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- Tasks: Maintain and develop a stunning 2-acre Victorian garden with diverse plant life.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving a hidden gem in Rawdon, Leeds.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with a competitive salary of £40,000 and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Perfect for gardening enthusiasts wanting to make a real impact in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Must have strong horticultural skills and relevant qualifications like RHS Level 3.
- Other info: Work alongside a Groundsman and benefit from a handover period with the current Head Gardener.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
A wonderful opportunity has arisen for an experienced Sole Gardener with strong horticultural skills to look after a hidden gem of a garden in Rawdon, Leeds. Tucked away on the South facing side of the River Aire valley, this 6-acre property with its mature 2-acre garden would offer an experienced Gardener, who is passionate about their work, the opportunity to not only continue the high standards of maintenance of the existing garden but also have significant input into developing the garden further. The property is within an easy commuting distance from Harrogate, Leeds and Halifax areas.
The property itself totals 6 acres, including 4 acres of maintained paddock and woodland which also includes a section of public footpath (Leeds Country Way) and 150m of the River Aire bank. The main garden comprises 2 acres of more formal mature Victorian garden wrapping around the main house. Main features include extensive herbaceous borders, a cut flower garden, vegetable plots, orchard, rose beds, wide variety of mature trees, extensive lawns, wildflower meadow, two courtyard spaces requiring seasonal pots, 14-meter Alitex glass house and a Victorian pond and rockery. There is also a dedicated Estate Yard building housing gardener’s workshop for tool/equipment storage, kitchen, toilet facilities, office space and parking.
You will be working alongside a full-time Groundsman who is responsible for the lawns, hedge cutting, tree maintenance, leaf and compost management, machinery maintenance (including John Deere Gator and tractor) and hard landscaping. The groundsman also works closely with the Gardener, taking instruction and assisting as and where needed.
The role requires a Gardener who has excellent plant knowledge and horticultural skills and tickets such as PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates. The Sole Gardener will ideally hold a horticultural qualification to RHS Level 3 and / or the equivalent in experience working on a horticulturally diverse private estate. You will need to be able to engage regularly with the property owners, who are passionate about the property and, whilst not gardeners themselves, take a keen interest in everything garden related. Plans are already in place to redevelop the pond and rockery area this year and so it would be an advantage if the Gardener has experience with developing planting schemes for landscaped areas.
The duties will include hands-on maintenance and development of the formal garden, as well as the care of extensive rose beds, including spraying and pruning. The role involves carrying out regular gardening tasks such as weeding, mulching, planting, pruning, deadheading, fertilising, and watering. It also includes maintaining seasonal pots for both the main house and the Lodge House, along with tending to the cut flower garden and providing arrangements for both residences. The vegetable garden is to be managed with the aim of supplying fresh produce for the household, and propagation is required for both the vegetable and cut flower gardens.
The position also entails the management and maintenance of a wildflower meadow, pruning of fruit trees and shrubs, and the sourcing and procurement of seeds, bulbs, plants, and garden sundries as needed. Effective pest and disease management is essential, both within the glasshouse and the wider garden. Additionally, the gardener will work closely with the Groundsman, providing instruction and guidance on weekly tasks.
It is planned that there will be a handover period with the current Head Gardener who is only leaving due to relocation.
It is a full-time role – Monday to Friday, 40hrs per week (with seasonal variation)
SALARY: £40,000
LOCATION: Rawdon, Leeds
JOB No: EC68558
If this Sole Gardener (Live Out) vacancy is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below’ or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 733510 or email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Sole Gardener vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.
We are proud to work with:
- theProfessional Gardeners’ Guild
- theRHS
- theWFGA–offering the WRAGs Scheme
- Arne Maynard Garden Design
- Historic Houses
- the HBG Training Programme
Tagged as: Experienced Gardener, Leeds, Live Out, Rawdon, Sole Gardener
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Sole Gardener (Live Out) – Leeds employer: ECG Limited
Contact Detail:
ECG Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sole Gardener (Live Out) – Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific horticultural practices mentioned in the job description, such as maintaining rose beds and developing planting schemes. This will help you demonstrate your expertise during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local gardening communities or forums to network with other professionals. This can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations or tips from those who have worked in similar positions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with pest and disease management, especially in relation to glasshouse care. Being able to share specific examples will show your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Since the role involves regular interaction with the property owners, practice how you would communicate your gardening ideas and plans effectively. This will highlight your ability to engage and collaborate with them.
We think you need these skills to ace Sole Gardener (Live Out) – Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your horticultural skills and any relevant experience you have, especially in maintaining and developing gardens similar to the one described. Mention specific tasks you've successfully completed, such as managing rose beds or developing planting schemes.
Showcase Qualifications: If you hold any horticultural qualifications, particularly RHS Level 3 or equivalent, be sure to include these in your application. Also, mention any relevant tickets like PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates, as these are essential for the role.
Demonstrate Passion: Convey your passion for gardening and working with plants in your cover letter. Share any personal projects or experiences that showcase your dedication to horticulture and how you engage with garden owners.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Sole Gardener position. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand the role and are a perfect fit for the garden's needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Showcase Your Horticultural Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your plant knowledge and horticultural skills in detail. Highlight any relevant qualifications, such as RHS Level 3, and share specific examples of how you've successfully managed diverse gardens in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Gardening
Express your enthusiasm for gardening and the opportunity to develop the garden further. Share personal stories or experiences that illustrate your dedication to maintaining high standards and your love for working outdoors.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about hands-on gardening tasks like weeding, mulching, and pest management. Be ready to explain your approach to these tasks and any techniques you find particularly effective.
✨Engage with the Property Owners' Vision
Since the property owners are keenly interested in the garden, be prepared to discuss how you would engage with them. Show that you can communicate effectively and incorporate their ideas into your gardening plans.
