Head/Sole Gardener - EC6651

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head/Sole Gardener to play a leading role on this structured, yet soft, private estate, designed by one of the country’s foremost garden designers.  The newly designed site is in an implementation phase and now requires a Head/Sole Gardener to join the project on a permanent, long-term basis.  This role will suit experienced Head/Senior Gardeners who possess excellent horticultural knowledge, some general estate maintenance experience and a positive, flexible and committed hands-on approach to their work.

Set within a rural 50-acre site, the formal 2-acre garden has been designed in such a way that pays compliment to the surrounding landscape through intelligent plant use and spacial consideration.  Though formal in areas, the completed project will have a natural feel that reflects the history of the site as well as the intended new use as a family home.  The incorporation of orchards, multiple meadow areas and soft ornamental planting ensures the imposing contrast of a garden to its surrounding landscape, is refreshingly and impressively avoided.  Upon completion, the garden will be identifiable by the trained eye as one that quintessentially represents the natural simplicity, yet formidable talent of this internationally celebrated garden designer.

The main dwelling on the estate is complimented by an annex, a cottage and converted barn, with each sensitively incorporated into the new garden design.  The formal garden itself comprises a walled pool garden, orchards, a pond, herbaceous beds and borders, roses and climbers, a kitchen garden, young and mature trees with topiary and pleached specimens throughout. 

The newly appointed Head/Sole Gardener will be solely responsible for the garden.  The requirement for additional seasonal staff being identified at a later stage.  Applicants for this role must have demonstrable competence in the planning and prioritisation of their workload, with proven experience of staff management as Head and/or Senior Gardener on a horticulturally diverse private estate.  Excellent horticultural knowledge and academic horticultural qualifications at level 3 or above are desired, as is an ability to manage a garden budget efficiently. 

The new Head Gardener will be expected to establish an understanding of the requirements of the household in respect of seasonal produce, flower arranging and house plants, so knowledge and demonstrable experience in these areas is essential.  Applicants with experience and knowledge of the basic considerations associated with conservation and ecological land management, i.e. of paddocks and meadows, in addition to the above, are encouraged to apply.  The Head Gardener is required hold competence in the fundamental areas of private estate gardening; kitchen gardening, plant propagation, species-specific pruning techniques, and the safe operation and basic maintenance of garden machinery.  Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence and their own transport for this role, as the estate is located rurally.  

The position is offered with accommodation on site, if required, in addition to the generous salary.  The accommodation has been designed and built to a high standard and will offer the successful applicant (and partner if applicable) a warm and welcoming environment as direct reward for their efforts in the surrounding garden.

 SALARY:      Circa £35,000 + Accommodation if required

LOCATION:  Leafield, Oxfordshire

JOB No:          EC6651

If this Head/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 Head/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 Head/Sole Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.