Experienced Gardener 

(RHS Level 2 – Skilled/Experienced Gardener Level)

Role Summary

A prestigious 150‑acre private estate in Berkshire with 20 acres of formal and informal gardens is seeking an Experienced Gardener to join a committed 5 person gardening team. This position suits someone with solid horticultural training in RHS Level 2 or equivalent experience, strong practical experience, and the confidence to take responsibility for specific garden areas. Working under the Head Gardener, you will help maintain and develop a diverse landscape including formal gardens, ornamental borders, lawns, woodland, meadows, and estate grounds.

Key Responsibilities

Advanced Garden Maintenance Maintain formal and informal garden areas to a high horticultural standard, including herbaceous borders, mixed planting schemes, topiary, hedging, and ornamental lawns.
Skilled Plant Husbandry Carry out complex pruning, plant training, propagation, soil improvement, and pest/disease management with minimal supervision.
Seasonal & Specialist Tasks support seasonal displays, bulb schemes, border renovation, and specialist pruning (e.g., wisteria, roses, fruit trees).
Glasshouse & Propagation Work Assist with propagation, seed sowing, cuttings, and care of tender or exotic plants.
Estate Grounds & Habitat Care Help maintain woodland walks, meadows, orchard areas, and wildlife‑friendly zones.
Machinery Operation Competently operate a range of horticultural machinery including tractors, pedestrian mowers, ride‑ons, hedge‑cutters, strimmers, and blowers; basic maintenance desirable.
Team Collaboration Work closely with the Head Gardener and team, contributing to daily tasks, long‑term projects, and estate improvements.

Skills & Experience

Horticultural Training  RHS Level 2 plus additional training, or equivalent experience demonstrating deeper horticultural understanding.
Plant Knowledge Strong plant identification skills across perennials, shrubs, trees, and seasonal bedding.
Technical Competence Confident with pruning techniques, soil science basics, irrigation, and border management.
Private Estate or Large Garden Experience Experience in high‑standard private or heritage gardens is highly desirable.
Physical Capability Able to undertake physically demanding outdoor work year‑round.
Attention to Detail Commitment to immaculate presentation and high horticultural standards.
Professionalism & Discretion Comfortable working within a private household environment with high profile Residents.
Kitchen Garden Support Fruit, vegetable, and cut‑flower production.
Orchard Care Seasonal pruning, thinning, and harvesting.
Wildlife & Sustainability Support for ecological and biodiversity initiatives

Desirable Attributes and Certificates

Initiative & Ownership Ability to work independently and make informed horticultural decisions.
Team Spirit Positive, collaborative approach within a small, skilled team.
Development Mindset Interest in expanding skills and contributing ideas to garden improvements.
PA1 and Pa6 Knapsack sprayer licence and understanding of biological controls.
CS30 and CS31 Chainsaw licence would be desirable but not essential

Salary: up to £35K DOE

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

Tagged as: Berkshire, Experienced Gardener, full time, Private Advert