At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and nurture a dedicated team while maintaining stunning gardens and landscapes.
- Company: Benarth Hall, a beautiful Grade II listed estate on the North Wales coast.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, and support for professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth as Head Gardener with ongoing training.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact on exceptional gardens.
- Qualifications: Horticultural Level 3 qualification and practical gardening experience required.
The predicted salary is between 39539 - 54417 £ per year.
Benarth Hall is a Grade II listed estate on the beautiful North Wales coast. An exceptional garden has been created on a uniquely elevated site within woodland, abundant with wildlife and panoramic views across the Conwy estuary.
The estate owners are passionate about the gardens and committed to their continued development and enhancement. The master plan was conceived by the previous owners and has been continually developed by nationally renowned, award-winning garden designers Julie Toll and Ian Kitson. The extensive grounds comprise a tapestry of distinct horticultural zones, each requiring expert and specialised care.
The garden sits enclosed by SSSI woodland which are protected and presents opportunities to manage the estate in ways that increasingly support ecology and the environment.
The grounds include formal areas with elegant topiary, meticulously maintained hedges and expansive manicured lawns. Mixed borders feature sweeping, vibrant beds densely planted with a sophisticated combination of specimen shrubs, mature trees, perennials and bulbs. Further highlights include a beautifully engineered stream bank, a woodland and water garden, and a serene naturalistic woodland escape centred around a flowing stream and a large contemporary pond. An exciting expansion project is also under way to incorporate an adjacent property with its own walled garden and glasshouse.
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Head Gardener (or a very capable Senior Gardener who could develop into the Head Gardener role) to take responsibility for the day-to-day care and continued development of the gardens and wider estate. This is a fully hands-on role for a practical and highly motivated horticulturist who takes pride in maintaining exceptional standards. The successful candidate will lead, support and nurture our team of two very committed full-time staff. Specialist contractors are engaged when required. The Head Gardener will work very closely with the garden designer and owners to ensure the continued development and enhancement of the gardens.
The owners are committed to supporting the continued professional development of the Head Gardener and the wider team. A comprehensive range of equipment and good facilities are provided.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Good plant knowledge, strong practical horticultural experience and the confidence to lead a small team in a friendly and rewarding private-estate environment.
- Promoting high standards of teamwork, communication, safety and presentation across the gardens.
- Planning daily and seasonal work programmes and ensuring that priorities are completed efficiently.
- Using and maintaining horticultural equipment safely and responsibly.
- Developing and maintaining the garden in collaboration with the garden designer and owner.
Applications would also be welcomed from candidates who have the necessary skills and experience but who could be appointed at a senior level and then progress to the title of Head Gardener with further experience and training.
Essential and desirable attributes include:
- Horticultural Level 3 qualification or equivalent plus.
- Practical experience caring for a high-quality garden.
- Good plant knowledge and a strong understanding of seasonal maintenance.
- Experience with formal gardens, herbaceous borders, shrubs, trees, lawns and woodland planting.
- Impeccable communication and organisational skills.
- Practical leadership skills and the ability to motivate and support a small team.
- A proactive, conscientious and flexible approach to work.
- Relevant machinery, spraying or other competency certificates, where appropriate.
- A good understanding of safe working.
- A full UK driving licence.
- A genuine passion for horticulture and maintaining gardens to the highest standards.
Salary will reflect the Professional Gardeners’ Guild salary guidelines, £39,539 to £54,417 and will be determined by the candidate’s experience and immediate capability. Some flexibility can be discussed. Holiday entitlement: 28 days to include bank holidays.
Please apply by sending an up-to-date CV and letter of application outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the role to: nationalgardensspecialist@gmail.com
Benarth Hall, Head Gardener. in Bangor employer: National Gardens Specialist
Batsford Park offers a unique opportunity for passionate horticulturists to thrive in a stunning historic setting, where creativity and ecological practices are encouraged. With a supportive team environment and the chance to lead the evolution of a beautiful garden, employees can expect personal growth and the satisfaction of making a lasting impact. The picturesque landscape and commitment to contemporary garden management make Batsford Park an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful work in horticulture.
Contact Details:
National Gardens Specialist Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Benarth Hall, Head Gardener. in Bangor
✨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 National Gardens Specialist.
✨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 National Gardens Specialist.
✨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 National Gardens Specialist; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Benarth Hall, Head Gardener. in Bangor
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 National Gardens Specialist.
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 Benarth Hall, Head Gardener..
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what National Gardens Specialist 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 National Gardens Specialist a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Gardens Specialist
✨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 National Gardens Specialist might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
