Sole Gardener
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced, qualified and physically fit Sole Gardener to join a stunning historic private estate in Hampshire on a full-time permanent basis. This role will suit a knowledgeable horticulturist with extensive hands-on management experience on large private estate gardens, as well as a proven ability to work well on their own.
The 300-year-old property is owned by a knowledgeable gardener and has been managed for nearly nine years by an employed Sole Gardener. The garden has been lovingly maintained and developed over this time, such that it is of paramount importance to source a genuinely enthusiastic and knowledgeable person to continue the legacy. The current Sole Gardener will leave the post in May and will be available until this time to ensure a smooth transition into the role for the successful applicant.
The gardens of 6-acres comprise expansive lawns, large beech and yew hedges, young, mature and veteran trees, large herbaceous perennial borders, shrubs, a small orchard, a swimming pool, a tennis court and a Georgian walled garden containing 800 David Austin roses. Wisteria and climbing roses decorate the ancient walls and will require delicate and timely pruning to ensure their continued form. The property does not contain a kitchen garden or a glasshouse so skills associated with such management will not be required for this role. The garden is maintained to a very high standard and requires efficient planning and an associated knowledge of plant behaviour throughout the seasons.
The garden has been successfully maintained by the current Sole Gardener for the past nine years, however specialist contractors will be brought in where necessary, i.e. for aerial tree work, however the successful applicant should be confident in their ability to undertake the management of large hedges (and associated equipment) and in their pace of work in general. Attention to detail and a high standard of care is expected at all times.
Suitable candidates will hold demonstrable experience in a similar role as well as academic horticultural qualifications at Level 2, ideally Level 3 or above. Experience in species-specific pruning is essential, as is good general plant knowledge, spray applicators, ride-on cylinder mowers and basic machinery maintenance. A lawncare contractor attends the property twice yearly, however the Sole Gardener should be experienced in this area to ensure a good standard of health on a year-round basis. A full driving licence is required as, although on the edge of a small village, the property is located rurally.
This is an excellent opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced gardener to join a stunning historic private estate in a beautiful part of the country, on a full-time permanent basis. The owner is a knowledgeable garden lover and looks to build a long term, positive, and enjoyable working relationship with the successful candidate.
If this Sole Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
SALARY: Up to £35,000 DOE
LOCATION: Hampshire
JOB No: EC11798
You will need to be registered with English Country Gardeners to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Sole 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 Sole Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
