Senior Gardener (copy)

Close to the Cornish Devon border on the beautiful Tamar Estuary, a 120-acre estate requires a senior gardener for a full-time position. 

The house and garden are in the process of being restored and re-worked to provide a really productive Kitchen garden with glasshouses, and the whole estate, house and landscape are being given a new lease of life by a young family with a passion for doing things well, organically and with conservation in mind as well as pleasure and bounty.

The immediate garden around the house comprises over 3 acres of centuries old Cornish woodland with a unique collection of camellias, magnolias, rare trees, shrubs and bulbs plus similar acreage of formal and informal garden around the house itself.

A kitchen garden of approximately 2 acres set in an orchard is a spectacular sight. There is also a small further garden at a separate house within the property.

Both owners and designers are keen to create a modern efficient working garden, but to maintain the charm an old-world atmosphere, for the encouragement of wildlife and promotion of the indigenous ecology of Cornwall.

The applicant should be a skilled horticulturalist of some experience, with a passion for plants and gardens, a keen visual eye and a natural feel for nurturing plants and the ability and inclination to be physically active in the garden. A highly organised individual to manage labour and sundry budgeting, general administration, ordering etc., working to begin with as senior gardener in a team of six, under the care of the head gardener and of the owners, estate manager and designers.

All the usual qualifications would be useful, familiarity with machinery and its maintenance; mowing and hedge trimming; organic vegetable production; cut flowers and house plants, but self-motivation, dedication and initiative are key as the owners will be coming for weekends, half terms and holidays with guests and lots of children. Flexible timetabling will be essential, and a genial, positive and adaptable attitude would make this a very special job for someone talented.