Sole Gardener - Live Out - EC4987

A very attractive opportunity has arisen for an experienced and knowledgeable gardener/horticulturist on a beautiful private family estate near Petersfield, Hampshire.  The estate is looking for a skilled Sole Gardener to take ownership, and to continue the development of, the stunning gardens on a permanent full-time basis.

With expansive views across the downs, the 40-acre estate includes 10-acres of formal gardens that are currently managed by a team of four part-time staff and the property owner herself (who manages the kitchen garden, primarily).  The gardens, designed by John Hill, have been extensively restored over the past six years, and as such, are in need of a knowledgeable and practical horticulturist to ensure the continued development and general upkeep.   

The gardens are designed in the traditional English country style and include formal lawns, large herbaceous borders, a walled kitchen garden, ornamental ponds, an orchard, fruit garden, hedges and topiary, roses, and a glasshouse used for the propagation of cut flowers and vegetables for the house.  The property is surrounded by 30-acres of paddocks and woodland, the former of which benefits from part-time help in terms of management of sheep in particular.  The successful applicant should be willing to assist in the wider estate if necessary, as well as with other duties that may arise as part of the Sole Gardener’s remit.

The ideal candidate will hold a recognised horticultural qualification at Level 3 or above as well as extensive experience in a similar Sole and/or Senior role within a large private estate garden.  Applicants must have demonstrable experience in garden management, glasshouse work and plant propagation, kitchen gardening, plant pest and disease management, pruning techniques, and general garden maintenance (including the safe operation and basic maintenance of garden machinery).  Spray and chainsaw certification would be beneficial, and good plant knowledge/ID skills are essential.  Applicants must be physically fit, and should hold a full UK driving licence.

This is an excellent opportunity for a knowledgeable horticulturist to demonstrate and further develop their skills in a horticulturally-diverse estate, located in a beautiful setting, and for owners who are genuinely passionate about their garden.

If this Sole Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

SALARY:  Circa £35,000 DOE

LOCATION:  Petersfield, Hampshire

JOB No:  EC4987

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.