Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a prestigious garden, manage a team, and engage with the community.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to sustainability and biodiversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and opportunities for community engagement.
- Why this job: Be part of a once-in-a-generation project that makes a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing gardens and leading teams, with a passion for horticulture.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Gardener to lead the horticultural management of their prestigious new garden. This is a hands-on leadership role, responsible for delivering high-quality horticultural maintenance and supporting the garden’s long-term vision. You will manage a team of Senior Gardeners, an Apprentice, and volunteers, ensuring the garden’s diverse planting schemes and natural features are maintained to the highest standards. You will also play a key role in community engagement, biodiversity enhancement, and supporting educational and volunteer programmes. The Head Gardener is also expected to act as an ambassador both for the company and for the garden. This is a once in a generation project which has already attracted strong media attention and coverage and they wish to capitalise on that in the future as the garden establishes itself and evolves.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day horticultural operations of the garden.
- Maintain key garden elements including wildflower mosaics, woodland shrubs, lawns, social ovals, natural play areas, and wetland features.
- Deliver horticultural maintenance aligned with the company’s sustainability and biodiversity goals.
- Provide training and guidance to apprentices, gardeners, and volunteers.
- Support the Landscape Manager in implementing landscape management plans.
- Manage horticultural tools, PPE, and sustainable resources.
- Assist in planning and delivering community and corporate volunteer days.
- Contribute to interpretation materials and educational content.
- Occasionally lead guided walks and provide horticultural advice to stakeholders.
Experience
- Proven experience managing public gardens or parks, ideally to Green Flag or London in Bloom standards.
- Strong background in biodiverse planting schemes and sustainable horticulture.
- Experience with aquatic planting and water feature maintenance.
- Demonstrated leadership of horticultural teams.
- Experience in public engagement and educational activities.
Knowledge
- Excellent plant and biodiversity knowledge.
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation and garden safety protocols.
- Aware of climate change and biodiversity loss, and appropriate horticultural responses.
Qualifications
- Garden Diploma, ND, HND, BSc in Horticulture or RHS Level 3 (or equivalent).
- Minimum of three years’ experience leading horticultural teams.
- Full, valid UK driving licence.
Head Gardener in London employer: Fresh Horticultural Careers
Contact Detail:
Fresh Horticultural Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you can, visit the garden before your interview. Familiarise yourself with the space and its unique features. This shows genuine interest and gives you a chance to chat about your ideas on enhancing biodiversity and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other horticulturalists or volunteers in the area. They might have insights or even inside info about the role. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase your passion for sustainable gardening and community involvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to share your vision! Think about how you would lead the team and implement sustainable practices. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that align with their goals, especially around biodiversity and educational programmes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you note expressing your enthusiasm for the role. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the position. It’s a small touch that can make a big difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your passion for horticulture and how it aligns with our vision for the garden.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Gardener, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've managed teams in the past and any successful projects you've led that demonstrate your ability to inspire and guide others.
Connect with Our Sustainability Goals: We’re all about sustainability and biodiversity, so mention any relevant experience you have in these areas. Discuss how you've implemented eco-friendly practices in your previous roles and how you plan to continue this at our garden.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fresh Horticultural Careers
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific species, their care requirements, and how they fit into biodiversity goals. This shows your passion and expertise in horticulture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience with training apprentices and engaging volunteers, as this role requires strong leadership and community involvement.
✨Align with Sustainability Goals
Familiarise yourself with the company's sustainability and biodiversity initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these goals through innovative horticultural practices and community engagement.
✨Engage with the Vision
Understand the long-term vision for the garden and be ready to share your ideas on how to enhance its features and community impact. Showing that you can think strategically will impress the interviewers.
