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- Tasks: Lead the care and development of a stunning 20-acre private garden.
- Company: Beautifully structured private estate in East Somerset.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, accommodation provided, and 20 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on sustainability and creativity.
- Why this job: Join a rewarding role where your gardening skills can shine and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Gardening experience and horticultural qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced hands-on Head Gardener in a beautifully structured yet naturalistic private garden in East Somerset. The Head Gardener will be supported by one other gardener onsite.
The 20-acre gardens consist of a walled garden containing a fruit, vegetable and cut flower garden and a glasshouse. In addition, there are various garden meadows, orchards, water and herbaceous plantings, raised beds, roses and climber, mature trees, and a polytunnel. Significant proportions of the estate have been redesigned by a prominent garden designer.
The successful candidate will be responsible for about 4 acres of garden and be responsible for the daily care and presentation of the estate grounds with a focus on maintaining and developing flower beds, raised beds, lawns, shrubs, and ornamental planting to the highest standard, ensuring the gardens look immaculate in every season. The Head Gardener will work to deliver seasonal planting schemes, prepare the grounds for changes throughout the year, and ensure all areas are neat, vibrant, and healthy. The gardens are managed using organic principles therefore an understanding of plant pests and diseases, and associated bio-control use would be desirable.
Responsibilities
- Prepare the grounds for seasonal changes—soil improvement and early planting in spring; irrigation, feeding, and pest control during summer; leaf clearance, lawn treatment, and bulb planting in autumn; and frost protection, structural pruning, and planning in winter.
- Ongoing monitoring of plant health.
- Maintain lawns to a high standard through mowing, feeding, scarifying, and aeration.
- Ensure garden structures such as paths, borders, and raised beds remain tidy, safe, and well-maintained.
Collaboration and activities
- Work alongside the Estate Manager, with the freedom to apply horticultural knowledge while aligning with the garden designer’s direction to create beautiful, well-structured outdoor spaces.
- Liaise regularly with the Estate Manager on garden planning, priorities, and special projects, and may support floral decorations within the family house.
Requirements
- Demonstrable gardening or horticultural experience, ideally on private estates or large gardens.
- A horticultural qualification (e.g., RHS Level 2 or equivalent) is desirable.
- Responsible for safe operation, maintenance, and proper storage of tools and machinery, ensuring equipment remains in good working condition.
- Proactive approach to sustainability and adherence to safe working practices and Health and Safety policies.
- Compliance with all policies and procedures in the employee handbook.
Living arrangements
- Accommodation of 2 or 3 bedrooms is provided for the successful applicant.
- Partners and children are welcome.
- The property is in a rural location and a full driving licence is required as a small van is provided for work purposes.
Working hours and benefits
The working hours are 8 am to 4.30 pm and holiday allowance is 20 days plus bank holidays.
Additional information
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Gardener looking for a rewarding long-term role maintaining and further developing a stunning private garden. This role requires the utmost confidentiality, discretion and professionalism at all times, with full respect for the privacy of the owners, their family, and guests. Satisfactory references and a DBS check will be required at offer stage.
Salary: £35-40k depending on experience
Location: East Somerset
Job No: EC69805
If this vacancy is of interest, please apply by contacting the provided details: Sara Yassin at 01233 733510 or email information at englishcountrygardeners dot co dot uk. Applications require Candidate Registration and privacy information will be used as described in the policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Head Gardener vacancy. Due to high volume of applications, we are not able to respond to every applicant. If you do not hear within 14 days, your application is unlikely to be successful.
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Head Gardener employer: ECG Limited
Contact Detail:
ECG Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the garden! Before your interview, take some time to research the estate and its unique features. This will help you show off your knowledge and passion for gardening, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your hands-on experience! Be ready to share specific examples of your past gardening projects and how you've tackled challenges. This will demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for a Head Gardener role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with fellow gardeners! Connect with other professionals in the horticultural community, whether through social media or local events. They might have insider tips or even know about job openings that aren't widely advertised.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your hands-on skills and knowledge of horticulture. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating beautiful outdoor spaces.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your experience with organic gardening and any relevant qualifications you have. This shows us that you understand what we're looking for in a Head Gardener.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end.
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care, and how you would handle common pests and diseases, especially since the role focuses on organic gardening.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your hands-on experience in maintaining large gardens. Talk about specific projects where you’ve successfully implemented seasonal planting schemes or improved garden aesthetics.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since you'll be working closely with the Estate Manager and possibly other team members, think of instances where you've collaborated effectively. Share how you can align your horticultural knowledge with a designer's vision to create stunning outdoor spaces.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
Given the emphasis on organic principles, be prepared to discuss your proactive approach to sustainability. Share any relevant practices you've implemented in previous roles that demonstrate your commitment to environmentally friendly gardening.