Head Gardener
A self-motivated and experienced Head Gardener is sought after on a full time and permanent basis for a horticulturally diverse, experimental garden based near Guildford, Surrey. The role would suit candidates who love experimenting to create new and exciting elements within gardens, collaborating with the owner who is a knowledgeable and passionate horticulturalist.
Set within a 72-acre estate, the totally organic gardens are approximately 4-acres and feature both formal and more relaxed areas. Elements include wildflower areas, rose garden, a recently installed stream, a large natural pond and woodland which during the spring is bursting with bluebells. There’s also a large vegetable patch, heather garden, prairie borders, small orchard, firepit area and an onsite design studio. The estate is also home to a small farm, an inherited herd of deer, two ponies and lots of rescue animals. There are also on-site tenants who breed and train showjumpers and dogs.
The garden is a privately owned family garden but opens for various gardening groups and visitors by Private Appointment throughout the year. Opening up to 3 times a month, the newly appointed Head Gardener will be given the opportunity to conduct tours and talks to visitors if this is something they would be comfortable with.
With the owner also working within the horticultural sector, they are giving the future Head Gardener an opportunity to not only work within the owners’ garden, but also work on some exciting design installations for other local gardens if this is desirable to the candidate.
The role requires good plant knowledge and year-round upkeep as well as day to day care of a busy garden; a good eye for the continual evolution of the garden will be required. The role will also include undertaking some general estate work, working alongside the Estate manager. Applicants will be friendly and enthusiastic plantspeople with strong horticultural knowledge and a passion for all things gardening. A horticultural qualification and/or extensive experience working on a diverse garden is advantageous for the role. The gardens aspire to be fully organic and therefore an interest and experience with organic practices and sustainability would be advantageous.
Accommodation on site is supplied by the owner for the successful candidate with all main household bills covered by the property owner. The short-term accommodation will be a large 1-double bedroom cottage, which comes with its own fenced garden there is an option to incorporate a second bedroom to the property if required. The owner has recently been granted planning permission to construct a larger property which the owner predicts will be built within 18-months and would suit a family. Partners, pets and dependants are all welcome.
The daily hours for this role run from 8:00 – 16:00, some extra hours may be required during the height of the season.
SALARY: £35,000 – £40,000 DOE + Accommodation
LOCATION: Surrey
JOB No: EC59665
If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
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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.
