A little over a year ago, Qualis Property Solutions assumed responsibility for delivering Voluntary Action Epping Forest’s garden care service. Since then, we’ve continued to provide this service at no cost to housing tenants, or the council, as part of our long-standing commitment to investing in, and adding value to, the communities we serve.
Our dedicated two-person team helps tenants with a wide range of outdoor tasks, from mowing lawns and maintaining hedges, to strimming and tending shrub beds.
At the heart of the service is Lead Gardener Aubrey Brandy, 72, who works alongside his long-time colleague John Smith. Both transferred to Qualis in April 2024, after many years with Voluntary Action Epping Forest.
Aubrey brings not only a wealth of horticultural knowledge but also a lifetime of working with nature.
“I’ve always liked working with nature,” he says. “I saw my mum working the land when I was young. Even during my years in the civil service, I always had a garden. Growing things from seeds and cuttings gives me real pleasure – it’s a kind of therapy. Whatever stress you’ve got, when you’re in the garden, that’s all that matters. You get absorbed in it and everything else fades into the background.”
After retiring from his role as a manager in the civil service, Aubrey started gardening part-time and hasn’t looked back. He now works three days a week, balancing his job with tending his two allotments and a large garden at home where he grows a variety of produce.
The garden care service currently supports nearly 100 homes. Each property is visited every four weeks, with usually six and nine gardens cared for in a day.
Beyond the practical help they provide, the gardeners also offer much-needed companionship.
“Many of our customers are elderly or have disabilities,” Aubrey explains.
“Often, we’re the only people they see regularly. Some just really appreciate a good chat and that’s part of the job I really enjoy. We get great feedback from customers and that’s incredibly rewarding.”