers at dusk, so that moths can pollinate them. Scatter them where you want the flowers.

· This is the best time to buy summer bedding plants for perking up flowerbeds and containers, as garden centers still have plenty of choice.

· Dahlias, gladiolas, tuberous begonias, lilies and cannas and other summer flowering bulbs can be planted this month. Gladiolas bulbs may be planted at 2 week increments until the first of July to provide you with cut flowers until the first frost.

· May is the month for sowing most vegetables outdoors - French and runner beans, beetroot, broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower, carrots, kale, leeks, lettuce, spring onions, parsnips, spinach and turnips. Stagger the sowings so that they crop over a longer period

· Lower the lawnmower blades to summer height and begin to cut regularly