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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate gardening team to create stunning gardens and produce fresh food.
- Company: Join a historic estate focused on nature recovery and responsible tourism.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, family-sized property, and a chance to work outdoors.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on beautiful gardens while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: Horticultural qualification or 5 years' experience in gardening and team leadership.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for community engagement and volunteer development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33000 £ per year.
Location: Ardtornish, Morvern, Argyll, PA80 5UZ
Salary: £30,000 - £33,000 subject to experience
House: Family sized property available with the job
Working hours: 39 hours per week
Contract type: Full-time, permanent
Reports to: Land Manager
The Role
The Head Gardener is a proactive role responsible for both developing and delivering an ambitious vision for our gardens. We are seeking to recruit a motivated and enthusiastic gardener who enjoys practical hands-on gardening, leading a small team, including volunteers, and collaborating with colleagues to realise the potential of our historic gardens and productive kitchen garden. The position is primarily outdoors undertaking skilled gardening and general garden maintenance. The successful candidate should be prepared to work in all weather conditions and to perform physical tasks as part of the role.
Ardtornish Gardens
A naturalistic woodland landscape of 25 acres, shaped from a rocky hillside with sweeping views over Loch Aline and an extensive network of paths. Mature birch, conifers, acers, eucryphia and over 200 varieties of rhododendron thrive in the acid, high-rainfall conditions, providing structure and seasonal colour throughout the year. Formal lawns and glades frame dramatic views. Understorey plantings reveal carpets of snowdrops, primroses, bluebells, daffodils, native woodland plants and mosses beneath the trees. With substantial plantings dating from the 1880’s and recent storm damage, the garden is ready for a refreshed vision that aligns with the Ardtornish focus on nature recovery and responsible tourism.
The Kitchen Garden
A 1.5 acre walled garden providing produce for the estate’s retail outlet and new cafe. Food production is restarting in 2026 following a pause in 2025 ahead of the garden wall rebuild. A new production plan will see the polytunnels, outdoor beds and fruit bushes and trees reach their potential. The Potting Shed forms a base for volunteers with a volunteer programme awaiting a reset, using opportunities for temporary volunteers while longer term volunteer accommodation is developed.
Duties and responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, manage and work alongside the gardening team, currently one full-time and one part-time gardener.
- Manage contractors undertaking garden maintenance and development projects, with support of the Land Manager as needed in reviewing the most effective balance of the staff and contractor resource.
- Create volunteering opportunities and develop a long-term volunteering programme.
- Work closely with the Land Manager and Managing Director to develop and implement a long-term vision and plan for the gardens to realise their full potential.
- Ensure that safety measures are followed to ensure the gardens remain a safe place for visitors and staff.
- Provide a welcoming presence for the visiting public.
- Plan, manage, and deliver as part of the gardening team, the planting, propagation, pruning, and cultivation of all plants, shrubs, trees and crops in the gardens.
- Manage and contribute to general maintenance tasks involving the use of machinery including mowing, scarifying and managing leaves and compost.
- Work pro-actively with café and retail colleagues to produce and deliver a seasonal growing plan for produce from the kitchen garden.
- Maintain an inventory of all tools and equipment used for gardening, ensuring that they are in good condition and serviced, repaired and replaced as needed.
- Manage and develop the self-catering cottage gardens.
- Annual grounds maintenance outwith the gardens includes tree safety, pruning, shrub and hedge cutting, occasional strimming and leaf blowing.
Person specification
Essential
- Recognised horticultural qualification and/or 5 years’ experience working in horticulture
- A strong knowledge and vision of horticulture
- Experience of leading a team and managing both volunteers and contractors
- The ability to work independently and use initiative
- An excellent and pro-active communicator
- A good knowledge of health and safety
- A full driving licence
Desirable
- Experience and certification in first-aid, chainsaw use, arboriculture, chipper, pesticide use, sit-in ATV and tractor
- Experience in producing organic food
- Experience in woodland, high nature value and naturalistic gardening
- Experience in working with communities
Applications
Please send a covering letter and your CV to Henry Dobson, Landscape Manager, athenry@ardtornish.com for the closing date of 8 February 2026.
Head Gardener employer: Ardtornish
Contact Detail:
Ardtornish Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the gardening team and the projects they’re working on. This will help you connect with them during the interview and show that you’re genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on skills! Since this role is all about practical gardening, be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail. Bring examples of how you've led teams or managed projects, especially in challenging conditions.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! During the interview, share your vision for the gardens at Ardtornish. Talk about innovative ideas you have for the kitchen garden and how you can contribute to the estate’s focus on nature recovery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your enthusiasm by asking about the future plans for the gardens and how you can play a part in them. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personal Covering Letter: When writing your covering letter, make it personal! Share your passion for gardening and how your experience aligns with our vision for the Ardtornish gardens. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
Showcase Your Experience: In your CV, highlight your relevant horticultural qualifications and any hands-on experience you have. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team and manage projects, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to your skills and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ardtornish
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care, and how they thrive in different conditions. This will show your passion and expertise in gardening, which is crucial for the Head Gardener role.
✨Show Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed volunteers in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and create a positive working environment, as this role involves leading a small team and collaborating with colleagues.
✨Understand the Vision
Familiarise yourself with the goals of Ardtornish Gardens, especially their focus on nature recovery and responsible tourism. Be ready to share your ideas on how you can contribute to their vision and enhance the gardens' potential.
✨Safety First
Since health and safety is a key aspect of the role, be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety measures in gardening. Mention any relevant certifications you have and how you ensure a safe working environment for both staff and visitors.
