About
Friendly, honest, thorough and reliable.
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I provide regular, or one off domestic cleaning and gardening services - mostly around the North Edinburgh area.
Tools & info
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I bring my own small hand tools.
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For larger, heavier tools, I will use a client's if they are available.
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I ask clients to provide the cleaning products, so they can choose.
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Due to Covid 19, I wear a mask and gloves for the whole duration of the clean and outside in the garden if required.
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I get in touch to confirm appointments prior to any work going ahead.
Hi. I'm Jo.
I was born in south west Scotland and spent the first 18 years of my life there, then left to study at The Scottish College of Textiles in Galashiels. Following graduation I found myself boarding the Royal Scotsman Train, working as Deputy Housekeeper. During this time I became acutely aware of the importance of attention to detail, high standards and hard graft, required in a high end, luxury environment. I had short deadlines to strip and make up beds, clean the cabins and bathrooms from top to bottom and make sure everything was left shining and gleaming. I found this role gave me a lot of satisfaction as well as a great opportunity to see the length and breadth of Great Britain.
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Following on from that, my love of the outdoors and reverting back to my degree subject, brought me to an outdoor clothing manufacturing site near Glasgow, where I worked on compiling design packages for their garments. This opportunity was alas short lived when the company went into receivership.
Edinburgh came calling and I found myself embarking on what would become a long term career in luxury tailoring/retail. Initially staying in flats owned by family members, then a year later I bought my first flat. I began to miss having a garden and being able to step out the back door into it. I missed working alongside my father and grandfather, both passionate gardeners. My ancestors were farmers and built a successful business manufacturing farm machinery, amongst other things - so you could say that working with the earth is in my DNA.
So I added my name to the lengthy waiting list for an allotment in Edinburgh and whilst waiting, I volunteered for a spell at the Royal Botanic Gardens to get my gardening fix. Nine years passed and eventually the day came when I was given the key to access my allotment plot. I never looked back! I have had the plot for 9 years now and I’m delighted to say, the majority of each year I am self sufficient on the vegetable and fruit front.
And here we are today! Duster & Trowel, combining my cleaning and gardening expertise into one business. Keeping house and garden tip top.