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JOB Ref: EC3399 Watch the video

Skilled Gardener

  • Live In
  • Circa £25,000 DOE
  • Oxfordshire

A rare and wonderful opportunity has arisen for a Skilled Gardener to assist with the management of a celebrated seven-acre private garden on the Berkshire Downs, located between Newbury and Wantage in Oxfordshire.  The garden has been recognised by a very significant critic, that it ‘quintessentially exemplifies the qualities and traditions of the English garden.  Very recently, in a competition organised by The English Garden Magazine and the National Garden Scheme for the Nation’s favourite of the 3500 NGS gardens, it was nominated in the final 30 and one of four in the South East.

The devoted owners have been resident at the property for over 50 years, with the lady of the house – herself very well respected in the industry – dedicating her time to the garden on most days.  The garden is open on a regular basis as part of the NGS, as well as for private tours by appointment.  The owners are now looking for an energetic, physically fit, skilled and enthusiastic gardener to assist with management of the garden on a full-time, permanent and live-in basis.

The seven-acre garden consists of a series of garden rooms that include herbaceous borders, an arboretum, kitchen garden, bog garden, and greenhouses.  The property itself dates from the mid-seventeen hundreds and provides a picture-perfect centre point for the stunning and horticulturally diverse gardens.

Ideal applicants will have comprehensive hands-on experience within a large private garden of a similar nature.  The successful candidate will be willing to work on their own as well as with the owners, and with additional part-time help.  Applicants must therefore possess the ability to work on their own initiative whilst being sensitive to the garden theme and associated preferences of the owners.

Candidates for this position will ideally hold an academic horticultural qualification at RHS Level 3 or equivalent/above, with PA1/PA6 spray certificates being an advantage.  Certification of chainsaw competence is desirable but not essential.  Other duties besides gardening will include general estate DIY tasks and responsibility for the security of the property when the owners are away.  The property is located in a very rural area on the top of the Berkshire Downs; therefore, a car and full driving licence are essential requirements.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a passionate and skilled gardener to play a key role in a traditional, beautiful and horticulturally diverse English country garden that has been painstakingly yet lovingly developed over the past 50 years by the devoted owners.

This position is offered with accommodation by way of a very well presented and recently refurbished two-bedroom cottage with its own garden, located just inside the main gate at the end of a short driveway.  Council tax is covered by the client.  Children and partners are welcome, though dogs must be kept indoors or in kennels when the gardens are open to the public and must be under strict management at all other times.  Working hours are typically 08:00 – 17:00 with the expected seasonal variation where applicable, with 20 days holiday (plus bank holidays).

SALARY:       Circa £25,000 depending on experience

LOCATION:  West Berkshire Downs

JOB No:          EC3399

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.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

Tagged as: Live In, Skilled Gardener

Recruitment Specialist Mark Read