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- Tasks: Lead the development of a stunning 18-acre garden with a talented team.
- Company: Join a prestigious project designed by renowned landscape designer Jinny Blom.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, accommodation allowance, and generous holiday package.
- Why this job: Make your mark on a beautiful garden while working in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven gardening experience and formal horticultural qualifications required.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for professional growth in a vibrant setting.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Head Gardener with a proven track record and excellent references for the large diverse garden of a period property near Stroud. This is a significant new garden under development by leading landscape designer Jinny Blom. The property is 18 acres, with 1.5 acres of walled gardens with herbaceous planting, roses and climbers, as well as an orchard, a fruit & vegetable garden with greenhouse and a small vineyard. The wider landscape is around 16.5 acres and is comprised of meadows surrounded by hedgerows and a woodland walk.
A new Head Gardener is required to lead the new garden design into full development in collaboration with the designer. The successful candidate will be supported by an Assistant Gardener and will be working alongside a small team which will be taking care of the house and the wider landscape. Where appropriate certain tasks such as mowing and hedge trimming can be delegated to the house team but will need instructing and overseeing by the head gardener.
Requirements
- Experience of working within a similar environment
- Accredited formal horticultural qualifications
- Excellent proven plant knowledge
- Strong practical gardening experience across a wide range of horticultural disciplines
- Excellent plant husbandry and plant propagation skills
- Experience of fruit and vegetable gardening
- Experience of successional planting
- Experience of composting and soil care
- Experience of plant feeds, pest and weeds control (spraying certificate required)
- Experience of managing greenhouses
- Experience in managing volunteers
- Experience in budget development and management
- Tree, topiary and fruit tree pruning skills
- Supervisory experience
- Collaborative temperament with a self-motivated and hands-on approach
- Open minded and able to work across different areas of expertise and skills
- Full clean driver’s licence
Key Responsibilities
- To work closely with the designer and team to ensure the spirit and detail of the garden’s design is fully delivered
- To plan a sequence of work throughout the year which will form the base for monthly and weekly task schedules
- To ensure that all garden areas and the wider property are maintained to the highest possible standards and are always ready for the family and guests
- To maintain and order adequate, appropriate and necessary sundries and supplies promptly, within budgetary limitations
- To ensure that all areas of planting, pruning, cultivation, and presentation meet the high standards expected
- To ensure that pests and diseases are effectively controlled by the safest and most ecologically friendly means
- To keep on top of any noxious weeds throughout the property
- To inspect all plants, hardscape materials and fencing on a regular basis and record and report any issues to the design team
- Care and handling of tools and machinery
- Supervision of contractors and monitoring of works to the gardens
General Responsibilities
- Ensuring quality of own work and gardening staff meets the highest standard
- General assistance to other members of the household as needed
- Ensuring that the garden environs are kept tidy and safe at all times
- To be punctual
- To be willing to make up time taken out of the working day for personal reasons
Salary and conditions
- Salary: negotiable circa £35k - £42k depending on experience
- Live out. Accommodation allowance if required.
- Hours: 40 hours / week, Mon – Fri 8am – 5pm with flexibility
- Supporting rotational weekend watering when required with TOIL.
- Holidays: 26 days plus public holidays
- Start date around March 2026
To apply please send your CV and a covering letter to our recruitment specialist, Michael Walker at nationalgardensspecialist@gmail.com. Please note: Applicants must have the full right to work in the UK and with the relevant experience and training.
Jinny Blom Design - Head Gardener in Stroud employer: National Gardens Specialist
Contact Detail:
National Gardens Specialist Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Jinny Blom Design - Head Gardener in Stroud
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the garden and its needs! Before your interview, take some time to research Jinny Blom's design style and the specific plants mentioned in the job description. This will help us show our passion and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow gardeners or horticulturalists who might have insights about the property or the team. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to valuable tips or even a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During the interview, be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with plant husbandry, pest control, and managing teams. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Jinny Blom Design - Head Gardener in Stroud
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in gardening. We want to see your proven track record and any specific projects you've worked on that relate to the role.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how you can bring your unique skills to our diverse garden project.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets to the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Gardens Specialist
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care, and any unique challenges you've faced in previous roles. This will show your expertise and passion for horticulture.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work that highlight your practical gardening experience and supervisory skills. Think about times when you successfully managed a team or tackled a challenging project, as this will demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
✨Understand the Vision
Familiarise yourself with Jinny Blom's design philosophy and the specific requirements of the garden. Being able to articulate how you can contribute to the vision will impress the interviewers and show your commitment to the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the garden's development and the team's dynamics. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your own gardening values and goals.
