Sole Gardener in Andover

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Sole Gardener to manage the garden within a private estate located near Andover, Hampshire. The owners now require an experienced gardener with a proven track record of managing a horticulturally diverse garden to assist in the ongoing maintenance and development of the garden and grounds.

This is a full-time permanent position which will give the successful applicant an opportunity to collaborate with the friendly principals to develop the gardens further. The garden, set within surrounding fields and woodland, comprises approximately 4 acres of beautifully designed formal grounds. The landscape features expansive lawns, mature borders, structured box and yew hedging, shrub planting, rose gardens, a productive vegetable garden, and a dedicated cutting garden. These areas are complemented by terraces, ponds, winding pathways, and a small orchard, all maintained to an exceptional standard.

The gardens are recently established and have benefited from professional planting, so the owners are seeking a highly skilled gardener who can preserve and further enhance the quality of the grounds. Duties will include:

• The full care and maintenance of the lawns surrounding the house, beds, planted areas, and shrubs.
• The cutting and shaping of box and yew hedging.
• Managing rose gardens and climbers throughout the property.
• Growing plants and vegetables from seed within the greenhouse.
• Maintaining all paths and terraces within the formal gardens.
• Collecting and preparing cutting flowers, vegetables, and fruit.
• Creating and managing a clear annual planting programme for beds, pots, the cutting garden, vegetable areas, and house plants.
• Planting and maintaining all pots and terrace displays.
• Leaf blowing across the formal garden areas.
• Undertaking other general garden maintenance tasks as required on an ad-hoc basis.

The ideal candidate will have extensive plant knowledge, with strong expertise in cutting gardens, roses, and vegetable cultivation. They must be familiar with the safe use and routine maintenance of standard garden machinery and equipment, including the confident use of small ladders. Horticultural qualifications, such as an RHS level 2 or equivalent as well as PA1/6 spraying certificates are required.

The role demands the ability to work to an exceptionally high standard with excellent attention to detail, supported by strong planning and organisational skills to ensure effective scheduling and planting. The successful candidate must be capable of working independently, demonstrating self-motivation, reliability, and sound judgement. The position reports to the Property Manager on a day-to-day basis, with the property owner providing input on strategic decisions. Candidates will be flexible and willing to extend their duties where needed.

This is a physically demanding position which requires a fit and strong individual who is comfortable working in all weathers. Working hours are Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours a week, with timings flexible depending on the season with holiday entitlement being 20 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 25 days holiday after 1 year of service. A bathroom and kitchen/break area are provided for the gardener.

Please note, the successful candidate will be offered a contract subject to reference checks, both written and verbal as well as a DBS check. Candidates will also need to provide evidence of qualifications held and hold a full driver’s licence.

SALARY: Up to £35,000 depending on experience

LOCATION: Andover, Hampshire