Gardener
A wonderful opportunity for an experienced gardener to work in an outstanding 15-acre historic garden, well known for its planting, beauty and setting.
Mapperton Gardens mixes formal lawns and topiary, pools, stonework, mixed borders, shrubs, an arboretum and finally a wild spring garden; all are set in a coombe in West Dorset’s AONB and surround the Grade I Manor house. The Gardens are Historic England Grade II* and were awarded Garden of the Year 2020. The Gardens contain interesting and rare plants, shrubs and trees and are regularly visited by specialist garden and tree societies.
The Gardens are open to the public 5 days a week, 8 months a year and need to be maintained to a high level of horticulture. They are the backbone of the visitor experience, have evolved as historic country house gardens and a living work of art, and need to continue to develop with planting and the horticultural experience.
The gardener will be hands-on, working in a small team; he/she will be responsible for daily maintenance and gardening, conservation and development. He/she will be part of a team consisting of one full time head gardener and two part time gardeners, and should be able to work independently or as part of a team. The applicant should be comfortable interacting with garden visitors and groups.
The applicant must be a skilled and motivated person who continues to enhance the Gardens’ reputation and extend their interest. The post requires an enthusiastic and energetic gardener who will maintain or improve standards and is not afraid of hard work, particularly as the Gardens are on four levels.
Applicants must hold an academic horticulture qualification at Level 2 or above, spray certificates (PA1/PA6), preferably a chainsaw certificate (CS30/31), a full clean driving licence, and at least 2 years full time practical experience in a historic or country house garden at a high standard of horticulture.
The salary offered will be in line with the applicant’s experience and will reflect the PGG salary guidelines. Applicants should send a CV and covering letter to carolinemontagu@me.com. References will be required. Closing date for applications end November.
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.
