Skilled Gardener
An attractive opportunity has arisen for a self-employed Skilled Gardener to play a key role in the ongoing development and maintenance of a stunning Gertrude Jekyll orientated garden near Andover in Hampshire, on a 2-day per week basis. This opportunity is open to self-employed gardeners who can demonstrate a thorough understanding of garden management, with excellent plant identification and time management skills.
The 1.5-acre arts and crafts garden was designed by Gertrude Jekyll and is approximately 100 years old. The owners live on the property full-time, are keen and knowledgeable gardeners, and whilst they currently benefit from one other member of staff with regard to estate and garden maintenance, the amicable departure of their knowledgeable plantsman gardener (to Scotland) leaves an opportunity for a like-minded new incumbent.
Applicants for this role should be self-employed gardeners currently living within a one-hour commute of the estate, which lies approximately 5-miles east of Andover. The garden has a happy atmosphere and comprises a wild garden, herbaceous garden and large borders, a gravel garden, gazebo and pond, roses and bulbs, with a strong focus on flowers throughout. There is no kitchen garden or glasshouse, so associated propagation and vegetable/fruit growing will not be required of the successful candidate. Hedge cutting will be carried out by external contractors, leaving the successful candidate to focus on the finer horticultural duties within the garden. A no-dig approach is used to manage weeds, which works very well on the site and should be continued at the wish of the owners. The successful applicant will be required to work from ladders at times and must be used to working on and managing large herbaceous borders as well as a diverse range of ornamental plants, shrubs and flowers.
Suitable candidates will be self-employed, used to working alone, and should hold an academic horticultural qualification and/or extensive gardening experience, possess good plant identification skills, good physical fitness, an ability to operate and have a thorough understanding of seasonal garden management as per the above factors. A driving licence is an essential requirement of all applicants due to the rural location of the property.
This is an excellent opportunity for a local freelance gardener to become involved with a n historic and impressive garden, on behalf of genuinely enthusiastic and welcoming gardener owners. A generous hourly rate is offered in line with experience, with discretionary bonuses paid in recognition of the gardener’s commitment and quality of work.
SALARY: Circa £26/hr DOE
LOCATION: Andover, Hampshire
JOB No: EC10384
If this Assistant Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Skilled Gardener 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 Skilled Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
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