The term 'GARDENER IN THE WEEDS' is a metaphor for someone who is overwhelmed with work. The crossword solution for this term is HOER, which is a four-letter word meaning 'a person who tends to a garden or field by hoeing'. A hoe is a tool used to remove weeds and cultivate the soil in preparation for planting. Therefore, a gardener in the weeds is someone who is overwhelmed with work, such as tending to a garden or field, and needs help to get out of the weeds.