Who minds your garden while you're away?

I hope I posted this in the correct forum.

I am anticipating going on vacation late this fall and again next spring and am already fretting about how to find/train someone to take care of my garden/greenhouse. And just who to pick. I'm not terribly worried about leaving things at the end of this season as most of the plants will have died anyway but the spring....

I do have family but the only one really interested in gardening is the one who lives furthest from me.

How did you choose/find someone to watch over your plants?

 

No one.
So dont go away anymore.

 

I have my sister to look after my plants when we're gone, but my neighbour would help out as well if I asked her. She owns the allotment up from ours, and she is quite a good gardener. Do you have a gardening neighbour who might be willing to help out?

 

I have used neighbours before but they got old, then I tried a work colleague who was unreliable. So now I go away at the quiet times of year, which for me is autumn and winter.

 

Hi Lori,

Just send me the air tickets and I'll come and be a house/garden sitter for you

 

My neighbourhood seems to be lacking gardeners. Nice idea though. Thank you.

 

The local Heron likes to drop in to look after my fish and any other poor critters in the pond when im out.

 

When we go away , I put all my containers and baskets on a small sheltered patio we have at the back of the house . My wifes son lives locally so he comes and waters them every 4th day . The flower beds fend for themselves ! Works fine

 

No one
We used to have a neighbour who used to come in and do things uninvited and the plants would die

 

Maybe my best bet is to extend my watering system. I have the low flow/pressure irrigation set up which usually takes me only about 12 - 15 minutes a day to run enough to thoroughly water most things. There is a tube to every hanging plant and most of the greenhouse occupants but as yet, not all of the pots sitting on the decks. Then I can label the valves for the various zones so that it is clear what waters which area. Then perhaps put a case of beer in the fridge and ask number two son who lives close by but unfortunately would rather go fishing than garden, to come by after work and run the system ...

Thanks for all of the suggestions - if there is anything I may be overlooking or perhaps a simpler way to ensure I don't come back to a wasteland, I appreciate the replies.

 

I have the most fantastic neighbour, she's like a mum to me , she locks up my hens every night when I'm working late, feeds my cat/picks up my post & waters my plants when I'm away , In return I give her eggs every week, flowers/pot plants veg from the garden & the odd bottle of plonk! I also collect jumble for her church fundraiser & do anything I can go help her . I'm really lucky to have her & I really do appreciate all she does for me