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Head Gardener/Plantsperson

Employer
Manthorpe Ltd
Location
Derbyshire
Salary
TBD
Closing date
4 Mar 2019

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Enthusiastic and knowledgeable head gardener/plantsperson wanted to help restore and rejuvenate a very special Lutyens garden at Ednaston Manor, a Grade 1 Listed house near Ashbourne, Derbyshire.  The current owners purchased the house in 2006 and have spent the last 12 years painstakingly and sympathetically restoring the house following years of neglect. They now wish to do the same for the garden and are looking for a very special gardener who would like to undertake this journey with them. 

Gardens

The job would suit an experienced head gardener able to head up the restoration/rejuvenation of a major landscape garden over the next few years.  Above all, we are looking for a pro-active and energetic person who will bring their knowledge and experience, own spirit and passion to the place. 

The suitable candidate must be interested in plants and plantsmanship with a good experience of all forms of horticulture from maintaining borders to propagation, working in greenhouses to renovation tree and shrub pruning. They must be able to manage a team and be a self-starter qualified to become responsible for all horticultural matters within the 40 acre estate for busy clients.   

The owners have briefed Libby Russell of Mazzullo Russell Landscape Design to produce a masterplan for the restoration of the garden and a leading tree and shrub specialist is advising on trees and shrubs.

The candidate would be expected to be very hands-on and an active team member as well as running one other experienced gardener in addition to outside freelance and landscape contractors. The candidate would be responsible for a full range of mechanical equipment and all health and safety matters within the estate. The job will also involve a certain amount of administration and care taking, including accepting deliveries, ordering plants and supplies plus supervising the work of outside contractors.

The job entails everything from existing border maintenance to the implementation of exciting new planting designs throughout the garden.  An interest in trees and shrubs would be helpful.

Garden Description

Ednaston Manor was designed and built by Sir Edwin Lutyens for WG Player (of the cigarette company) between 1912 and 1919. Much of the planting in the extensive gardens was undertaken by his daughter-in-law Jean Player in the late 40’s and 50’s. Jean’s maiden name was Loder and she was related to the well-known horticultural family of that name and a skilled plantswoman in her own right. She introduced large numbers of shrubs and trees and was renowned for selecting rare and unusual species.

Gardens

The garden consists of a wide variety of terraces and steps around the house which all require re planting. There is a small kitchen garden but all horticultural facilities need to be either put back or replaced and this would be an important part of the initial garden works. Beyond the house there is an established woodland garden with many interesting trees and shrubs that also needs renovation/re-planting.

Gardens

The estate continues into a wider parkland landscape with parkland trees, orchard, small lake and outbuildings. The garden has not been given the attention it requires for several years and therefore would provide an exciting opportunity for a gardener wanting to help bring it back to life.  The terraces around the house are typically Lutyens with all the charm one would expect but need total re- planting whilst as one progresses through the landscape, there are lovely existing trees and shrubs which also need care and attention.  

Accommodation

There is a charming Head Gardener’s 3 bedroom cottage at the entrance to the main drive which has been newly renovated with its own garden and private space. The property is approximately 4 miles from the market town of Ashbourne which is on the edge of the Peak District and has excellent schools and other amenities.  

Gardens

An attractive remuneration package will be commensurate with experience along with statutory pension arrangements and 4 weeks holiday per year.

Please give details of all training and experience, including details of all proficiency certificates achieved.  References are essential and it would be helpful to know about your interests and hobbies.

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