Sole Gardener
An opportunity has arisen for a Sole Gardener to join an impressive country house and gardens, on the outskirts of a wonderful village, with extensive views across the countryside in South Oxfordshire. Currently in the process of being professionally designed and re-landscaped, the individual who comes on board will be responsible for the continued maintenance of the rejuvenated gardens.
The property itself sits in 10 acres of land inclusive of around 4 acres of family gardens, paddocks, and grassland. The gardens consist of lawns and hedging, herbaceous borders, a productive vegetable garden with a greenhouse, and a small orchard. The paddocks are being transformed into wildflower meadows where pathways will need to be established and maintained. Additionally on site is a swimming pool area with a pool house, an outdoor kitchen area, tennis courts and a cricket green.
The Sole Gardener will be responsible for maintaining beds and borders, including general tidying, weeding and pruning tasks throughout the gardens. The application of feeds and soil improvements, such as mulching and composting, will be required, as well as the control of pests and diseases. Managing the irrigation of trees and planting beds will be necessary, as well as the ongoing cleaning and care of any pots or planters on the estate. Additionally, there will be hedge cutting and maintenance duties, formal lawn care and striping and the upkeep of paved areas as well as preparing and stacking firewood, using a machine to split when required.
The ideal candidate for the position will have a proven working history on an estate of a similar size, with the ability to maintain the gardens to a high standard. The sole gardener should enjoy working independently, with good initiative, and the ability to plan and prioritise tasks in line with seasonal requirements.
Excellent plant knowledge is essential as well as the ability to competently use a variety of garden tools and machinery including a ride-on mower. In addition, candidates should be able to maintain high levels of confidentiality due to this being a family home. A chainsaw certificate and PA1/6 spraying certificates would be advantageous, as well as a horticultural qualification, and the position will be subject to a DBS check. Candidates should have a full driving license and access to their own vehicle due to the rural location of the property.
This is a full time position and the working hours for this role are seasonal, meaning that there will be more hours required in the summer months, to be taken back during winter. This is a brilliant opportunity for an experience and dedicated gardener to take ownership of and nurture the gardens, joining the wider household team on a wonderful, family-oriented estate. The ongoing landscaping works are scheduled for completion in Autumn this year, and so the successful candidate will experience a seamless transition into the maintenance of the gardens at a very exciting time.
SALARY: Up to £40,000 DOE
LOCATION: Winterbrook, Oxfordshire
JOB No: EC66830
If this vacancy is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below’ or contact Jess Parrett on 01233 733510 or email 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 vacancy has been unsuccessful.
