Experienced Gardener (Live in) - EC5117

A fine Georgian house with private gardens and grounds of approximately 15 acres, located in central Norfolk, is seeking an experienced gardener to work alongside the owners and an existing Groundsman.  Applicants for this role should have extensive hands-on experience of working in large private gardens, and comprehensive plant knowledge (particularly in relation to neutral or alkaline soils).

The estate has employed a number of part-time staff in the past, but now requires an experienced full-time gardener to work alongside the client; herself a knowledgeable and passionate gardener.

The formal garden of approximately 1.5-acres contain herbaceous and shrub borders, a kitchen garden and greenhouses, plus an arboretum containing over 700 different species.  In addition to the above, a new formal Italianate garden was created in the courtyard two years ago with a rill, pleached limes, topiary and new beds of plants and shrubs.  The estate propagates most of their own plants for the borders and pots, as well as some fruit and select vegetables, cut flowers, and interesting plants in the greenhouses for the Hall itself.  The garden has been open to the public for the past 20 years, including over 60 visits for the NGS, however the estate is now only open to groups by appointment between April and August.  The opportunity exists to play a key role in the occasional re-development of garden areas, so applicants with a keen eye for plant use and design are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must be willing and able to carry out all aspects of estate gardening including pruning (some from ladders), plant propagation and glasshouse work, planting, weeding and providing the occasional assistance to the Groundsman by way of lawn care, leaf collection and other estate handyman duties as they arise.  A self-employed tree surgeon cuts the hedges and helps prune the trees and shrubs on a two-day per week basis.  The suitable applicant will ideally possess spray certificates (PA1/PA6), a full UK driving licence, be fit and healthy, a non-smoker and will be willing to undertake watering of the garden at weekends during periods of hot weather, if necessary.

A three-bedroom house is available (strictly no smoking) for the applicant and family at a nominal rent of £250 per annum.  The applicant would be expected to pay their own council tax and utilities.  A small and well-behaved dog is welcome, but cats are not permitted due to the abundant bird population.    

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

SALARY:  Circa £23,000 - £27,000 DOE

LOCATION:  Dereham, Norfolk

JOB No:  EC5117

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Experienced 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 Experienced Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.