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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain beautiful gardens and promote resident wellbeing through hands-on gardening activities.
- Company: Join Morden College, a historic charity dedicated to supporting older people in vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fulfilling role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to dignity, purpose, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while working outdoors in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture and relevant qualifications are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
About us
We’re Morden College: an almshouse charity with a proud history of providing homes, support, and care for older people in south‑east London for over 300 years. Today, we’re building on that legacy with a clear and ambitious strategy focused on enabling our residents to live as independently, safely, and meaningfully as possible. We aim to create thriving communities where every person feels known, valued, and supported. We provide almshouse accommodation and care services to over 250 older people across two sites in Blackheath and Beckenham, including our care home. Our vibrant and diverse resident community enjoys a wide range of events and activities, and each site offers welcoming spaces for socialising, including bars and Café 19 at the award‑winning John Morden Centre. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to dignity, purpose, and inclusion. We actively combat loneliness, challenge ageism, and promote healthy ageing. As part of the Morden College team, you’ll help foster social connection and contribute to a community where both residents and staff can thrive. We embrace equity, diversity, and technology to deliver sustainable, high‑quality services that make a lasting difference.
Job Summary/Purpose
Assisting the Gardens Manager in ensuring that Morden College gardens and grounds at Ralph Perring Court in Beckenham and at Blackheath are maintained as safe and appealing external spaces and in promoting resident wellbeing by supporting hands‑on gardening activities.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Mowing, using all types of mowers, including ride‑on mowers.
- Edging, trimming and maintaining lawns.
- Scarifying and spiking of lawns.
- Maintenance of fine turf areas including sports areas (including hammers and putting).
- Application of lawn fertilisers, use of hosepipes and sprinklers, watering of pots and urns.
- Planting and maintaining seasonal bedding, planting and maintaining shrubs and trees, pruning of fruit trees and shrubs, propagation of hardwood cuttings and potting up.
- Rose pruning and application of rose fertilisers, removing epicormic shoots from trees.
- Leaf clearing, using leaf blowers or rakes/brooms, making and applying compost.
- Application of rock salt or other specified materials and clearing snow and ice from pathways and roadways.
- The mixing and application of chemical sprays.
- Hedge trimming using both manual and power assisted equipment, single/double digging of areas both manually and using a rotavator.
- Carrying out soft landscaping.
- Carrying out basic brick edging, laying of slabs and timber and metal edging.
- Labelling and sign writing.
- Cleaning and maintaining horticultural machinery and hand tools, tidying up Grounds Department sheds, storage and compost areas, loading and unloading of skips, containers or other delivery vehicles.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- C&G Stage 2 Amenity Horticulture
- RHS Certificate Horticulture Level 2 Practical and Theory
- NVQ Level 3 Amenity Horticulture
- A minimum of 3 years practical experience in horticulture
Desirable
- Chain saw certificate
- Mixing and use of chemicals certificate
- Spraying certificate
- H&S certificate
- Horticulture Grounds maintenance
- Use of Machinery
- Soft landscaping
- Garden Planning
- Forward Planning skills
Gardener in Blackheath employer: Morden College
Contact Detail:
Morden College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Blackheath
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Morden College and its values. Understanding their commitment to community and wellbeing will help you connect with them during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along examples of your previous gardening work or even photos of projects you've completed. This will give the team a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since Morden College values collaboration, think of examples where you've worked well with others in a gardening or community setting. It’ll show you’re a great fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role and the gardens at Morden College. This shows your genuine interest and helps you figure out if it’s the right place for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Blackheath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let us see your love for gardening shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your skills and enthusiasm for creating beautiful outdoor spaces.
Tailor Your CV to the Role: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description. Highlight your practical experience in horticulture and any relevant certifications to show us you’re the perfect fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morden College
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge, especially the specific skills mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your practical experience with tasks like mowing, pruning, and using various gardening tools. Showing that you understand the nuances of garden maintenance will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Passion for Community
Morden College values community and connection, so be prepared to share why you’re passionate about working in a role that supports older people. Think of examples where you've contributed to a community or helped others, as this aligns with their mission of promoting wellbeing and social connection.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Since the role involves using machinery and chemicals, it’s crucial to highlight your understanding of health and safety practices. Discuss any relevant certifications you have, like the H&S certificate, and share experiences where you prioritised safety in your previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the types of gardening projects you might work on or how the team collaborates to enhance resident wellbeing. Asking questions shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.