An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Head Gardener to take responsibility for the gardens of a small private estate in Rutland, working for a private family with a strong interest in horticulture.

The estate features approximately 3.5 acres of formal and productive gardens, recently redesigned by renowned Landscape Architect Pip Morrison, set within a wider 85-acre estate of parkland, fields, river and woodland. The gardens include formal lawns, mixed herbaceous borders, yew hedging and topiary, a productive and ornamental walled garden, glasshouses and cold frames, orchard, extensive pots and planters, ponds, swimming pool and tennis court. The garden is also open annually on selected dates for the National Garden Scheme and other charities.

The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the day-to-day management, development and presentation of the gardens, ensuring they are maintained to an exceptional standard. There is genuine scope for the Head Gardener to bring their own horticultural expertise to the role, while working collaboratively with the owners and under the long-term guidance of the Landscape Architect.

You will liaise with the owners on at least a weekly basis and work towards delivering the long-term vision for the gardens. The position requires careful planning and prioritisation of workloads to meet both seasonal demands and fixed deadlines. You will be responsible for managing a dedicated and experienced team member, coordinating contractors, ordering plants, materials and supplies, and overseeing the care and maintenance of garden machinery and equipment. You will also play an active role in preparing and presenting the gardens for National Garden Scheme openings and other charity open days.

Applicants will ideally have a minimum of five years’ experience in a senior gardening role within a private estate or high-quality garden environment. You will be a self-starter, highly organised and confident working independently, while maintaining clear and effective communication with the owners and others involved in the estate.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong plant knowledge and practical horticultural skills, alongside experience managing staff and contractors. Excellent organisational and communication abilities are essential, as is a proactive, detail-focused approach to all aspects of garden management. A recognised horticultural qualification, such as RHS Level 2 or above, or equivalent practical experience, is preferred. A full UK driving licence is required due to the rural location of the estate.

This position can include a two-bedroom cottage if required, with utility bills and council tax to be covered by the employee. The accommodation is well suited to either a single occupant or a couple. 

SALARY:  Circa £35,000 – depending on experience (Live in or Out)

LOCATION: Rutland, Northamptonshire

JOB No:  EC70606

If this vacancy is of interest, please apply below,  call Jay Rimell on 01233 733510 or  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: head gardener