At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and enhance beautiful gardens, including vegetable plots and flower beds.
- Company: Private country house offering a relaxed and happy work environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contribution, holiday entitlement, and use of homegrown produce.
- Why this job: Perfect for plant lovers who enjoy working outdoors and creating stunning landscapes.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening, knowledge of horticulture, and ability to work independently.
- Other info: Accommodation available in a cosy two-bedroom cottage.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Private country house (5 acres) just south of Newbury, West Berkshire.
Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent.
Reports to: Homeowner.
Salary: £35,000.
Start Date: January 2026.
Overview
We are seeking an experienced gardener to maintain and enhance the gardens of a private country house set within 5 acres. The garden includes vegetable plots, fruit trees, flower beds, hedges and natural areas. We require hands‑on expertise and an eye for design and detail. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone with horticultural expertise who is interested in plants, working outdoors, and who takes pride in maintaining a beautiful and productive environment.
Key Responsibilities
- General Garden Maintenance – maintain lawns, borders, flower beds and pathways to a good standard; regular mowing, edging, weeding, pruning, mulching and deadheading; seasonal planting and replanting of flowers, bulbs and shrubs; care of trees and shrubs to ensure plant health and appearance.
- Kitchen Garden and Fruit Trees – plan, plant and maintain vegetable plots and herb gardens for primarily summer production; plant seeds in greenhouse to prepare for spring; manage fruit trees and soft fruit bushes, including pruning and feeding; harvest produce for household use.
- Grounds Management – maintain lawns, driveways and garden structures; operate garden machinery and ensure it is regularly serviced and maintained; manage composting, leaf collection and recycling of green waste.
- Planning and Seasonal Work – develop and execute a seasonal garden maintenance plan; manage greenhouse and poly tunnel; prepare and protect the garden for changing seasons.
- Collaboration and Communication – work closely with the homeowner and other household staff to ensure gardens look good; provide ideas for improvements and developments; supervise contractors such as tree surgeons, pest control, irrigation specialists and lawn maintenance teams.
- Poultry – regularly clean out the chicken coop; check the poultry for lice and other medical issues and advise accordingly; collect eggs and feed the poultry.
Candidate Profile
Essential Skills and Experience
- Proven experience as a professional gardener.
- Sound knowledge of horticulture, plant care, soil management and traditional gardening methods.
- Competence with garden machinery and tools, with an understanding of maintenance and safety.
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively and take initiative.
- Physically fit and capable of working outdoors year round in varying weather conditions.
Working Hours
Full time: Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm
Benefits
- Competitive salary (based on experience).
- Accommodation available – 2‑bedroom cottage (some adjustment on salary will be required).
- Use of produce grown.
- Pension contribution and holiday entitlement.
- Support for continued professional development and training.
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Gardener employer: Honesty Group
Contact Detail:
Honesty Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you can, volunteer at local gardens or community projects. This not only boosts your experience but also shows potential employers that you're passionate about gardening and willing to muck in.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Chat with fellow gardeners, join horticultural clubs, or attend gardening workshops. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio of your gardening work, including before-and-after photos of projects you've tackled. This visual evidence can really impress when you're chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing enthusiastic candidates who are keen to join our team. Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience and any unique ideas you have for enhancing gardens.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your gardening experience. Talk about the types of gardens you've worked on, the plants you love, and any special projects you've managed. We want to see your passion for horticulture shine through!
Be Specific About Skills: Don’t just say you know how to maintain a garden; give us the nitty-gritty details! Mention your expertise with garden machinery, your knowledge of plant care, and any seasonal planning you've done. The more specific you are, the better we can see how you fit into our team.
Keep It Personal: We love a personal touch! Share why you’re interested in this role and what excites you about working in a private country house. A little personality goes a long way in making your application stand out from the crowd.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of all the amazing candidates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Honesty Group
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care, and any experience you have with seasonal planting. This shows your passion and expertise in gardening.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples of your previous gardening roles, especially those involving vegetable plots and fruit trees. Highlight any successful projects or improvements you've made in past gardens to demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about garden maintenance techniques and how you handle challenges like pest control or seasonal changes. Think through your strategies and be prepared to share your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves collaboration with household staff, be ready to discuss your experience working in a team. Share examples of how you've communicated effectively and contributed to a positive work environment.