Head Gardener
An experienced and passionate Head Gardener is sought after to manage the existing gardens and grounds of an award-wining estate situated in the South West countryside. The estate, outside Bristol, is set within 66 acres of beautiful grounds with panoramic views across the River Severn to Wales and the rolling hills beyond.
The 66-acre garden is open to the public and consists of a walled Victorian garden which is a collection of different spaces. The vegetable garden provides produce used by the kitchen to make soups and sides and the raspberries, blackcurrants and strawberries grown make tasty jams. The orchard is a mix of apple and pear trees and the greenhouse on site is used for plant propagation as well as growing runner beans, tomatoes and leeks. The pergola is covered in mature roses and wisteria, which bloom in the summer months and to the centre of the garden, there are extensive lawns which serves as a beautiful setting for outdoor weddings. The Rockery is teeming with sedums, crocuses, daffodils, tulips, ornamental trees, ornamental bushes, pampas grasses and conifers and because of the variety of vegetation, the look of the rockery changes all year round. There is a lake onsite, a maze, a rose garden, and surrounding the estate is woodland.
The successful candidate will take an active role in maintaining and enhancing all existing garden areas, including the maze as well as creating and implementing new projects within the estate gardens. He / She will ensure all tasks are completed to a high horticultural standard including tree and shrub planting, ground preparation for turf/seed and turf laying. This also includes identifying and managing any risks to the gardens (e.g. plant diseases) and taking actions to alleviate them.
The Head Gardener will create a positive working environment, leading the garden’s department, managing a team of 5. He / She will ensure the garden’s team work in a safe environment and meet all health and safety standards. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the operations team to be aware of events at the estate and to ensure works are completed on time and that the grounds are always looking their best e.g. trimming the grass and hedges, fixing fences and maintenance.
Practical experience in horticulture and experience working on a private estate in a similar environment is essential, supported by the appropriate qualifications. A good level of plantsmanship and knowledge of horticultural techniques covering a varied range of plant types as well as artistic plantsmanship /design skills would be advantageous. He / She will have strong people skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships internally and externally. A full clean driving licence is required for the role.
The position comes with a competitive package including off-site accommodation locally, 22 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, pension and 5% attendance bonus. The hours of work are 40 hours, five days per week. Working days can be flexible and it is a requirement that you can work on weekends and evenings.
This is an exciting opportunity for a Head Gardener with a creative flair and vision to turn this incredible garden around into something spectacular.
SALARY: Up to £30,000 DOE + Accommodation
LOCATION: Bristol, South Gloucestershire
JOB No: EC6821
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.
