A truly exceptional opportunity has arisen for a passionate and knowledgeable Head Gardener to take responsibility for approximately 4 acres of highly regarded gardens on a prestigious estate in Shropshire. This is not a conventional Head Gardener position and will suit someone who is excited by the opportunity to protect an established and important garden, while also helping to shape and develop its future.

The gardens are recognised for their individual character, exceptional planting and collection of rare and unusual plants. Strong plant knowledge will therefore be essential, together with a genuine appreciation and understanding of specialist horticulture. The successful candidate will need to be confident taking ownership of the gardens, making informed decisions and managing the day-to-day horticultural programme to ensure the gardens continue to be maintained and developed to an exceptionally high standard.

While horticultural expertise will be central to the role, this is also an opportunity for someone who enjoys engaging with people and sharing their passion for gardening. The client is keen to rebuild and strengthen the garden’s connection with the local community and is looking for a Head Gardener who is naturally personable, welcoming and enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge with others.

There is potential to develop a strong volunteer network and introduce a range of activities, including Head Gardener talks, guided garden walks, horticultural workshops and educational opportunities. The estate also has an established plant nursery and welcomes members of the public to the gardens, including opening as part of the National Garden Scheme. This will provide the successful candidate with regular opportunities to engage with visitors and share their horticultural knowledge and enthusiasm.

An interest in the wider public and educational side of horticulture would therefore be highly advantageous. The successful candidate should be someone who enjoys bringing people into gardens and feels comfortable engaging with visitors, volunteers, students and members of the local community in a welcoming and approachable manner.

The client is looking for someone who is genuinely passionate about horticulture and plants. The successful candidate should be enthusiastic, knowledgeable and able to speak passionately about the gardens, the plants they work with and the reasons behind their horticultural decisions.

The ideal candidate will therefore be a genuine plantsman or woman with excellent practical horticultural ability, strong plant knowledge and experience working within a significant garden or estate. You should be capable of working with a high degree of autonomy, taking responsibility for decision-making and developing a clear vision for the future of the gardens.

The client is open to considering candidates who are currently working as experienced Senior Gardeners, Team Leaders or horticulturists and are already operating at a high level within a significant garden or estate.

A three-bedroom cottage is provided next to the gardens and would be suitable for an individual, couple or family. Basic utilities are covered by the employer, with council tax payable by the employee. Water is supplied from a pump, and the client is also considering improvements to the cottage, including Starlink/Wi-Fi and solar panels.

This is a rare opportunity for the right horticulturist to take responsibility for an important and established garden while playing a central role in its future development. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to protect a remarkable horticultural legacy, develop and lead a team, engage with the wider community and help guide the gardens into their next chapter.

SALARY:                    Circa £40,000 DOE

LOCATION:              Shropshire

JOB No:                      EC75278

If this Head Gardener Live In vacancy is of interest, please apply below,  call Jay Rimell on 01233 733510 or email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this 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.

We are proud to work with:

• the Professional Gardeners’ Guild
• the RHS
• the WFGA – offering the WRAGs Scheme
• Arne Maynard Garden Design
• Historic Houses
• the HBG Training Programme

Tagged as: full time, head gardener, Live In, Public Garden, Shropshire