"hi, yes a very good question! i am also looking for some software - but i need software that will be able to visualise the actual planting schemes (plants in detail) in borders rather than just the lawn, patio and wall layouts."

"This is where terms of business come in I am sure many of us have gone to dig a border over to replant to  find that old concrete pad for the oil tank or  a path and it needs removing prior to planting. Just makesure the customer is aware…"

"good replies i have changed my stratagy as start of last year I used to be hourly and one thing  i have had is some people only want you for a couple of months (partiularlly with a couple of newbies) but never tell you this in advance and the…"

"My advice is always going to be don't push the lady thing too much. If you saw an advert saying 'male gardener' you'd think it was an odd way of putting it right? Same applies. Focus on your strengths and show what you can do for…"

"Hi Dan I had some Vistaprint cards done and put them round locally (cafes, post offices and the like).  Also last week got a basic web site up and running.  Put myself on Freeindex.  Oh, going to see a lady on Friday who posted for a…"

"good bridget, how have you been advertising?"

"Hi all Thought I'd add to this thread as it is exactly what I am at the moment (ie. 'lady gardener' starting out)!  I went to quote on my first 'proper' job lead today and I was wibbling last night about how to tackle…"

"Hi Thanks for the advice, and I wouldn't take offence, I understand what you are saying completely. That is why when I start up, I want to ensure I have myself well sorted and charge according to my skills and understand the pitfalls as I learn…"

"Hi all, Great discussion I think the points raised here are really great and above all reputation, honesty, credibility and punctuality can set you aside from your competitors and I try as much as possible to offer all of those.  Although, I…"

"Hi Claire and Gary, great advice indeed. I am banking on providing a great service, so would like to think I can charge what is a good rate but one that I can make a living from, I am sure I will not get some contracts because of this, but I have…"

"And that's why we're both up late on Sunday night getting ready for the coming week...... "

"Hi Trish, i'm guessing if you're at Merrist Wood College, you're in my part of the world, and we're lucky in that the market here will take a decent figure, AS LONG, as your quality and customer service merits…"

"HI there, found this discussion very interesting, (including the older discussions) I am in a similar situation but won't be starting out until next Spring as 9 weeks ago I had right shoulder operation (and right handed) and it is too weak to…"

"We have one here called 'The Bird in your Garden'.   I always chuckle when I see the ad. Makes me think of that terrible film with Pamela Anderson, 'Bird on a wire'. And that line in the film 'Nobody calls me…"

"Lol.....Thanks for pointing that out David :)   So, what I meant to say was:   "Hi ClareIt's exactly three months on since you started this thread. How is it going; did the advice help and is there anything you've learnt…"

"phil its 15 months!!!   here in england its 2011 :-)"