Head Gardener - West Country

Head Gardener. Private Estate in the West Country.

Might suit a gardening couple.

A compact and varied 9 acre Family Estate in the West Country, just outside Taunton, on the edge of the Quantock Hills.

This is a full time role as Head Gardener with some weekend work for watering and animal care depending on the season. There is also scope for a second gardener working on a self-employed basis, with hours secured to a minimum level.

Attractive accommodation is available in the form of a 2-bedroom cottage with council tax covered by the owners. Partners and dependents are welcome and pets within reason. All members of the estate work closely together to create a friendly positive atmosphere.

The gardens comprise formal lawns and borders, walled vegetable and cut flower garden, vines, mature orchard, parkland, paddocks, wooded areas, specimen trees and established ponds. There is also a substantial new glasshouse by Alitex with both temperate and tropical zones stocked with some interesting and unusual specimen plants. The gardens have undergone a significant investment programme in recent years, and a number of further projects are planned. The family prefer to minimize the use of chemical intervention where possible.

Key Skills, Responsibilities and Attributes

Experienced, pro-active Head Gardener required with appropriate horticultural qualifications, good plant knowledge and hands on flair for managing and presenting this 9.0 acre private garden in its very best light. Strong management and organisational skills will be required.

We envisage that the second Gardener would assist the Head Gardener on a part time basis, circa 3 -4 days / week.

This role would suit a practical problem solver with high energy and a confident enthusiastic personality who actively seeks and will enjoy engagement with the family. Create a great environment to build and develop your team, currently comprising full time gardener with budget for an additional full/part time member of the team, (see above) Devise, plan and deliver agreed planting and maintenance programme with owners whilst taking full accountability for efficient management of resources to deliver plan. Significant practical horticultural experience supported by appropriate qualifications. Knowledge of range of horticultural techniques covering wide range of plant types and trees including fruit trees. An appetite for detailed work in formal areas is important Qualified NPTC for tractor, trailer, loader, chainsaw qualification helpful. Have a practical knowledge of garden machinery operation and maintenance including qualifications for using sprayers. Work collaboratively with family and rest of team including fulltime housekeeper and maintenance team Build effective networks with local suppliers and other specialist contractors. A clean current driving license and car.

Starting salary package circa £33,500k pa + attractive newly refurbished 2 bed cottage with its own private garden.  

Please send your CV with a covering letter to nationalgardensspecialist@gmail.com