Skilled Gardener - Live In - EC5512

A wonderful opportunity has arisen for a Skilled Gardener to assist with the management of a 7-acre private garden on the Berkshire Downs, located between Newbury and Wantage.  The garden has been recognised by a very significant critic, that it ‘quintessentially exemplifies the qualities and traditions of the English garden.’ The devoted owners have been resident at the property for over 50 years, with the Lady of the house dedicating her time to the garden on most days.  The garden is open on a regular basis as part of the NGS, as well as for private tours by appointment.

The owners are now looking for a skilled and enthusiastic gardener to assist the owners with management of the garden on a full-time, permanent and live-in basis.

The garden consists of a series of garden rooms that include herbaceous borders, an arboretum, kitchen garden, bog garden, and greenhouses.  The property itself, though not open to the public, dates from the mid-seventeen hundreds and provides a picture-perfect centre point for the stunning and horticulturally diverse gardens.

Suitable applicants will have comprehensive hands-on experience of managing a large private garden of a similar nature, preferably from a Skilled or Sole perspective.  The successful candidate will be willing to work autonomously, with the owners, and with some additional part-time help.  Applicants must therefore possess the ability to work on their own initiative whilst being sensitive to the garden theme and associated sensitivities of the owners.

Suitable applicants will hold an academic horticultural qualification at RHS Level 3 or equivalent, with PA1/PA6 spray certificates being an advantage.  Certification of chainsaw competence is desirable but not essential.  Other duties besides gardening will include general handyman tasks and responsibility for the security of the property when the owners are away.  The property is located in a very rural area on the top of Berkshire Downs, therefore a car and full driving licence are essential.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a passionate gardener to play a key role in a traditional, beautiful and exemplary English country garden containing an array of interesting and rare plants, painstakingly yet lovingly developed over the past 50 years by the devoted owners.

This position is offered with accommodation by way of a very well presented and recently refurbished two-bedroom cottage with its own garden, located just inside the main gate at the end of a short driveway.  Council tax is covered by the client.  Children and partners are welcome, though dogs are kept indoors or in kennels when the gardens are open, and are under strict management at all other times.  Working hours are typically 08:00 – 17:00 with the expected seasonal variation where applicable, with 28 days holiday (including bank holidays).

SALARY:     Circa £23,000 depending on experience

LOCATION: Berkshire Downs, Oxfordshire

JOB No:       EC5512

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

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

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk