Experienced Gardener
A rare opportunity has arisen for an Experienced Gardener to join a small and close-knit team upon a stunning, historic estate near Guilford with origins dating back to William the Conqueror. The owners are now seeking an experienced and knowledgeable individual to assist in the maintenance of the large formal gardens to the very highest standards, and additionally the 10-acre vineyard.
The gardens feature a combination of original features implemented in the 17th and early 18th century and has been allowed to develop organically over time, with the exception of the more recently implemented Japanese Garden, to compliment the 13th century stew ponds. The large formal gardens feature a large variety of woodland planting, densely planted beds and borders which feature a variety of planting including climbers and roses, extensive box and yew topiary, large amounts of wisteria, large formal lawns and a large terraced walled garden, which features fruit trees, box parterres and ball topiary alongside further formal lawns.
Our client is now seeking an experienced and knowledgeable gardener to assist in the continued maintenance and development of the gardens, having a creative eye alongside attention to detail in order to get the very best out of the picturesque gardens. The role will include planting, pruning, deadheading, feeding, and training of a variety of planting including perennials, shrubs, roses and climbers as well as specialist pruning and maintaining of the fruit trees (apples, pears, quinces and figs). Knowledge of lawn maintenance to a high standard is necessary, such as the use of ride on mowers, self-propelled and pedestrian mowers, as well as scarifying, aerating, and feeding.
Applicants must have demonstrable experience in a similar private estate setting, while demonstrating a positive, hardworking attitude in order to fit in to the existing team seamlessly, who have a strong relationship with the owners. A relevant horticultural qualification is desirable but not essential, with tickets such as PA1/PA6 and chainsaw certificates would be advantageous, but again not essential with the opportunity for training to be provided for the successful candidate.
In addition to the garden, the Experienced Gardener will also be required to assist in the vineyard in busy periods such as the annual winter pruning, frost protection and harvest. Therefore, experience with the use of tractors including mounted sprayers and vineyard equipment such as flail mowers and mechanical hoes would be advantageous. Other additional duties include upkeep of pond including fountain pumps, maintaining banks and clearing pathways, terraces and gravel drives. Occasional assistance may be required with a small Alpaca herd at key times.
SALARY: Up to £35,000
LOCATION: Surrey
JOB No: EC58916
If this Experienced Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Tom Little on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Experienced 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 Experienced Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
