Head Gardener
Head Gardener required
Packington Estate is a family-owned estate based in North Warwickshire nestled between Coventry and Birmingham. The gardens are made up of 21 acres of Pleasure Grounds, herbaceous borders, a recently restored Walled Garden with a small orchard, a rose garden and a wildflower meadow.
The family is looking for someone who is passionate with excellent communication and managerial skills to fill the role of Head Gardener. This is an exciting, hands-on opportunity for either a senior gardener looking to make the next step in their career or a head gardener who is looking to run and develop a garden with great potential and who is ready for their next adventure.
The role would have a particular emphasis on the production of fruit, vegetable and cut flowers to supply the house as well as other areas of the Packington Estate business.
The successful candidate will need demonstratable experience in:
- productive gardening using no-dig and chemical-free methods
- planting and maintaining herbaceous borders
- plant propagation from seeds and cuttings
- fruit tree training and pruning (orchard, espaliers and step-overs)
- shrub / topiary pruning and maintaining
- pest and disease control within an organic setting
- creation and maintenance of compost
- engaging member of the public and conducting garden tours for private parties
- use of various garden machinery
Role to include but not limited to:
- Heading the garden enterprise with the ability to create and coordinate budgets and introduce and implement ideas for the garden to produce an income.
- You will be responsible for one full and two part time gardeners including their holidays, performance, development and training needs.
- Liaising with other members of the estate team and contractors.
- The Head Gardener will be responsible for ensuring that all works are carried out in accordance with best practice and that work is undertaken to the highest of standards and is delivered in accordance with any HSE guidelines. This includes undertaking and documenting risk assessments.
- Liaising with the owners who have a keen interest in the garden and its development
- Ensuring all mechanical and irrigation equipment is maintained and kept in good working order.
Desired requirements:
- Chemical spraying certificates
- Full, clean driving licence.
- ATV certificate for driving a quad would be advantageous
Salary:
- Competitive salary and benefits package. Suitable accommodation within the grounds can be provided if required.
References required
Closing date for the role is 27th May 2022
June start
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.
