An enthusiastic and passionate hands-on Skilled Gardener is required to maintain and assist in the continuous smooth running of a beautiful English landscape garden in Surrey.

Our client is a Grade 1 eighteenth century landscape garden of great importance. The garden is set in a wooded valley and covers 158 acres with a serpentine lake, a Chinese bridge, a walled garden, vineyard, ruined abbey, a Turkish tent and a remarkable grotto. The restoration of the garden began in the 1980’s with the aim to restore this “living work of art” and now is enjoyed by the public.

The hands-on Skilled Gardener will focus on maintaining the garden and surroundings to a high horticultural standard. The ideal candidate will be passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the varied plants within the garden and its significant position within history. He/ She will work closely with the Head of Estate and Landscape in the running of the Landscape department and would be willing to deputise in their absence. As a prominent member of the team, you will mentor garden volunteers & students and help them to make the most of their time here. You will have the enthusiasm to learn and develop and will encourage others to do so. You will be expected to interact with visitors on a daily basis, answering questions and enhancing the enjoyment of their visit. In addition, helping out with gardening workshops, tours and the setting up of and take down for events will be required when necessary.

Applicants should ideally have a minimum level 2 horticultural qualification with at least 5 years of practical experience, preferably in a historic garden. PA1/PA6 spray certificates are required for the role and a chainsaw certificate would be an advantage, however not essential. The successful candidate will have excellent plant knowledge and plant identification with good problem-solving skills. Propagation experience is also required as the role entails growing from seed and cuttings. 

Applicants must have good communications skills and the confidence to participate in garden activities, events and to interact with visitors. The successful candidate will be comfortable working as part of a team, managing people where necessary, and with working unsupervised. Candidates should be aware of the physical nature of the position and be prepared to work in all weather conditions. The ability to operate and maintain a range of garden machinery is essential and the position may also involve some working at heights. The role requires weekend working on a rota basis – for which time of in lieu is accrued.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on gardener with a desire to work in a piece of English history.