Head Gardener
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and knowledgeable Head Gardener to develop the gardens and implement the design of six-time Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medallist, Cleve West over the next few years. The position is based near Stow-on-the-Wold and is a full time and a permanent role.
The stunning property is a Grade-I listed medieval manor house which the owners bought 11 years ago. The remnants of the garden are still visible, with a series of pools surrounded by ‘Himalayan’ plantings – rhododendrons, conifers and bamboos. A gully rock garden, with a spring-fed stream runs downhill from near the house. Surrounding the house is a 5-acre garden which along with the moat and drawbridge is being renovated in starting in 2022. The owners are considering opening the garden through the NGS scheme once per year once the gardens are up to a high standard.
The Head Gardener will be responsible for the management and care of the gardens, and landscapes at the main estate and occasionally assist on the owner’s other estate nearby. With overall direction of the Employer, effectively manage, plan and prioritise your own work. They will be proactive in identifying areas where gardens/grounds can be improved or where current maintenance/working practices can be improved. In addition to the developments, areas of the garden are to be maintained such as the extensive lawns, riverbeds, borders, wildflower meadows and areas on the wider estate. The Head Gardener will lead the gardening team of two part time gardeners and a temporary gardener, effectively managing, planning and prioritising their work and ensure that all work carried out by the gardener’s team is carried out safely and complies with H&S legislation. The successful candidate will lead the programme & plan the gardens/landscape improvements in conjunction with Cleve West and the owners of the property, to include designs and plant/material requirements.
This new opportunity will suit an experienced and qualified horticulturist with excellent attention to detail, with garden planning and staff supervision experience. Applicants should be equally passionate, energetic and experienced hands-on professionals with an ability to lead a small team of gardeners.
Suitable applicants will ideally possess academic horticultural qualifications and experience in horticulturally diverse gardens, good physical fitness, and excellent plant identification and management skills. Practical experience with a wide range of garden machinery is desired, including chemical spray certificates, chainsaw operation. The owners are interested in introducing beekeeping, therefore previous experience or an interest in beekeeping would be an advantage.
LOCATION: Near Stow-on-the-Wold
SALARY: £40,000 – £45,000 DOE
JOB No: EC45855
If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin 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.
