Sole Gardener
From English Country Gardeners
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Sole Gardener to join the gardens of a private estate located near the English/Welsh border in Herefordshire. The owners now require an experienced gardener with the ability to manage an English country style garden to assist in the ongoing maintenance and further development of the grounds. This is a full-time permanent position with the owners seeking a knowledgeable gardener aiming to put their professional and creative stamp on the gardens with longevity in mind.
In its entirety, the property is a large working farm with a mix of pasture, arable, livestock and woodland. The new owners have explained that the formal gardens have been somewhat overlooked over the past few years, with the original structures and outlines present, but are not currently living up to their full potential. However, there is now a plan in place to restore the gardens to their former glory, with a 1–2-year aim to bring them up to scope, as well as further development; collaborating with the principles, to create a wonderful open space for the family to enjoy.
At present, the formal gardens encompassing the main property, feature an historic walled kitchen garden with a large greenhouse and fruit cages; with the view for future installation of raised beds so a wide variety of fruit and vegetables can be propagated for the main household as well as well distinguished pathways. The property also features both relaxed and formal lawns, an orchard, herbaceous borders, an arboretum, as well as formal topiary surrounding the property.
Our client seeks an experienced gardener to help maintain the gardens on a year-round basis following the annual calendar. Applicants will possess extensive experience working in a similar role within a private estate or public garden of importance setting. As such, excellent plant knowledge and technical skills are essential for this position with experience in compost management, propagation, pruning, weeding and rejuvenating beds. A self-motivated, organised individual with a self-start attitude and proven track record of managing a large garden, with a strong work ethic, ability to work to their own initiative and willingness to work to consistently high standards are qualities which are essential for this role. Candidates will be flexible and willing to extend their duties where needed. This is a physically demanding position which requires a fit and strong individual who is comfortable working in all weathers. This role is open to those who are currently working in a similar setting, as well as those who are looking for their next step up in their career and who feel they possess the skill and motivation to take on such a project.
The owners are keen on developing an organic environment; therefore, candidates must display a keen interest in sustainability and organic practices. The implementation of innovative solutions for sustainable practices are highly welcomed from the successful applicant. The principles are open to encouraging natural habitation and are keen to introduce wildflower areas, bird boxes and bug hotels.
General maintenance duties will include but are not limited to pruning, propagating, weeding, edging and compost management. The owners are passionate about their garden and are open to ideas the Sole Gardener will have with regards to the development of the gardens. In time there may be scope to develop your own team to focus on the maintenance of the gardens. Experience in the use and maintenance of a wide range of gardening machinery are desirable for this position. Thus saying, the house is equipped with some machinery, which the gardener should be capable of maintaining between services.
Please note, the successful candidate with be offered subject to extensive reference checks (both written and verbal), DBS check as well as signing an NDA. Candidates will also need to provide evidence of qualifications held and hold a full driver’s licence due to the rural location of the property.
SALARY: £35,000 DOE
LOCATION: Hertfordshire
JOB No: EC62800
If this Sole Gardener vacancy is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 732767 or email sophie@horticruitment.com
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Sole Gardener role. 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 vacancy has been unsuccessful.
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