A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced full-time Sole Gardener to take responsibility for the overall maintenance, development and presentation of the established and beautifully maintained gardens of a private property near Andover, Hampshire. The current gardener has been in post for ten years, during which time the gardens have been developed and maintained to a high standard, providing a strong and well-established foundation for the incoming gardener to build upon and further enhance. The Sole Gardener will work closely with the owners in consultation and will liaise and coordinate with garden designers and specialist contractors as required.

The property comprises approximately eight acres of land surrounding a large, thatched house. The grounds are divided into four principal areas: formal gardens of approximately one acre, including herbaceous borders, lawns and terraces close to the house; a woodland and riverside garden of approximately half an acre; a parkland-style paddock of approximately three acres; and woodland running along the river, managed in a relatively wild manner for the benefit of wildlife and extending to approximately three and a half acres. In addition, the property includes a medium-sized, well-equipped Hartley Botanic greenhouse built in 2022, garden equipment storage facilities, and an office for use by on-site staff.

Garden maintenance duties include meticulous weeding, pruning, staking and care of all herbaceous borders, rose beds and planted areas; mowing and lawn care; hedge cutting, pruning and planting; tree and shrub care; annual planting, feeding and lifting of bulbs; planting of new plants, shrubs and trees as directed; mulching and soil improvement; pest control; care of containerised plants; and the cleaning and maintenance of all stone paths, terraces and hardstanding. Greenhouse management includes plant propagation, the cultivation of vegetables and the overwintering of non-hardy potted plants and houseplants. Further responsibilities include paddock maintenance, fence and hedge maintenance, riverbank maintenance, and woodland management, including the supervision of works carried out by external contractors such as arborists.

Additional duties encompass property and equipment management.  These include acting as keyholder, staining outdoor gates, and ensuring that all garden equipment is maintained and in good working order.

Working hours are generally Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm, including a one-hour lunch break and two 15-minute coffee breaks. Hours are expected to flex seasonally to take advantage of longer daylight in spring and summer and shorter days in autumn and winter.  Holiday entitlement is 20 days per calendar year plus bank holidays, to be taken in agreement with the employer and with due regard to the seasonal requirements of the role.

This opportunity would suit a gardener with excellent horticultural knowledge and experience, who takes pride in maintaining gardens to an exceptional standard and is confident working independently in a Sole position. Ideally the successful candidate would be involved in elements of the planting design of the property working with the owners and garden designers. The successful candidate will be organised, proactive and physically fit, with a practical hands-on approach adaptable to the seasonal demands of a varied and rewarding position. Due to the location of the property, a driving licence and own vehicle is essential. Chainsaw and Spray certificates PA1/PA6 are desirable but not essential.

HOURLY RATE:       Circa £50,000 DOE

LOCATION:              Near Andover, Hampshire

JOB No:                      EC70869

If this Sole Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply below, call Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

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Thank you for the interest you have shown in thisvacancy.  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: Andover, Live Out, Sole Gardener