At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to cultivate a stunning 15-acre estate garden with diverse horticultural tasks.
- Company: A prestigious estate near Banbury, focused on organic gardening and innovative landscape design.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting garden transformation and learn from respected horticultural professionals.
- Qualifications: Horticultural qualification or equivalent experience in high-quality gardens required.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with new facilities and a focus on nature-friendly practices.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 35000 Β£ per year.
An incredible opportunity has become available for an experienced gardener to be based within a significant, privately owned 15-acre estate near Banbury currently undergoing an extensive, long-term redevelopment. Around five acres are intensively gardened, with the site being redesigned and planted under the guidance of renowned landscape designer Dan Pearson. Although the garden is still in its project phase it holds exceptional potential.
The successful candidate will join at an exciting time, contributing to the regeneration and establishment of a highly considered, organically managed garden. The garden areas are made up of extensive yew hedging, wildflower meadows, a large lake with a boathouse, lawns, a newly constructed walled garden, and a Victorian-style glasshouse. Much of the landscaping is carried out by external contractors, but all planting is completed in-house by the garden team to maintain high standards.
The estate is managed organically, with some areas Soil Association certified, requiring a strong commitment to non-chemical horticulture and an ability to maintain standards through rigorous hand-weeding and traditional methods. Daily duties are varied and may include weeding, planting, propagation, greenhouse care, pruning, hedge cutting, lawn care, and working in or around water. The new walled garden will include cut flowers, vegetable beds, and dedicated propagation space. The glasshouse serves a dual purpose: half as a functional propagation area for the garden, and half as an aesthetically pleasing space the owners can use socially.
Work will be allocated according to skills and strengths; while candidates do not need expertise in every area, they must demonstrate strong horticultural ability while maintaining flexibility as the team grows. The gardener will work alongside an established team consisting of one full-time horticulturalist and two part-time staff, with the team expected to expand further as the garden develops. A collaborative, positive working environment is paramount, and the client places strong emphasis on building a happy, motivated team with genuine passion for horticulture.
Excellent new facilities including a purpose-built garden barn and break room are in development to support the team. The client is highly engaged, visiting regularly, and values a thoughtful, nature-focused approach to garden management. Candidates will ideally hold a recognised horticultural qualification (e.g., RHS Level 2) or demonstrate equivalent experience gained within a high-quality, diverse garden. Strong horticultural knowledge, especially in organic gardening, is essential. A driving licence is required due to the rural location, and a DBS check will be necessary.
This role offers a rare opportunity for an enthusiastic and skilled gardener to contribute meaningfully to the creation of a major new garden, learning alongside respected professionals and shaping the landscape as it enters its most exciting phase of development.
SALARY: Β£34,000 β Β£38,000 DOE
LOCATION: Banbury, Oxfordshire
Experienced Gardener in Banbury employer: ECG Limited
Contact Detail:
ECG Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Experienced Gardener in Banbury
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the estate and its vision! Research the landscape designer Dan Pearson and the organic gardening methods they use. This will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest in contributing to the garden's development.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills during the interview! Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with various gardening techniques, especially organic methods. Bring examples of your work or even photos to demonstrate your horticultural knowledge.
β¨Tip Number 3
Donβt be shy about asking questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the specific projects you'll be involved in, and how they maintain their high standards. This shows you're keen to be part of a collaborative environment.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Gardener in Banbury
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for Horticulture: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to organic practices and any unique projects you've worked on. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating beautiful spaces.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially your horticultural qualifications and hands-on experience in diverse garden settings. We appreciate attention to detail!
Be Clear About Your Skills: In your application, clearly outline your horticultural abilities and any specific techniques you excel in, like propagation or hedge cutting. Weβre looking for a team player who can adapt and grow with us, so donβt hesitate to mention your flexibility and willingness to learn.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates. Plus, itβs super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
β¨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge, especially regarding organic gardening practices. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in previous roles, such as hand-weeding or propagation methods, and how they align with the estate's commitment to non-chemical horticulture.
β¨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your genuine passion for gardening during the interview. Share stories about your experiences in diverse gardens and how youβve contributed to their development. This will resonate well with the clientβs emphasis on building a motivated team with a love for horticulture.
β¨Be Team-Oriented
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively within a team. Discuss any past experiences where youβve successfully worked alongside others, especially in a garden setting. The client values a positive working environment, so showing that you can contribute to that will be a big plus.
β¨Prepare Questions
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the estate and its redevelopment plans. Inquire about the specific areas of the garden youβll be working on and how the team collaborates with external contractors. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand how you can best contribute.