Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain stunning ornamental gardens and engage with visitors in a beautiful setting.
- Company: Join the passionate team at West Dean Gardens, a premier visitor attraction.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days leave, a generous pension, and discounts on events and courses.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career growth and a collaborative team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in horticulture while working in a breathtaking environment.
- Qualifications: RHS Level 2 or equivalent, with solid experience in ornamental gardening.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
West Dean Gardens, part of The Edward James Foundation, is looking for a passionate and skilled Gardener – Ornamental to join our dedicated team. Located in the heart of the stunning South Downs, near Chichester, West Dean Gardens is a premier visitor attraction, known for its beautiful landscapes, rich heritage, and commitment to sustainability.
As a Gardener – Ornamental, you will play a key role in maintaining and presenting the Gardens to the highest standards. With a focus on ornamental planting, your duties will include everything from planting, pruning, and mulching to mowing, hedge cutting, and meadow management. You'll help preserve the beauty and charm of West Dean Gardens, ensuring it remains an inspiring and exceptional place for visitors and students alike.
The role offers the opportunity to work closely with the Head Gardener and Deputy Head Gardener in a collaborative, hands-on environment. You will be part of a team responsible for maintaining lawns, borders, visitor spaces, and the wider estate, with the opportunity to engage with volunteers, students, and visitors, sharing your knowledge and passion for horticulture.
Key Responsibilities- Carry out general garden maintenance including weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, and edging.
- Maintain high presentation standards across ornamental areas, lawns, and borders.
- Regular mowing, hedge cutting, and meadow management.
- Support the care and development of diverse plant collections.
- Work collaboratively with glasshouse and production teams.
- Assist in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, students, and staff.
- Operate garden machinery and equipment safely.
- Solid horticultural experience, with a focus on ornamental gardening and presentation.
- RHS Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) and experience with garden machinery.
- A proactive, flexible, and team-oriented attitude.
- Strong attention to detail and a passion for maintaining high standards.
- 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
- Generous pension scheme (matching from 4% to 7.5%).
- Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders.
- Discounts on events, retail goods, and short courses at West Dean College.
- Free access to West Dean Gardens and on-site facilities including swimming pool and tennis courts.
- Subsidised accommodation and free on-site parking.
This is a permanent, full-time position (39 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with occasional weekends on a rota basis). If you’re ready to join a dynamic and inspiring team at one of the UK’s most beautiful gardens, we’d love to hear from you!
Gardener - Ornamental employer: Novatech Ltd
Contact Detail:
Novatech Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener - Ornamental
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on West Dean Gardens and its staff. Mentioning specific projects or initiatives they’re involved in can show your genuine interest and help you connect with them.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your previous gardening work or photos of your favourite projects. This visual evidence can really make you stand out and demonstrate your passion for ornamental gardening.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask about their sustainability practices or how they engage with volunteers. It shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener - Ornamental
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your skills in ornamental gardening and how you’ve maintained beautiful landscapes in the past.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant qualifications like your RHS Level 2 and any hands-on experience with garden machinery to catch our eye!
Be Detail-Oriented: We’re looking for someone with a strong attention to detail. In your application, mention instances where your meticulous nature has helped maintain high presentation standards in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at West Dean Gardens.
How to prepare for a job interview at Novatech Ltd
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your knowledge of ornamental plants and their care. Be ready to discuss specific species you’ve worked with and how you’ve maintained them. This shows your passion and expertise, which is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work that highlight your horticultural skills, especially in ornamental gardening. Talk about any projects where you improved presentation standards or collaborated with a team, as this aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the gardens, their sustainability practices, or the team dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with others, be sure to express your collaborative attitude. Share experiences where you’ve successfully worked in a team, especially in a garden setting, to show you’re a great fit for their culture.