Head Gardener

Head Gardener 

Mount St John, North Yorkshire. 

A generous salary reflecting the Professional Gardener’s Guild salary recommendations for 2024.

*A house can also be provided* 

We are looking for a Garden Manager / Garden Curator to fill this very important appointment.

The role is hands on, and is directly responsible to the owner for leading the garden team of gardeners, volunteers and potentially an apprentice. The successful appointee will continue with the progressive development and management of the gardens. 

We are searching for someone with experience of working on a private estate who has the ability to support the team working at an equally high standard; as well as the expanding range of horticulture being undertaken to continue to move the garden forward in new and progressive ways.

Mount St John is a stunningly beautiful private garden with commanding views across the Vale of York, close to Thirsk, on the edge of the North York Moors. The garden includes major redesign by Tom Stuart-Smith and the development of the gardens is still ongoing. Horticultural and presentational standards are of the highest quality in every regard. The garden includes a contemporary terraced setting for the 18th century house, and the formal areas of the garden – the terraces, a restored walled kitchen garden with flower garden, fruit and vegetable garden, and some micro cropping.  There is a substantial glasshouse and a poly tunnel supporting propagation and the production of house plants. The formal gardens contrast beautifully with the romantic valley gardens and ponds.

A significant range of high-quality equipment and impressive workshops support the garden and other teams who support the wider estate, other residences, and hospitality businesses belonging to the owner. 

The owners live on the estate and are incredibly supportive and enthusiastic. The garden and estate has a very good record of retaining gardening and other staff for significant lengths of service, and for supporting a professional and enjoyable working environment.

Applicants must have a strong background of horticultural experience and relevant training, ideally to level 3 and above, working to high horticultural standards. They should be personable, capable of supporting and developing a strong team, and a natural communicator with leadership skills.

A generous package could include an appropriate house, pension scheme, and other benefits.