How to hire a gardener?


I have a 15 x 15 ft area in my front yard that I would like to turn into a garden.  My house is in the Upper Beaches area in the east end of Toronto.  The front yard is generally dry, seems to drain well, the soil is mostly clay, the area is mostly shady and is on the north side of the house.  There is a tree on the front yard (planted by the builder about 8 years ago) whose roots are largely above the ground.

Can you please suggest where I could hire a gardener to help me plan an appropriate garden, and then do the initial digging and preparation of the soil to get me started with it?



Master Gardeners cannot recommend specific companies or individuals for paid work.  We are volunteers with a mandate to educate the public about gardening and horticultural issues.

Your yard seems perfect for a local gardener.  Asking your neighbours about who they have used and would recommend, would be a great start.  The Beach Garden Society is another avenue to explore as there are many very capable members that run gardening businesses in the area.  Also, the local newspaper, The Beach Metro News, I believe has a classified section at the back with many gardeners, landscape designers etc….  Another option, is to post a sign in a local garden centre or community centre asking for a local gardener to help you get your garden going.

If you require more hardscaping such as pathways, decks or patios, you might want to consider a company that specializes in landscape design.  If you go to  and chose the tab, contact a company.  There are many accredited companies listed there.

Here is a link to contact the Beach Garden Society: