At a Glance
- Tasks: Volunteer in a stunning garden, tending to plants and engaging with fellow horticulture lovers.
- Company: Join the award-winning Houghton Hall team, known for its beautiful gardens.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, perks for volunteers, and a chance to boost your wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a renowned garden while enjoying nature and meeting new friends.
- Qualifications: A passion for gardening and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Minimum commitment of four weekdays a month; great for personal growth and community engagement.
Ever thought of volunteering in an award-winning garden? It’s a great way of engaging with others through your love of horticulture. It’s fun, too, and has many benefits for physical and mental wellbeing. As a Houghton garden volunteer, you will have the opportunity to work in one of the finest gardens in England alongside a friendly team of experts.
The garden featured recently in Monty Don’s British Gardens TV series, is an RHS Partner Garden and supports the National Garden Scheme. From tending roses and herbaceous borders to fruit and vegetable production; glasshouse plant care and cultivation and more – the tasks can be light or heavy to suit, the hours are flexible and there are perks to say, “Thank you”. The garden is part of a charitable trust and is open to the public for several months each year.
Time commitment: Usually a minimum of four weekdays a month.
About the organisation: In 1991, the owner of Houghton Hall, Lord Cholmondeley, set about creating a new area within the walls of the old kitchen garden as a memorial to his grandmother, Lady Sybil Cholmondeley (1894-1989). With help from his then head gardener and – later – award winning designers Julian and Isabel Bannerman, the space was divided into several contrasting ornamental gardens. These include a variety of features, such as a stunning double‑side herbaceous border, an elegant Italian garden, a formal rose parterre and informal rose garden, fruit and vegetable gardens, a charming glasshouse, a rustic temple, antique statues, fountains, and contemporary sculptures like Jeppe Hein’s ‘Waterflame’, Stephen Cox’s ‘Flask II’, and Richard Long’s ‘Houghton Cross’. Houghton Hall is located between Kings Lynn and Fakenham.
How to apply: If you are interested in this role and would like to apply or would like more information, contact the Volunteer Hub at Merchants’ Place – E: volhub@merchantsplace.co.uk T: 01263 519454. Alternatively, you can complete an online registration form and your details will be sent to us directly. A link for the form can be found on our Volunteer Hub page on our website.
Gardener – Houghton Hall in King's Lynn employer: Gardener - Houghton Hall VH283
Contact Detail:
Gardener - Houghton Hall VH283 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener – Houghton Hall in King's Lynn
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the garden! Before you apply, take a stroll around Houghton Hall if you can. Familiarising yourself with the space and its features will help you stand out during any conversations with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for horticulture! When chatting with the team or during interviews, share your love for plants and gardening. We want to see that enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible with your availability. The role requires a minimum of four weekdays a month, so let them know when you can help out. Showing that you're adaptable makes you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and keen to get involved with the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener – Houghton Hall in King's Lynn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture: When you're writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share any experiences you've had with plants or gardens, and why you want to volunteer at Houghton Hall specifically.
Be Clear About Your Availability: Since the role requires a minimum of four weekdays a month, make sure to mention your availability in your application. This helps us understand how you can fit into our team and the garden's needs.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: Working in a garden is all about collaboration! Mention any past experiences where you've worked as part of a team, especially in outdoor or volunteer settings, to show us you're a great fit for our friendly crew.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to complete the online registration form on our Volunteer Hub page! It's the easiest way for us to receive your details directly, and we can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gardener - Houghton Hall VH283
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your knowledge of plants, gardening techniques, and the specific features of Houghton Hall's garden. Being able to discuss your favourite plants or gardening methods will show your passion and commitment to horticulture.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working alongside a friendly team of experts, emphasise your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. Share examples from past experiences where you worked well in a team, especially in outdoor or volunteer settings.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle various gardening tasks, from tending to roses to managing vegetable production. Think through scenarios and be prepared to discuss your approach to different gardening challenges.
✨Express Your Enthusiasm for Volunteering
Let them know why you want to volunteer specifically at Houghton Hall. Talk about what excites you about the role and how it aligns with your personal interests in gardening and community engagement.