I had a good session today doing residential work for the parents of a city guy I know. His parents are long retired and the wife had to have two (2!) heart surgeries last year. So my friend surprises them in spring by having me clean up their garden beds, cut back perennials and prune their roses. In summer I also prune their cedar hedges. This kind of work is very satisfying.
Old age
My boss frequently reminds me about my advanced age but I still have a few good years left. The clients in this case are happy to off-load weeding and pruning tasks on me; and I’m happy to get some gig work.
It would take the husband two weeks to prune his cedar hedges with electric shears. I would bet they are on the dull side, too. Why not pay a few bucks and have me complete it in 3-4 hours, clean-up included.
It’s also safer. (I know one senior who was banned from attempting ladder work. His doctor told him to give it up. He listened. I think.)
Once, the old man watched me as he sat on his steps with beer in hand. It extended my session but it’s about relationships. These three people are clients you can make suggestions to. Customers, on the other hand, just care about the lowest price possible. They don’t care much beyond that.
Simple tasks
Weeds! Nobody really likes pulling weeds so I get lots of work because of it. Weeds also come back. Cultivate all beds for a nice, fluffy look.
Snip roses very lightly. No major surgeries, just dead canes and hip removal. Sure. Following orders.
Remember, the older the client, the higher the chance she is attached to her plants. Young landscapers always look skeptical when I tell them. The roses at this residence are very old and the old lady is attached to them. So be careful.
Definitely do a courtesy blow of the driveway. Just don’t blow anything into the garage.
Conclusion
I find this kind of residential work very satisfying. The clients get good work at fair rates. This allows them to relax and stay safe in their retirement. And these people are clients. You actually make suggestions and educate them. This isn’t the case with customers.
