Experienced Gardener – Part-Time

An opportunity has arisen for a experienced gardener to join the team at a private country estate in South Shropshire.

Set within beautiful rural surroundings, the historic country house has new gardens, lawns and wider estate grounds. The gardens are currently undergoing an exciting programme of renovation and replanning, with significant new planting schemes, redesigned borders and long-term landscape improvements being created under the guidance of award-winning garden designer Julie Toll. The planting will be varied and incorporate trees, shrubs and perennial borders, all to be maintained to the highest standard.

We are seeking a knowledgeable, hands-on experienced  gardener who takes pride in maintaining gardens to an exceptional standard and who will play an important role in the continued development, care and enhancement of this unique private estate.

The successful applicant will work closely with the Owners, Estate Managers and Garden Designer to establish, maintain and enhance the gardens as they mature.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Care & Maintenance

• Care for and maintain a diverse range of trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials and seasonal planting.
• Carry out the general upkeep and management of all diverse planting, including precise aesthetic pruning of shrubs.
• Maintain borders through weeding, mulching, feeding, staking and deadheading.
• Undertake seasonal bulb planting and annual displays.
• Monitor plant health and assist with irrigation and the establishment of new planting.

Lawn & Garden Infrastructure

• Assist with routine lawn cutting, aeration, fertilising, edging, verti-cutting and scarifying.
• Help maintain paths, borders, garden structures and other landscape features.
• Support wider estate gardening tasks as required.

Sustainable Garden Management

• Manage weeds and pests, utilising organic methods wherever practical.
• Assist with the production and use of compost to improve soil health and sustainability.
• Promote high standards of horticultural practice throughout the estate.

Machinery & Equipment

• Safely operate a range of commercial horticultural machinery and equipment.
• Carry out routine cleaning and basic maintenance of machinery.
• Maintain a safe, tidy and organised working environment.

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum 3–5 years’ professional gardening experience, ideally within a private estate.
• Excellent practical horticultural knowledge and strong plantsmanship skills.
• High standards of workmanship and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently whilst contributing positively as part of a small team.
• Competence in the safe operation of horticultural machinery.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• RHS Level 2 (or equivalent professional horticultural qualification).
• PA1 & PA6 spraying certificates.
• Experience establishing newly designed gardens.
• Knowledge of sustainable and environmentally responsible gardening practices.

Hours & Remuneration

• Part-time, up to 24 hours per week /3 days a week
• Employed or self-employed arrangements will be considered for the right candidate.
• Employed: £35K pro rata for part time, dependent on experience and in line with the Professional Gardeners’ Guild Skilled Gardener salary guidelines.
• Self-employed: Up to £30 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
• If employed, holiday entitlement will be 20 days plus Bank Holidays (pro rata).

To Apply

If this opportunity appeals to you, we would be delighted to receive your application.

Please submit a CV together with a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.

This private advert is being managed directly by the employer. English Country Gardeners are not involved in the hiring process and are therefore unable to share any additional information on this role. If you have any questions regarding this position, the best course of action is to apply for the job which will open a line of communication with the employer.

If you would like to view more information on the Professional Gardeners Guild, please click here and the Royal Horticultural Society, please click here

For more gardener roles please click here

Tagged as: Experienced Gardener, Part time, Private Advert, South Shropshire