Derbyshire

Head Gardener - Live Out - EC3438

A very special opportunity has arisen for an experienced and talented Head Gardener to play a key role in the upkeep and garden management at one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval houses.

Due to the departure of the Head Gardener after 7 years’ honourable service, an opening has arisen for an experienced and personable horticulturalist to manage the 2-acre gardens at the main hall, an associated half-acre hotel garden and the 1-acre family residence garden; each set within a much larger estate and in close proximity of each other, in rural Derbyshire.

This enchanting hall set in the heart of the Peak District National Park dates back 900 years and houses two stunning Elizabethan gardens. The site is maintained to a very high standard for the benefit of private guests, the visiting public and of course the estate owners themselves. Nearby, the main family residence reflects the majesty of the main hall, though the garden here is relatively new having been created in 2003 by Arne Maynard; a renowned garden designer who continues to have significant involvement in the site.

The main hall gardens contain manicured lawns, parterres, mixed beds and borders, walled garden areas, climbers, topiary hedging, water features and a small cutting garden to provide flowers, fruit and vegetables for the main house. Two terraces at the main hall were redesigned and planted by Arne Maynard in 2012/13, and there are two more that will require reformation in due course.

The new Head Gardener will be of positive character with demonstrable garden and staff management abilities. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential as the gardens are open to the public between April and October each year. The successful applicant must be confident in the presentation and interpretation of the garden in conjunction with the hall opening team, when required, so a genuine interest in historic gardens would be beneficial. Garden contractors maintain the grounds of an associated hotel within the wider site, though your expertise will be required from time to time to ensure standards are maintained throughout the complex as a whole. The new Head Gardener will have the assistance of one part-time gardener, a number of volunteers and a maintenance gardener (who primarily looks after the lawns and hedges).

Applicants must have excellent horticultural knowledge and be positive, enthusiastic and dedicated to their field. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced Head Gardener to be part of this magical estate and to realise their true potential, for which they will experience generous reward and personal satisfaction.

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

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this 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 will have been unsuccessful.

SALARY: C£34,000

LOCATION: Bakewell, Derbyshire

JOB No: EC 3438

by English Country Gardeners