At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a talented ornamental gardening team while shaping stunning gardens.
- Company: The Newt in Somerset, a luxury country estate with captivating gardens.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellness perks, discounts, and up to 30 days annual leave.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team with fun activities and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on beautiful gardens and develop your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Horticultural qualification and experience leading a horticultural team.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
£35,000-£40,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus bonus and fantastic benefits. Annualised hours, based on 40 hours per week across 5 days, 5 out of 7, with regular rotational weekends required. A driving licence is needed for this role.
Lead, inspire and grow a talented ornamental gardening team while shaping some of Britain’s most exciting gardens. As Lead Gardener, you will play a key role in supporting the Head of Ornamentals with the day‑to‑day leadership of the Ornamental Gardens team. This is a hands‑on leadership role, balancing excellent horticultural standards with clear team coordination, coaching and communication. You will help organise daily and seasonal workloads, guide Ornamental Gardeners in their work, support their development, and ensure the team has the direction, resources and confidence needed to deliver outstanding gardens for our members, guests and visitors.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Head of Ornamentals with the daily leadership, organisation and smooth running of the Ornamental Gardens team.
- Supervise and guide Ornamental Gardeners, ensuring clear direction, effective communication and consistent standards across the team.
- Coordinate daily, weekly and seasonal workloads, allocating tasks and priorities in line with garden needs, projects and estate activity.
- Motivate, coach and support team members, helping to build confidence, develop skills and encourage a positive, collaborative team culture.
- Deputise for the Head of Ornamentals when required, helping to maintain team momentum and operational continuity.
- Take responsibility for a designated garden area, leading by example in its maintenance, development and long‑term success.
- Support team training, Health & Safety compliance, risk assessments and clear communication of safe working practices.
- Represent The Newt through tours, workshops, events and guest engagement when required.
What we can offer
- A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
- Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2× your salary.
- Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
- Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
- Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
- Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
- Complimentary staff meal when onsite – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
- Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
- Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
- We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
- Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
- A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
- Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full‑time team.
What we're looking for
- A Level 3 Horticultural qualification, or equivalent, or above.
- Previous experience leading, supervising or coordinating a small horticultural team.
- A confident, people‑focused leader who can motivate, coach and develop others.
- Demonstrable plantsmanship with broad ornamental plant knowledge and a strong understanding of planting design.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to plan workloads, prioritise tasks and keep the team working effectively.
- Experience supporting Health & Safety standards, including risk assessments and compliance records.
- Excellent communication skills with a collaborative, hands‑on approach.
- A full UK driving licence.
Where you'll be working
The Newt in Somerset has ancient woodland, historic gardens and far‑reaching views. It is a unique destination with Hotel, Spa, Restaurants and much more. Visitors can take a tour of the gardens, deer park and cyder press, dine in the Garden Café and visit our Farm Shop. Attracting around 250,000 visitors per year, The Newt is a vibrant and thriving destination, animated throughout the seasons by special events, workshops and educational programmes. The Ornamental Gardens form the heart of The Newt's horticultural offering. From formal gardens and seasonal displays to innovative planting schemes and significant restoration projects, the Ornamental Team is responsible for maintaining and developing some of Britain's most exciting and ambitious gardens. As the gardens continue to evolve, the department requires strong leadership, excellent horticultural knowledge and effective operations to ensure the highest standards are achieved safely and efficiently. The Lead Gardener plays a vital role in supporting the Head of Ornamentals in the leadership, organisation and ongoing development of the gardens.
Who are we – The Newt in Somerset
Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home‑away‑from‑home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams – from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming – collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.
Lead Ornamental Gardener employer: Ornamental Garden at The Newt in Somerset
The Newt in Somerset is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment where your passion for horticulture can flourish. With a strong emphasis on personal and professional development, employees enjoy generous benefits including complimentary access to our Spa, gym facilities, and exclusive discounts, all while working amidst the stunning backdrop of our historic gardens. Join a collaborative team that values hard work and creativity, ensuring you have the resources and encouragement needed to lead and inspire others in crafting some of Britain's most exciting gardens.
Contact Details:
Ornamental Garden at The Newt in Somerset Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Ornamental Gardener
✨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 Ornamental Garden at The Newt in Somerset.
✨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 Ornamental Garden at The Newt in Somerset.
✨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 Ornamental Garden at The Newt in Somerset; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Ornamental Gardener
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 Ornamental Garden at The Newt in Somerset.
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 Lead Ornamental Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Ornamental Garden at The Newt in Somerset 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 Ornamental Garden at The Newt in Somerset a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ornamental Garden at The Newt in Somerset
✨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 Ornamental Garden at The Newt in Somerset might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
