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.
- Other info: Accommodation available in a cosy two-bedroom cottage.
- 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.
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.
Gardener in Newbury employer: Honesty Group
Join our team as a gardener at a stunning private country house, where you will enjoy a relaxed and happy work environment while maintaining beautiful gardens across 5 acres. We offer competitive salaries, pension contributions, and opportunities for professional development, all while working closely with a supportive household staff. This role not only allows you to showcase your horticultural expertise but also provides the unique advantage of living in a charming two-bedroom cottage on-site.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Newbury
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Honesty Group.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Honesty Group.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Honesty Group; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Honesty Group.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Honesty Group is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Honesty Group a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Honesty Group
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Honesty Group might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
