Nursery propagator and gardener in Fontwell

This is a hands-on role for someone who loves propagating plants and has a good eye for what they need and when they need it.

You’ll need extensive plant knowledge and will be responsible for propagating from seed, cuttings, division, and plugs, etc; for helping to develop our annual propagation plan; and for caring for plants through every stage until they’re ready for the Garden or for sale.

You’ll also help keep our nursery, plant sales area and seasonal displays looking their best, work alongside our garden team and volunteers, and be happy to advise to visitors about plants.

You’ll need an RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture or equivalent practical nursery/propagation experience, together with broad horticultural knowledge and excellent attention to detail.

At least 3 years of horticultural experience is also a must along with good communication skills, experience working with volunteers, and a clear understanding of relevant health & safety legislation.

If you’re a practical, knowledgeable plants person with a good sense of humour and who would enjoy helping us develop and grow this newly created role,

Contract: Zero-hours, normally 3 days per week, with the rota set a month in advance. Some weekend working is required, and hours may increase during the peak growing season.

• Core Responsibilities
• Plant Propagation
• Grow and produce plants via seed sowing, cuttings, division, and plug plants for sales and garden use
• Maintain and update propagation records
• Help the Head Gardener develop and implement an annual propagation plan
• Nursery & Display Maintenance
• Maintain the back-of-house nursery area: weeding, deadheading, re-spacing, re-potting, and replenishing sales stock, etc
• Maintain a clean, healthy environment in growing areas, including the Dutch Lights greenhouse
• Maintain decorative displays in the Conservatory and Cucumber House (watering, deadheading, pest/disease checks)
• Design, plant, and maintain seasonal planters throughout the Garden including around the plant lot and Garden exit pathway
• Weed surrounding nursery areas
• Customer & Sales Area
• Keep the customer plant sales area presentable
• Produce plant labels and refine plant centre signage
• Answer customer questions and support their needs
• Team & Supervision
• Supervise and set tasks for volunteers
• Work with garden staff to report and resolve pest/disease issues
• Seasonal Duties
• Christmas closure: may be required to help monitor watering in the Dutch Lights, Cucumber House, Conservatory, and polytunnel; inspect for Botrytis, remove infected material, and ventilate structures
• Quieter periods: assist with general garden maintenance (weeding, watering, pruning, etc)

Denmans Garden is the former home of world-renowned landscape designer and author, John Brookes MBE who moved here to set up the Clock House School of Garden Design in 1980.

The 4.5 acre Garden was started by gravel garden pioneer, Joyce Robinson, and includes extensive gravel gardens, a Walled Garden, Conservatory, Dutch light greenhouse, propagation house, ponds, and other features.

A Grade II historic garden, Denmans is open to the public year-round and participates in the National Garden Scheme, and is an RHS Partner Garden (and 3-time Regional Partner Garden of the Year winner).

The Garden has also won Gold six years running in the South and South East in Bloom competition.

More information is available at www. denmans. org and on Instagram.