Head Gardener - EC5254

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate and driven Head Gardener to manage a stunning botanical garden covering about 2 hectares in Montalcino (Siena), Italy.  

The owner is a botany and landscape architecture enthusiast and has designed and created the garden growing hundreds of species, including antique roses and flowers sourced from all over the world. In addition to roses, bushes, perennials, enchanting peonies and beautiful collectible irises, there are also extraordinarily beautiful rare bulbs in the garden, such as the Tulipa Maureen tulip, which adorns the Renaissance-design flower beds, dominated by box plants. Olive trees, cypresses, lime trees and Melia Azedarach (“bead tree”) form a background to the gardens, which are harmoniously integrated into the Mediterranean scrub.

The garden is compartmentalised and includes the White Garden, a favourite haunt of “nocturnal pollinators”. The garden serves as a biodiversity pool for all the close environment, vineyard included. Countless insects and several other animal species have found a home in the botanical garden. There is also a pond, where aquatic plants and flowers grow, including the splendid water lily Marliacea Albida and Nelumbo Nucifera, whose leaves sparkle with crystalline drops of water. The garden is open to the public upon request and arranged in advance.

The owner has been developing and managing the garden for the past 30 years and is now looking for a Head Gardener towork closely with them. Together they are supported by 2 – 3 gardeners on a part time basis. As the garden includes about 1,000 roses of different species (Chinese, The, Climber, Rambler, Sarmentose, etc.), skills and capabilities in pruning is crucial. The successful candidate will manage and maintain the garden with a good attitude and the determination to do the done to the highest standard. He / She will be expected to carry out seasonal treatments and be able to assess the soil to make it an ideal "home" for what is to be planted. He / She will have the proper "feeling for the beauty" and sensitiveness, of the garden and can organise their schedule, whether working alone or with the help of a team.

Applicants will have conversational Italian, excellent horticultural knowledge and plant identification skills. They will be a true plants person, having experience working in a similar environment and ideally holding a horticultural qualification. The garden is organic; therefore, a good understanding of organic practices would be an advantage.  

A one-bedroom property close to the garden is provided with the position. It is part of one of the buildings belonging to the estate, but with independent entrance. Annual leave to be agreed in advance and depending on garden's needs, considering that summer is quite a busy period for a garden in Tuscany.

This is an incredible opportunity for a head gardener with a true passion for the nature, for flowers and plants, for this garden in particular, in itself and as a part of the ecosystem.

SALARY:        £30,000 - £35,000 DOE
LOCATION: Montalcino (Siena), Italy
JOB No:          EC5254

If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.

To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Head Gardener vacancy.  Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one.  Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk


Head Gardener - Live In - EC8035

A hands-on Head Gardener is sought after for a beautiful estate located in Piedimonte Etneo, Sicily. The property is based on the slopes of Mount Etna, 600m above sea level and the site is characterized by 360 degrees breath-taking views of the volcano on one side and the Mediterranean on the other.

The climate is more temperate than one would expect in Sicily given the altitude, which allows for a wide variety of species to be cultivated. The majority of the 20-hectare estate is dedicated to the organic commercial growing of a variety of fruits (lemons, peaches, cherries, plums, avocados), olives for olive oil and a small vineyard.

With 3 residential properties on site (1 currently being built), the head gardener will be responsible for the maintenance and development of the landscaped gardens around the properties as well as the kitchen garden totalling to approximately 3 hectares. He / She will work closely with the owners on the plans for several development projects including planting schemes and the input of an irrigation system. Someone with leadership and the imagination to design and maintain the gardens would suit the role well. He / She will then continue to work unsupervised for the implementation of the projects. Two agricultural farmers are currently working on site and would be available to support the head gardener on the landscaped gardens. The head gardener would be responsible for the staff management and training.

The ability to speak Italian (or at least to be able to communicate in Italian) is essential for the role. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience working in private gardens and will hold a level 2/3 horticultural qualification. He / She will have excellent plant knowledge and experience in maintaining and growing organic vegetables. They will also be responsible for the composting of waste on site. The ability to operate and maintain a range of garden machinery and good craft skills are also desirable for the role.

The property is easily accessible from Catania airport (about 40 minutes by car). The airport in Catania is well connected with direct flights to London. A cottage will be provided for the successful applicants together with access to a car. A full driving licence is required.

SALARY: £30-35k depending on experience      
LOCATION: Sicily, Italy
JOB No: EC8035

If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Head Gardener vacancy.  Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to everyone.  Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk 

 


Sole Gardener - Live In - EC6873 - This position has now been filled

A fantastic and rare opportunity has arisen for a Sole Gardener to play a leading role in the development and ongoing care of a new Arne Maynard designed garden in Tuscany, Italy.  Applicants must be fluent in spoken and written Italian and have experience at Sole/Senior Gardener level in a developing a newly planted garden.  The successful candidate will need to be proactive in furthering the nuances of the planting on site as it develops, managing the spread and propagation of plants, and additions of new plants to maintain the intended balance of the garden. As the design team are based in London, the gardener should be in regular communication with the designers; sending periodical updates of the garden progress. This position will commence in spring 2020.

The candidate should develop relationships via a local network of suppliers and contractors for the purpose of ongoing garden management and the development of the garden.  Applicants must have a strong background in horticulture and gardening with experience in garden construction and/or related disciplines being beneficial, but not essential.

This impressive multi-use estate is situated close to Radda in Chianti, Tuscany, and encompasses 165-acres of land.   Upon completion, the formal garden will comprise 1.5- acres, including a kitchen garden, orangery, an edible meadow, a 0.75-acre wildflower meadow, herb gardens, a swimming pool garden and multiple terraces planted with fruit trees and Mediterranean planting.  The formal garden is surrounded by vineyards and mixed woodland.

The formal garden is in the development phase. The kitchen garden, edible meadow, swimming pool garden and woodland garden have been established already, with the rest of the garden construction expected over the winter of 2019 and throughout 2020.  A second, established garden attached to a rental property nearby will also fall under the responsibility of the Sole Gardener.  The estate is managed organically, and the new garden will also be managed to organic principles. 

The vineyard is subcontracted and managed by others, therefore the applicant will not have responsibility of this aspect of the property. Planning permission has been obtained for the construction of a ‘cantina’ on site which the clients hope to realise in the future.  A small team of staff consisting of a housekeeper and handyman currently work on site with potential for a part-time gardener to assist where necessary.

Typical garden management duties will include:

  • Ongoing maintenance of, and potentially additional planting in the established garden.
  • Annual planting of existing beds and pots.
  • Establishment of a cutting garden/greenhouse.
  • Management of various plants prior to being used as part of the new garden; including lemon trees and roses.
  • Preparation of soil and the establishment of suitable growing conditions throughout the garden, where required.
  • Supporting contractors in the lifting and planting of trees.
  • Trialling plants for the conditions, where necessary, including for the wildflower meadow in conjunction with the designer.
  • Assisting the design team by acting as an on-site go-between for small-scale contractors in terms of language translation/interpretation.
  • Ongoing review of initial planting and management with regard to ensuring plant aftercare and management.
  • Supporting in the planting and successful establishment of new trees from Autumn 2019.

The project is expected to be carried out over a series of phases in order for the client to enjoy the garden when at the property and to allow for appropriate planting windows (September/October to March/April).  The project is expected to take 2 years to complete. 

The design team, or representatives thereof, expect to visit the site every six weeks during the construction phases and will be coordinating the construction works on an ongoing basis during this time. Outside of construction periods the design team will visit as and when required.  

A self-contained flat, suitable for a single person or couple, is available (if required) in an ancillary building to the house which includes a newly refurbished living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.  The client has expressed a preference for the successful candidate to live on site, but this is open for discussion and will depend on the ideal candidate’s preferences and situation.  A salary adjustment will be made in the case of candidates not requiring the provided accommodation.  A pick-up truck can be used by the successful candidate for collection of materials and deliveries; however a personal vehicle will be necessary due to the property being located rurally.

SALARY:       Circa £35,000 + Accommodation
LOCATION:  Tuscany, Italy
JOB No:          EC6873

If this Sole Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.

To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Sole Gardener vacancy.  Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one.  Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Sole Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk


Head Gardener - Live In - EC6697 - This position has now been filled

A hands-on Head Gardener is sought after for a beautiful estate located in Piedimonte Etneo, Sicily. The property is based on the slopes of Mount Etna, 600m above sea level and the site is characterized by 360 degrees breath-taking views of the volcano on one side and the Mediterranean on the other.

The climate is more temperate than one would expect in Sicily given the altitude, which allows for a wide variety of species to be cultivated. The majority of the 20-hectare estate is dedicated to the organic commercial growing of a variety of fruits (lemons, peaches, cherries, plums, avocados), olives for olive oil and a small vineyard.

With 3 residential properties on site (1 currently being built), the head gardener will be responsible for the maintenance and development of the landscaped gardens around the properties as well as the kitchen garden totalling to approximately 3 hectares. He / She will work closely with the owners on the plans for several development projects including planting schemes and the input of an irrigation system. Someone with leadership and the imagination to design and maintain the gardens would suit the role well. He / She will then continue to work unsupervised for the implementation of the projects. Two agricultural farmers are currently working on site and would be available to support the head gardener on the landscaped gardens. The head gardener would be responsible for the staff management and training.

The ability to speak Italian (or at least to be able to communicate in Italian) is essential for the role. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience working in private gardens and will hold a level 2/3 horticultural qualification. He / She will have excellent plant knowledge and experience in maintaining and growing organic vegetables. They will also be responsible for the composting of waste on site. The ability to operate and maintain a range of garden machinery and good craft skills are also desirable for the role.

The property is easily accessible from Catania airport (about 40 minutes by car). The airport in Catania is well connected with direct flights to London. A cottage will be provided for the successful applicants together with access to a car. A full driving licence is required.

SALARY:      £30,000-£35,000 depending on experience         
LOCATION: Sicily, Italy
JOB No:        EC6697

If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.

To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Head Gardener vacancy.  Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one.  Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com


Skilled Gardener – Live in – EC5179

A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced gardener join a family run enterprise in the Liguria coastal region of northern Italy. Their business is based around an ancient farm house and garden including 1000 olive trees and vine yard which have been painstakingly restored by the owners. The farm now produces high quality olive oil which is sold locally and abroad.

The owners now want to embark on the next phase of the project which is to develop an Agriturismo business, a sort of Italian version of a working farm holiday which will include building a small hotel providing accommodation for guests. This new project would have its own garden including a kitchen garden which needs to be developed over the next 24 months.

They are therefore seeking a gardener with proven relevant experience, who is able play a major role in helping them to realise this next stage of the development.

You will be working in a Mediterranean climate so a love of hot weather is essential. In addition you must have a passion for horticulture and have knowledge of both Mediterranean plants and kitchen gardens. It is also important that you have a flexible approach to your work and are happy to work closely with the owners and other team members. Your duties will include overseeing tradesmen and contractors and assisting in the care of the olive trees.

This vacancy offers a long term opportunity to be an important part of their team and play a significant role in the development of this exciting project.

The position comes with the use of 1 bedroom accommodation.

It is not essential that you speak Italian.

You must have a current driving licence and be an animal lover.

SALARY:  £24,000 plus 1 bed accommodation

LOCATION: Liguria, Italy

JOB No:  EC5179

If this Skilled Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mike Fuller on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Skilled Gardener vacancy.  Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one.  Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Skilled Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk