Head Gardener

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Head Gardener to join a small team on a large privately-owned estate near Northampton. The gardens are open to the public throughout the summer months and are maintained to a high standard throughout the year. This position would suit a qualified and knowledgeable gardener with excellent attention to detail and experience of supervising under gardeners.

The formal and ‘wild’ gardens located adjacent to the main house extend to approximately 13 acres and have been developed over the course of the last century by each of the property owners, in association with several distinguished landscape designers. The gardens comprise a series of ‘rooms’ separated by mature yew hedges and walls which enclose large herbaceous borders, formal ponds, statuary and a fine collection of mature trees and shrubs. An additional less formal garden is set on the banks of a meandering stream.

The new Head Gardener will work in collaboration with the property owner, with support from two further members of the gardening team to ensure that the gardens are managed and presented to an extremely high standard. Applications are invited from either current estate Head or Senior Gardeners with experience of managing large estate gardens throughout the seasons. The successful applicant will need to be committed, trustworthy, self-motivated, organised and have an eye for detail and a desire to achieve high standards. Applicants must possess good supervisory and communication skills as well as a positive attitude. There will also be opportunities for them to use creative flair.

This is very much a hands-on position that requires good leadership skills and enthusiasm for disseminating horticultural knowledge to those within the team. In the Old Walled Garden which is adjacent to the accommodation there are greenhouses for house plants, pellies and a wide range of hardy annuals/tender perennials which are grown on site.

Applicants will ideally hold a minimum RHS Level 3 or equivalent horticulture qualification, with PA1/PA6 chemical spray certificates being desirable. Candidates must have comprehensive plant knowledge and familiarity with most gardening practices, including the use of common garden machinery. As the role will involve the supervision of under gardeners, a clear understanding and working knowledge of relevant Health and Safety legislation is required.

Although the position is predominantly based on a 39-hour working week, flexibility is required to cover weekends and Bank Holidays as required for the purposes of watering, managing the greenhouses, and open days. The position is live-in but could be offered on a live-out basis to an outstanding candidate already living locally. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work within the celebrated gardens of a fabulous historic estate, within a close-knit team, and for owners who are genuinely passionate about their gardens and are constantly wanting to move the gardens forward.

This position is offered with accommodation on site by way of a 3-bedroom house. Water rates and Council Tax are the responsibility of the employer, and all other bills are the responsibility of the tenant. A partner and children are welcome. A dog or cat though will be at the discretion of the employer.