This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled Head Gardener to manage the year-round care and maintenance of over 22 acres of organically managed gardens and grounds centered around an 18th century Grade I Listed principal house just east of Lacock, Wiltshire.

The gardens are of the highest quality, and include formal lawns with planted borders, terraced pools, a formal rill and water garden. Mature parkland trees, rhododendrons and azaleas feature heavily throughout the garden. A fully operational walled kitchen garden with numerous heated glasshouses grows a variety of fruit, vegetables and herbs throughout the year. There is also an orchard containing ornamental fruit trees, swimming pool garden and tennis court. The garden is well equipped with modern machinery, and benefits from a range of useful buildings including potting shed, workshops and stores.

The Role:
You will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all aspects of the garden. This will include extensive ornamental plant management, lawn and hedge care, plant propagation, glasshouse work and kitchen gardening.As Head Gardener, you will be hands-on and aim for the highest possible standard.
The chosen candidate will have an eye for detail, be highly motivated and a team player. They will have a high standard of work and be enthusiastic and willing to bring new ideas to develop and improve the gardens. They must be willing to provide occasional weekend cover on a rota basis and possess a can-do attitude.

The Individual:

Our client is seeking a capable individual who is able to demonstrate the following key attributes:

• A comprehensive plant knowledge and familiarity with most gardening and organic practices, ideally backed up with a formal horticultural qualification (although not essential).
• Detailed knowledge of growing and harvesting fruit, vegetables and herbs organically and as sustainably as possible with a focus on maintaining and enhancing soil quality.
• An artistic flare and an ability to provide cut flowers and floral displays for the house an advantage.
• A team player, conscientious, friendly, articulate, self-motivated and have a willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ in order to achieve a high standard of work.
• A proven track record of managing a team and an ability to communicate well with others in order to motivate and get the best out of your colleagues.
• An ability to plan and budget for routine garden works as well as planned improvements.
• Be organised and methodical yet flexible in your approach to work, have an eye for detail and an ability to work using your own initiative.
• Be familiar with the safe use of equipment and have a clear and good understanding of Health & Safety legislation including the preparation of risk assessments.

The Employer reserves the right to amend this Job Description from time to time according to their specific needs.

The Package:

• A competitive salary package will be provided dependent on experience.
• Starting as soon as possible.
  Working hours can be flexible but will generally be from 8am – 5pm Monday – Thursday and 8am – 4pm on Fridays, although you will be expected to work sufficient hours necessary to fulfill the role. In addition, occasional weekend glasshouse duties and watering may be required.

You will be entitled to 20 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays.

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

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Tagged as: head gardener