Sole Gardener
A rare opportunity has arisen for a skilled Sole Gardener to take ownership of an impressive private estate garden at an exciting stage of development. The stunning historic property in Cheshire, owned by a very welcoming family, is undergoing development including the creation of a new garden. Following the departure of the previous gardener after 10 enjoyable years in the role, the family are in need of a new skilled, enthusiastic and creative gardener to play a key role in the next stage of development which will include subdivision of the property.
The historic property occupies a very private position overlooking parkland fields, standing on an elevated yet sheltered site and protected by woodland from the prevailing wind. From the principal residence there are far-reaching views and spectacular sunsets against the backdrop of the welsh mountains.
The 80-acre site will eventually be divided into two properties, with the successful candidate then working solely on the new property. Initially, the role will include maintenance of the entire site, the majority of which comprises expansive pasture and woodland of mixed native broadleaf and various coniferous species.
The existing formal gardens encompass approximately 8-acres and include a walled garden with a wide range of ornamental planting, terraces and courtyards, specimen trees, inter-connecting ponds, floral and herbaceous beds/borders, a ‘temple garden,’ a folly, swimming pool and expansive areas of lawn. The lawned gardens lead down to a small ornamental lake bordered by willow and a stand of mature wellingtonia trees which survive the earlier, historic property. A stone paved area with stone bench seating and pergola sits beside a naturally fed lake and a natural garden including an underplanted woodland glade.
Once the property is split and the original half sold, the Sole Gardener will focus only on the ‘new’ property on a full-time permanent basis. It is the intention of the owners to bring the existing property to the market in Spring of 2022. It is expected that building and development of the ‘new’ 35-acre estate will take place by June 2021, with a 9-month build programme. At present, basic refurbishment of a sunken garden has been undertaken, itself located adjacent to the Victorian walled garden which was built in 1895.
The new garden will comprise four quadrants with the first two including a Hartley Botanic Victorian Grand Lodge greenhouse (within a kitchen garden area), with a new orangery within a domestic/leisure garden area. This will take place in the summer of 2021. The two remaining quadrants of the garden are still in the design phase, as is the entire planting scheme and garden’s ‘internal’ layout, as these will be designed in 2021 in conjunction with input from the new Sole Gardener.
From the summer of 2022 it is expected the primary property will be sold and the Sole Gardener to be focused on the new estate and the development of the walled garden together with the overall development of the estate. This will include planting of wildflower meadows and Cheshire apple orchards, further development of 15-year-old native woodland, development of a Chapel pond and bringing the existing 3-acre pleasure garden in the centre of the estate to its full potential.
Suitable candidates for this role will have strong horticultural knowledge and time management skills with experience in a similar role; either in a position of seniority and/or responsibility as a Sole Gardener. Good physical fitness is essential, as is an ability to safely operate a full range of garden machinery and equipment. Experience in species-specific pruning, kitchen gardening, basic plant pest and disease control and plant propagation is desired, as well as a positive attitude and an ability to work alongside the property owners in a creative and constructive way.
This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled and energetic gardener to join a diverse and developing family estate in a beautiful part of Cheshire, on a full-time permanent basis.
SALARY: Circa £30,000 – £32,000 DOE
LOCATION: Cheshire
JOB No: EC23767
If this Sole Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Sole 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 Sole Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
