Most of them here are just that. Yard handymen. They will do what you ask but most won't take initiative on their own. Our gardener has been with us for 6 years now and is good. We have taught him the difference between a weed and a plant, have taken time to show him how to propertly prune, trim, fertilize (schedule posted in bodega), etc. When we first bought our home he was the gardener here for over 12 years - doing a terrible job. But, with patience, work and time he has become a cherished employee and someone we trust completely. He loves it when guests comment on what a beautiful yard we have - we chuckle and remember back. Win, Win.