At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the garden team and manage all aspects of plant care and landscaping.
- Company: Sopwell House, a luxury family-owned hotel in beautiful Hertfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to work in stunning outdoor spaces.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating beautiful outdoor environments.
- Why this job: Shape breathtaking gardens that enhance guest experiences in a picturesque setting.
- Qualifications: Strong plant knowledge and experience in garden management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Employer: Sopwell House
Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire
Salary: Competitive
Hours: Full Time
Place Of Work: Onsite
Closing date: 21 August 2026
Contract Type: Permanent
Function: Groundskeeper
Sector: Groundskeeping & Maintenance
Seniority: Manager
Job Details:
- Be highly motivated, well organised and have excellent practical skills with the ability to propagate plants from seeds and cuttings.
- Work closely with the owners on the long-term development of the garden and possess excellent plant knowledge.
- Plan, carry out and monitor plant and tree care programs including design, landscaping, propagation, planting, irrigation, weeding, grass cutting, trimming and general garden, pathways, car park and facilities maintenance.
- Manage all garden project activities to ensure they are carried out on schedule and within allocated budgets, employing the assistance of external labour/organisations where necessary.
- Be responsible for the management of a team of two Gardeners and occasionally liaise with contractors.
- Help with the constant development and improvement of the hotel's 12 acres of grounds.
- Mowing & strimming.
- Hedge trimming and planting.
- Watering, weeding and maintaining beds and borders.
Your country home from home nestled in 12 acres of Hertfordshire countryside; Sopwell House is a luxury family-owned Georgian country house hotel. We are now looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable Head Gardener to take stewardship of our outdoor spaces, continuing to cultivate beauty and excellence across our gardens, which play a central role in creating an unforgettable experience for our guests.
Head Gardner employer: Horticulture Jobs, brought to you by HortWeek
Joining the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew as a Plant Centre Buyer offers you the chance to work in a vibrant and supportive environment that values both personal and professional growth. With a focus on wellbeing, our employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including discounts and flexible working options, all while contributing to a leading institution dedicated to plant science and public engagement in the beautiful setting of Wakehurst, West Sussex.
Contact Details:
Horticulture Jobs, brought to you by HortWeek Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardner
✨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 Horticulture Jobs, brought to you by HortWeek.
✨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 Horticulture Jobs, brought to you by HortWeek.
✨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 Horticulture Jobs, brought to you by HortWeek; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardner
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 Horticulture Jobs, brought to you by HortWeek.
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 Head Gardner.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Horticulture Jobs, brought to you by HortWeek 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 Horticulture Jobs, brought to you by HortWeek a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Horticulture Jobs, brought to you by HortWeek
✨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 Horticulture Jobs, brought to you by HortWeek might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
