Head Gardener – Vacancy

Exceptional opportunity for a Head Gardener to be involved with the garden management and re-design of one of the Channel Island’s most prestigious private homes.

Under new ownership, this prestigious home with garden extending to over 12 acres currently includes formal and informal areas of: herbaceous, shrub and topiary borders and hedges, lawns, rose garden, walled kitchen garden, woodland, and glasshouses. With a keen interest (two of their other properties have gardens that have been featured in home and garden magazines), the new owners are looking to substantially redesign this garden. You will help shape the garden for the future, possibly in conjunction with a leading landscape architect.

Reporting into the owners and Estates Manager, you will have the substantial experience required to ensure the garden is maintained to the highest standard through the year.  You will manage a team of passionate and mixed ability staff.

With both relevant team management, and extensive gardening experience with a private estate or household, you will have excellent horticultural and plant knowledge. Additionally, you will be proficient in different techniques and the operation of a wide range of garden machinery.  It is essential that you are capable, and prepared, to work under your own initiative in taking complete ownership for key areas of responsibility, in addition to managing staff.  Of utmost importance is your enthusiasm and motivation coupled with a keen eye for attention to detail.

Key responsibilities include:

1.      Hands-on year-round garden maintenance and development of all areas of formal and informal gardens

2.      Lawn care

3.      Shrub, topiary and herbaceous border maintenance

4.      Effective utilisation of glass houses including propagation of plants and seeds

5.      Maintenance and development of indoor plants.  Development of cut flower beds

6.      Overseeing the Traditional Walled Vegetable Garden in maximising year-round produce, including vegetable rotations

7.      Input into planning and implementing short- and long-term maintenance programmes and planting schedules

8.      Garden Machinery maintenance

9.      Interest in continually enhancing and developing a garden

10. Staff supervision and development

Your extensive experience and horticultural qualifications will be excellent; however your personal qualities will be equally important:

1.      Exceptional honesty with integrity

2.      Committed, discreet and confidential at all times

3.      Presentable and professional

4.      Multitasker with prioritisation ability

5.      A hands-on, can-do attitude

6.      Comfortable working with a small, dedicated team, both alone and supervisory

Salary: Substantial package, excellent salary (based on experience and qualifications), including benefits, private healthcare  and accommodation (should it be required)

To apply please send your curriculum vitae with covering letter, including current salary and full benefits package to: jon.haggerwood@cardenhall.co.uk

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

For more gardener roles please click here