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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to care for and develop stunning historic gardens.
- Company: Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, a beloved historic garden in Kent.
- Benefits: Opportunity to work in a beautiful setting with a focus on creativity and visitor experience.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and engage with visitors in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the restoration of a unique garden while inspiring others.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture, strong plant knowledge, and a passion for garden restoration.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens is one of Kent’s most loved privately owned historic gardens, set across 12 acres of beautifully restored walled garden, woodland, rose walks and the spectacular Edwardian Rock Garden. Riverhill is a unique blend of heritage, horticultural excellence, creative events and warm visitor experiences. We are looking for a hands-on Head Gardener to lead the continued care, development and restoration of our remarkable gardens. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled horticultural professional with strong plant knowledge and a passion for historic landscapes.
You will oversee all aspects of the garden’s presentation, seasonal planting, conservation and long-term development, while helping to shape the next chapter of Riverhill’s ongoing restoration story.
Key responsibilities:- Lead and inspire the gardening team (equivalent of two full-time) and volunteers
- Manage year-round maintenance of all garden areas, including the Walled Garden, Wood Garden, Rose Walk and Rock Garden
- Develop seasonal planting schemes and enhance visitor impact
- Support restoration and conservation projects across the estate
- Monitor and manage plant health, soil care and irrigation
- Maintain machinery, equipment and tools
- Collaborate with estate-wide colleagues for visitor engagement, events and other activities
- Ensure health and safety for the staff, volunteers and visitors are up to date and in place
- Experience in senior horticultural or head gardener role
- Excellent plant knowledge
- Flexible and dynamic, able to plan but adjust to changing priorities if required
- Passion for garden restoration, creativity and visitor experience
- Level 2 RHS qualification or equivalent
- Enjoys public engagements, able to give tours of the gardens
- Understands and manage H&S requirements
- Physically capable to carry out all gardening tasks including work on ladders
- Full driving license
- Basic computer skills and able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people
- First aid at work certified or willingness to become one
- Chainsaw certificate and confident in use of chainsaws
- Experience in maintaining water features
- Level 3 or higher horticultural qualification
- Experience in basic hard landscaping tasks such as fencing
- Experience in using larger machines such as excavator, tractor etc
- Experience managing contractors and tradespeople
- Experience working in gardens which are historic and/or open to the public
- Knowledge of tree safety assessment
Head Gardener in Sevenoaks employer: Professional Gardeners Guild
Contact Detail:
Professional Gardeners Guild Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener in Sevenoaks
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the garden! Before your interview, take a stroll around Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. Familiarise yourself with the layout, plant varieties, and any ongoing projects. This will not only impress the hiring team but also help you speak confidently about how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When chatting with the team, share your love for horticulture and garden restoration. Talk about your previous experiences and how they relate to the role. We want to see that spark in you!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to lead! As a Head Gardener, you'll be inspiring a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your leadership style and how you engage volunteers and staff alike.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest by asking about future projects, visitor engagement strategies, or conservation efforts at Riverhill. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener in Sevenoaks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture: When writing your application, let your love for plants and gardens shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your skills and knowledge in horticulture, especially in historic landscapes. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant experience, especially in garden restoration and management. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in Riverhill's unique gardens.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 position. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Professional Gardeners Guild
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care, and how they fit into seasonal planting schemes. This will show your passion for horticulture and your expertise in managing a diverse garden.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Gardener, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and managed teams in the past. Think about times when you’ve successfully collaborated with others or led projects that enhanced visitor experiences.
✨Understand the Garden's History
Familiarise yourself with Riverhill Himalayan Gardens' unique history and its restoration journey. Being able to speak about the garden’s heritage and how you can contribute to its ongoing story will demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Health and Safety Know-How
Be prepared to discuss health and safety protocols relevant to gardening. Highlight any certifications you have, like first aid or chainsaw training, and share your approach to ensuring a safe environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors.