Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for and develop stunning gardens in a beautiful private estate.
- Company: Join a prestigious estate near Reading with a passion for horticulture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 20 days holiday, and a chance to work outdoors.
- Why this job: Make your mark on a vibrant landscape and enjoy nature every day.
- Qualifications: Experienced gardener with strong plant knowledge and hands-on skills.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a Sole Gardener to take on the care and development of the gardens of a private house located near Reading. The role requires a skilled and experienced gardener to manage the ongoing maintenance of the grounds and gardens for a wonderful outdoor space. This full-time, permanent position allows the successful candidate to leave a professional and personal imprint on the gardens.
The Principals are seeking a gardener with strong plant knowledge and an instinct for seasonal interest, capable of ensuring the gardens look vibrant and well-considered throughout the year. Set across 8 acres, the garden includes a flowing river, formal lawns, mixed borders, specimen trees, pathways, patios, a pool garden, and a multi-sports pitch. This role calls for someone who can confidently manage and enhance a diverse landscape, understanding how colour, texture, and structure evolve across the seasons, and taking pride in presenting the garden at its very best in all conditions.
Responsibilities
- Practical, hands-on horticultural work tending to plants, flowers, and vegetables.
- Operate and maintain garden machinery such as ride-on mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, chainsaws, and leaf blowers.
- Maintain the garden equipment and support machinery between services.
- Contribute to the smooth running of the estate in conjunction with the property owners.
- Manage time effectively across all aspects of the role to meet client expectations.
- Check and monitor non-horticultural aspects of the house and grounds (e.g., basic swimming pool maintenance, various repairs, estate handyperson duties).
- Offer proactive suggestions to aid the efficiency and development of the garden and wider estate.
- Display loyalty, trustworthiness, and discretion in all duties as this role is based within a private estate.
Qualifications and Skills
- Experienced gardener with extensive experience in a similar role within a large country garden.
- Strong plant knowledge and technical skills, including compost management, propagation, pruning, weeding, and rejuvenating beds.
- Self-motivated, organised, with a proven ability to work on own initiative and maintain high standards.
- Flexible and willing to extend duties as needed.
- Physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Willingness to contribute to the smooth running of the estate and to check non-horticultural aspects when required.
- Full driver’s licence.
Working Details
- Hours: 8:00am – 4:30pm
- Holiday entitlement: 20 days + Bank Holidays
- Salary: Up to £35,000 DOE
- Location: Reading, Berkshire
Application and Additional Information
If this Sole Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply for the job or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 733510 or email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk. To apply you will need a Candidate Registration. For information on how your personal data is used, please view our privacy policy. Thank you for your interest in this Sole Gardener vacancy. If you do not hear from us within 14 days, your application may be unsuccessful.
Website: www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
Sole Gardener in Reading employer: ECG Limited
Contact Detail:
ECG Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sole Gardener in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the garden before you apply! Spend some time researching the property and its unique features. This will help you tailor your approach and show the Principals that you're genuinely interested in their outdoor space.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with fellow gardeners and professionals in the industry. Join local gardening clubs or online forums to connect with others who might have insights or even leads on job openings. We all know that sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 3
When you get the chance for an interview, bring along a portfolio of your work. Showcase your previous gardening projects, highlighting your plant knowledge and design skills. This visual evidence can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows that you're proactive and serious about landing this Sole Gardener role.
We think you need these skills to ace Sole Gardener in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your gardening experience and plant knowledge in your application. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our beautiful gardens!
Be Personal and Passionate: Let your personality shine through! Share why you're passionate about gardening and how you envision enhancing our outdoor space. We love hearing about your unique approach!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application. Tailor it to the Sole Gardener role by mentioning specific responsibilities from the job description that excite you. We appreciate attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care, and how they fit into seasonal changes. This will show that you have the expertise needed for maintaining a vibrant garden.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed large gardens or estates. Highlight any specific projects where you improved the landscape or introduced new ideas, as this will demonstrate your initiative and creativity.
✨Demonstrate Practical Skills
Be prepared to talk about your hands-on experience with garden machinery and maintenance tasks. If possible, mention any relevant certifications or training you've completed, as this will reassure them of your technical skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Even though this role is for a Sole Gardener, you'll need to work closely with the property owners. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated in previous positions, showing that you can manage expectations and contribute to the smooth running of the estate.
