Head Gardener

Head Gardener for Private Estate

Vernon Hill House, Hampshire

Vernon Hill House Estate is set around an historic period house outside the medieval town of Bishops Waltham, Hampshire.

The garden and grounds which includes a small vineyard (23 acres in total) sit within the South Downs National Park, extending in all to circa 75 aces.  Formal planting largely sits within the historic garden and was planned and laid out 5 years ago with the assistance of Pip Morrison and Kim Wilkie; within a semi-formal structure, including a formal rose garden and the planting is soft and naturalistic and composed of exquisite perennial planting and shrubs which provides interest through the year.

The Role

The owners take a proactive approach to the estate and are looking for someone who is keen to progress and support the owners in the planting, development and ongoing maintenance of the estate and gardens.  This is an exciting opportunity to be involved with ongoing and future projects such as increasing habitats for wildlife and biodiversity across the estate.

A successful applicant will be responsible for implementing the seasonal maintenance operations throughout the gardens to include some seasonal vegetables, fruit and cut flowers.

Duties will include helping to maintain and develop an impressive garden which includes herbaceous borders, formal areas, hedging, species rich meadows, orchard and a small kitchen garden and glasshouse.

The Package

• Competitive salary plus pension
• Assistance with accommodation if required
• Early New Year start
• Full time position
• 24 days holiday per year plus bank holidays

The Individual

A suitable applicant should have:

• Proven practical experience as a senior gardener and a suitable horticultural qualification in gardens maintenance such as NVO Level 2, RHS Level 2 together with a comprehensive plant knowledge
• A driving license and aptitude to driving light farm machinery with the use and maintenance of garden machinery
• Good organisational and communication skills with a good understanding of Health and Safety issues
• Good work ethic - trustworthy, honest, reliable, punctual, hardworking
• Well motivated with an eye for detail and a desire to achieve high standards
• A willingness to work alongside and support other staff is essential
• A chainsaw license and spraying certificates are desirable

How to apply

Please send your CV to: sarah.hulatt@northbrookvineyard.co.uk