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Sole Gardener - Live In - EC6366

Employer
English Country Gardeners
Location
Berkshire
Salary
£25,000-£30,000 + accommodation
Closing date
26 Apr 2019

View more

Contract Type
Permanent
Hours
Full Time
Function
Gardening Jobs
Sector
Horticultural Specialist

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled Sole Gardener with a genuine talent and passion for kitchen gardening.  Though still in the design and build phase, this new project is being managed on behalf of a well-known author and TV presenter by the celebrated garden designer, Justin Spink.  This private home will, upon completion, be a beautiful synergy of form and function as well as a unique and rewarding place of work for the successful candidate.

The estate comprises 50-acres of paddocks and woodland in addition to the main dwelling and associated gardens.  The property is nestled among mature trees in a rural location, approximately 15-miles of north-east of Basingstoke.

With the project now in full flow, a skilled Sole Gardener is required to join the estate in order to familiarise themselves with the site, the plans and the eventual responsibilities of the role.  The successful candidate will initially manage areas outside of the formal garden, such as the surrounding paddocks and woodland, and will play a primary role in the management of the formal gardens thereafter. 

The new design is focussed on the kitchen garden, as this will form the primary theme of the property.  The gardens will be an area for entertainment as well as for private enjoyment and professional development, and as such, the ornamental/non-produce aspect will also be a significant factor in the overall feel of the finished product.

The new design comprises sweeping hedges of native species, with existing and new trees providing perspective and scale throughout the property.  Spring bulbs will emerge in view to visitors along the driveway, with mixed fruit, native broadleaf and oriental flowering trees shadowing mown paths and bulb meadow areas.  The main courtyard will provide teasing glimpses of the garden, itself leading to a private terrace with sculptures, lavender and clipped rosemary on one side, with open grass areas with mature and newly-planted trees on the other. 

Mown paths run through stunning bulb meadow areas between the house and formal garden areas and lead the eye to wrought iron gates; the entrance to the walled kitchen garden and primary entertainment/eating area.  The variety, quality and combination of crop species affirm the fact that this area is the heart and soul of the property.  Raised oak beds containing herbs and salad crops surround a timber pergola, holding trained vines over a formal seating and entertainment area.  Adjacent to the vine-laden pergola, lawns provide outside space for guests to stand and enjoy the unique environment from which ingredients in their recent meal had been grown.  A greenhouse, potting shed and fruit cages sit among beds of cutting flowers and sweet peas on the south-facing wall, with the view through a picket gate in the wall expanding to a carpet of wild flowers.

Applicants for this attractive role must be very experienced and competent in kitchen gardens, primarily, as well as being knowledgeable horticulturists.  An academic horticultural qualification at RHS level 3 or above is desired, with at least 5 years’ experience hands-on experience on private estates at sole, skilled and/or senior level essential.  Applicants with competence in chainsaw operation as well as a wide variety of garden machinery are encouraged to apply, as management of the surrounding paddocks and woodland will necessitate such skills.  The working week is expected to require three days’ worth of kitchen gardening, with the remaining time being divided between the wider estate and ornamental aspects of the garden.

This position is offered with accommodation off-site, which will be arranged according to applicants’ specific situations and requirements.  In addition to the provided accommodation, a generous salary is offered, with guaranteed workplace satisfaction and a stunning environment in which to work.

SALARY:      £25,000 - £30,000 + Accommodation

LOCATION:  Nr. Newbury, Oxfordshire 

JOB No:       EC6366

If this Sole 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 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.

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