Skilled Gardener
An opportunity has arisen for a Skilled Gardener to play a key role in the ongoing development and maintenance of a private estate near Stoke Poges, on an initial basis of approximately 2-days per week. This opportunity is open to self-employed gardeners who can demonstrate a thorough understanding of horticulture with excellent plant identification and ornamental plant management skills.
The stunning Georgian property encompasses 19-acres overall and includes a formal garden of approximately 4-acres. The main house and garden are currently undergoing renovation and redevelopment respectively, with garden designer Justin Spink managing the latter. In its present form, the impressive and diverse garden is being managed by a local contracting company insofar as general maintenance. There is a need for additional input, primarily within the walled garden from a finer horticultural perspective in order to ensure existing plantings and those to be implemented in the near future are managed to correct horticultural standards.
The wider property includes (and will include in the near future) a wild flower meadow, a lake and wetland area, specimen trees, terraces and walkways, a large swimming pool, tennis court, expansive areas of formal and informal lawn as well as ornamental planting throughout. As the main focus of the role at this phase of the design implementation, the existing walled garden comprises climbers such as roses and clematis (with additional planting and training to be carried out), several mixed deep borders with herbaceous and perennial planting (including giant perennial species), specimen trees, fine mown paths, ornamental grasses, with a swimming pool, raised terrace and pagoda to be added as part of the new design. Management and development of the walled garden area will be the primary role of the successful candidate though their experience and knowledge will be utilised in the surrounding garden areas where possible and required.
Suitable candidates for this position are likely to currently be self-employed horticulturists with an academic horticultural qualification and/or extensive gardening experience. Applicants must possess practical knowledge of a wide range of plants, good physical fitness, an ability to safely operate general garden machinery and must have a thorough understanding of seasonal garden management. Spray certificates (PA1/PA6) would be beneficial and a driving licence essential due to the rural location of the property.
This is an excellent opportunity for a local freelance gardener to become involved with a garden at an early stage of redevelopment. A generous hourly rate is offered in line with experience, with the number of days per week and working hours to be agreed following discussion on site. This is expected to initially comprise two-days per week on an 8hr per day basis.
SALARY: Circa £25/hr DOE
LOCATION: Stoke Poges, Berkshire
JOB No: EC13957
If this Skilled 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.
