At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a stunning 4-acre garden, maintaining diverse plants and creating beautiful displays.
- Company: Private estate near Andover, Hampshire, with a friendly and collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £35,000, 20 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, increasing after a year.
- Other info: Physically demanding role; must be fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and enhance a beautiful garden while enjoying flexible working hours.
- Qualifications: Extensive plant knowledge, horticultural qualifications, and experience in garden maintenance required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
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
Sole Gardener in Andover employer: ECG Limited
Join a dedicated team in a stunning private estate near Andover, Hampshire, where your expertise as a Sole Gardener will be valued and nurtured. Enjoy a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration with the property owners to enhance the beauty of expansive gardens, while benefiting from competitive holiday entitlements and a flexible working schedule. This role offers a unique opportunity for personal growth in horticulture, set within a picturesque landscape that inspires creativity and passion for gardening.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sole Gardener in Andover
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like ECG Limited.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like ECG Limited.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at ECG Limited; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Sole Gardener in Andover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at ECG Limited.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Sole Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what ECG Limited is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at ECG Limited a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at ECG Limited might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
