Head Gardener - West Country

Head Gardener, Private Estate in the West Country.

Full time and permanent.

The garden is a relatively compact but horticulturally varied 9 acre Family Estate in the West Country, just outside Taunton, on the edge of the Quantock Hills.

The Head Gardener is supported by an assistant gardener (4 days per week) and will also appoint a further assistant gardener at a similar level (on an employed, or self employed basis with some adjustment for seasonal hours).  The garden owners and all members of the estate work closely together to create a particurally friendly and 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 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 organizational skills will be required.

• 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.

The Head Gardener is primarily responsible for weekend watering and animal care depending on the season; some support is available through the team and casual contract support. 

The role comes with an attractive, newly refurbished cottage. 

The cottage has 2 bedrooms, with large rooms and its own private garden; rent and council tax are covered by the owners. Partners and dependents are welcome and pets within reason.

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