Head Gardener

Following the impending retirement of the existing Head Gardener, after more than 12 years in the post, an exciting opportunity exists for a versatile and qualified Head Gardener with an excellent understanding of horticultural techniques and plant identification for a private family estate near Budleigh Salterton.

Lee Ford, www.leeford.co.uk, was acquired by the Lindsay-Fynn family in 1946 and has been their home ever since. In the 1950s Sir Basil began the development of the woodland garden planting glades of Rhododendrons, Camelias and Azaleas, many of which today are over 15 metres high. The formal garden, walled garden and the ornamental woodlands cover around 15 acres, the whole estate some 43 acres. The walled garden, poly-tunnel and fruit cages are used to provide seasonal vegetables and fruit for the owners. Two greenhouses are used for propagation and growing flowering pot plants for a substantial glass conservatory. The gardens have been opened for the NGS annually for over 50 years, and for other local charities. Other estate staff are employed.

The ideal candidate will hold a minimum RHS level 2 horticultural qualification and at least 10 years of experience at a similar level of seniority. The applicant should have an excellent understanding of horticultural techniques and plant identification, experience in plant pest and disease control and holds current spray certificates PA1/PA6.

Typical duties will include maintenance and further development of the gardens and outdoor areas, summarised as follows:

• General garden maintenance and management of all plantings. 
• Maintenance of amenity lawns
• Maintaining Herbaceous borders
• Fruit tree pruning & spraying
• Vegetable and fruit production in a traditional walled garden
• Seasonal bulb planting
• Plant pest and disease control
• Propagation by cuttings and seed
• Management of two green houses, a poly tunnel and a large conservatory with numerous flowering pot plants
• Occasional watering of the greenhouses at week-ends.
• Experience of using garden machinery
• The maintenance of equipment, keeping machinery in good working condition and undertaking any minor repairs
• Manage composting of waste on site
• An understanding of Health & Safety and sustainable garden practices

Salary £30,000 - £35,000

Option to join the employer’s NEST contributory Pension Scheme