At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small team to maintain and enhance a stunning historic garden.
- Company: Join a beautiful estate near Maidstone, Kent, with a rich horticultural heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, accommodation provided, and a chance to work in a picturesque setting.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with excellent career growth opportunities in a stunning environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a diverse garden while enjoying a vibrant outdoor lifestyle.
- Qualifications: Horticultural qualifications or experience as a Senior Gardener preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Overview
An experienced and knowledgeable Head Gardener is sought to lead the maintenance, development, and seasonal planning of a diverse and historic private garden near Maidstone, Kent. The successful candidate will head a small team of two gardeners and will be responsible for the ongoing care and enhancement of a rich range of garden areas with various horticultural features.
Set within the grounds of a stunning Manor House, this 10-acre garden comprises a series of diverse areas, including a formal Walnut Tree Lawn, a woodland-style shade garden leading to a Rose Garden centered around a 300-year-old lime tree, an extensive gravel terrace with rockery plants and dwarf bulbs, a daffodil meadow connecting to the naturalistic Glen Garden with a stream, shade-loving perennials and a bamboo grove, a Sunken Pond Garden with spring-fed water features, expansive island beds, and a herbaceous border with seasonal interest. The garden is open to the public via the National Garden Scheme and serves as a wedding venue.
Responsibilities
- Take full responsibility for day-to-day management and seasonal direction of the garden, ensuring the highest horticultural standards across all areas.
- Work hands-on and lead a small team, planning and prioritising tasks in collaboration with the estate owners to reflect their vision.
Qualifications & Experience
- Ideal candidates will hold academic horticultural qualifications and/or experience as a Senior Gardener on private estates.
- Good horticultural knowledge, physical fitness, and the ability to operate and maintain basic garden machinery safely.
- Chainsaw and chemical spray certificates would be beneficial.
Accommodation, Hours & Start Date
A 2-bedroom property is available for candidates seeking accommodation with council tax covered by the employer. The property is located in the garden and extends over three floors: open plan ground floor, bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, and a large open room on the second floor.
Working hours are 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday, with the vacancy starting from the first week of January 2026. References will be required at offer stage.
Salary & Location
Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 DOE
Location: Maidstone, Kent
Application Details
Job No: EC69658
If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply below or email Sara Yassin on info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk or call to speak to Sara on 01233 733510. To apply for these roles you will need a Candidate Registration. To find out how your personal data is used while using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for your interest in this Head Gardener vacancy. Due to the high volume of applications, it is not possible to respond to everyone. Unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.
Affiliations
- Professional Gardeners’ Guild
- RHS
- WFGA – offering the WRAGs Scheme
- Arne Maynard Garden Design
- Historic Houses
- HBG Training Programme
Tagged as: head gardener
Head Gardener in Maidstone employer: ECG Limited
Join a prestigious estate as the Head Gardener, where you will lead a dedicated team in nurturing a historic 10-acre garden that captivates visitors and serves as a wedding venue. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values horticultural excellence, with opportunities for professional growth and development, all while living in a charming two-bedroom property on-site. Located in the picturesque Maidstone, Kent, this role offers a unique blend of meaningful work and a beautiful environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener in Maidstone
✨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 Head Gardener in Maidstone
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 Head 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.
