An excellent opportunity has arisen for a practical and experienced Sole Gardener to join a beautiful private estate near Haywards Heath, West Sussex, on a full-time, permanent basis.

Set within approximately 150 acres of attractive Sussex countryside, the estate includes formal gardens, expansive lawns, woodland, orchards, ponds, rural properties and wider estate grounds. This is an ideal opportunity for a versatile gardener who takes pride in their work and enjoys both ornamental gardening and the practical upkeep of a wider country estate.

The four acres of formal gardens surrounding the main house offer a mix of ornamental planting, varied beds and borders complemented by flowering pots. Beyond the principal gardens are further lawns, areas of woodland and a woodland pond, adding a more naturalistic element to the landscape.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for maintaining the formal gardens and surrounding grounds to a high standard throughout the seasons. Duties will include planting, pruning, weeding, strimming and the care of ornamental borders and landscaped areas. With a robotic mower covering most of the formal lawn mowing, there is scope to focus on the finer horticultural details and the ongoing presentation and development of the gardens. The pond will also require attention to ensure it remains clean, clear and well maintained.

Beyond the principal gardens, the role includes practical upkeep across the wider estate and the gardens of two other properties. These include lawns, trees and orchard areas, together with approximately three-quarters of a mile of driveway winding through the grounds.

The estate also includes a working farm and business area with around 12 tenanted units, where routine grounds maintenance is required. This will include mowing, strimming, weed clearance, seasonal leaf collection and general tidying of external areas, together with verge and driveway-edge maintenance and other general grounds upkeep.

The wider estate also provides scope for gradual improvement and management of woodland, ponds and natural areas, allowing the successful candidate to contribute to their development while maintaining their rural character.

The role will also involve general estate upkeep and practical maintenance, including occasional fence repairs, gutter clearance and minor repair, drain unblocking, keeping a small stream clear and flowing freely, exterior painting and other minor repairs and maintenance as required.

The ideal candidate will be a reliable, resourceful and enthusiastic gardener with sound horticultural knowledge and a proactive approach to their work. They should be comfortable working independently, organising their workload and balancing seasonal gardening priorities with the wider maintenance needs of the estate.

They should also be a capable and practical all-rounder who is comfortable undertaking general estate maintenance and minor repair work, rather than someone whose experience is confined solely to formal horticulture.

Previous experience working in private gardens, country estates or similar environments would be advantageous. A valid chainsaw licence is desirable, or a willingness to obtain one, as training can be provided for the successful candidate. Due to the rural location of the property, a driving licence is required.

This is an appealing opportunity for a versatile Sole Gardener seeking a permanent position within a substantial and varied West Sussex country estate. For someone who enjoys combining high-quality gardening with practical estate work, the role offers considerable variety, independence and the opportunity to make a long-term contribution to the ongoing upkeep and improvement of the property.

SALARY: £40,000

LOCATION: Near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

JOB No: EC76562

If this Sole Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply below,  call Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this 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 vacancy has been unsuccessful.

We are proud to work with:

• the Professional Gardeners’ Guild
• the RHS
• the WFGA – offering the WRAGs Scheme
• Arne Maynard Garden Design
• Historic Houses
• the HBG Training Programme

Tagged as: Live Out, live out - sole gardener, private estate, Sole Gardener, West Sussex