Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a stunning 20-acre private garden and bring your creative ideas to life.
- Company: Join a historic estate set in the beautiful Kent Downs, surrounded by nature.
- Benefits: Enjoy provided accommodation, pet-friendly living, and covered council tax and water bills.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a cherished garden while working in a picturesque setting.
- Qualifications: Horticultural qualification and experience in a similar role are preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity to manage a part-time groundsman and expand your gardening skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A full time driven and experienced Sole Gardener is sought to manage a stunning 20-acre private garden in the Sevenoaks District of Kent. Set in 2500 acres of outstanding natural beauty in the Kent Downs, the majority of the land is for livestock and arable farming. Seated within the main garden is a Grade I listed house built in 1680. The house is set on a terrace with the gardens originally set out in a formal style around 1700 but have since been landscaped in a more natural/romantic style.
The garden is presented to a very high standard all year round with bulbs, wildflowers, azaleas, rhododendrons, summer flowering herbaceous borders and roses, together with woodland walks. The garden includes formal parterres/lawns, flower borders, topiary, rockery, stream, lakeside, wetland area, Woodland Garden and a small propagation area, which can be expanded. There is also an aspiration to have cut flowers for the house/restaurant.
The owners are looking for a passionate Sole Gardener / plantsperson who is excited by the possibility of putting their stamp on the garden. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and able to come up with ideas and their proposed work schedule in weekly meetings with open-minded owners. The role will include management of a part-time groundsman who maintains the grass and woodland garden.
As the garden is varied, the candidate will need to be versatile and have a broad knowledge. Ideally, candidates will have a recognised horticultural qualification and previous experience working in a similar role on a private estate. Excellent knowledge of plants and a broad range of technical skills will be required as well as a desire and ability to work to a high standard. It is important that applicants are enthusiastic and able to work on their own initiative. Candidates should have the ability to carry out basic maintenance on a wide variety of garden machinery. PA1 & PA6 spraying certificates and chainsaw certificates are also desirable.
The garden has a rich history, and the successful candidate will be somebody who is going to breathe new life and love into the garden to take it forward with this generation of owners.
2-bedroom accommodation suitable for single occupancy or a couple is provided for the successful candidate. Pets are welcome. Council tax and water bills are paid by the employer, all other bills are the tenant’s responsibility.
Sole Gardener employer: ECG Limited
Contact Detail:
ECG Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sole Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific plants and landscaping styles mentioned in the job description. Understanding the unique features of the garden, such as the formal parterres and woodland walks, will help you demonstrate your passion and knowledge during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your versatility by thinking of examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed diverse gardening tasks. Highlighting your ability to adapt and innovate will resonate well with the owners looking for someone to put their stamp on the garden.
✨Tip Number 3
Since the role involves weekly meetings with the owners, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Being able to present a proposed work schedule and new concepts will show that you're proactive and ready to take initiative.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have the PA1 & PA6 spraying certificates or chainsaw certificates, be sure to mention them in conversation. If you don’t, consider obtaining these qualifications as they are desirable and could set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sole Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in gardening and horticulture. Include specific examples of previous roles where you managed gardens, particularly in private estates, and emphasise any qualifications you hold.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for gardening and your vision for the role. Mention your excitement about working in a historic garden and how you plan to contribute to its upkeep and development.
Highlight Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to mention any technical skills you possess, such as knowledge of garden machinery maintenance, PA1 & PA6 spraying certificates, and chainsaw certificates. This will demonstrate your capability to manage the diverse tasks required.
Showcase Your Initiative: Illustrate your ability to work independently by providing examples of how you've taken initiative in past roles. Discuss any ideas you have for enhancing the garden and how you would approach weekly meetings with the owners.
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Gardening
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for gardening and the specific plants mentioned in the job description. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for horticulture, especially in a private estate setting.
✨Demonstrate Your Versatility
Since the garden is varied, be prepared to discuss your broad knowledge of different plant types and gardening techniques. Highlight any experience you have with formal gardens, woodland areas, and propagation, as well as your ability to adapt to different gardening styles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your technical skills, such as maintenance of garden machinery and knowledge of pest control. Be ready to discuss your qualifications, including any relevant certificates like PA1 & PA6 or chainsaw training, to show you are well-equipped for the role.
✨Bring Ideas to the Table
The owners are looking for someone who can put their stamp on the garden. Come prepared with ideas for improvements or new projects you would like to implement. This shows initiative and that you are thinking ahead about how to enhance the garden's beauty.
