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- Tasks: Lead the maintenance and creative enhancement of stunning gardens and landscapes.
- Company: Beautiful private estate known for its diverse and rich gardens.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a chance to work in a picturesque environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a renowned garden while mentoring a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Minimum Level 3 qualification in Horticulture and experience in both ornamental and productive gardening.
- Other info: Join a supportive family environment with opportunities for creativity and growth.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.
Situated on the boundary between Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, the garden, which opens for the National Garden Scheme and other charitable events, has been featured in publications such as House & Garden and Gardens Illustrated.
The position has become vacant due to the retirement of the incumbent Head Gardener, who has worked at the estate for 15 years.
The gardens and estate are rich and diverse, blending traditional and contemporary styles. They include a formal parterre, a walled kitchen/cutting garden with a large greenhouse, a pool garden, substantial herbaceous borders, a formal rose garden, topiary, water features, parkland with old specimen trees.
The role
The successful candidate will take a leading role in the maintenance, development, and creative enhancement of these gardens and landscapes, working closely with the estate owners. This hands-on position would suit an experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic person with a keen eye for detail, exceptional attention to detail, and strong background in horticulture.
As Head Gardener, you will be responsible for leading and mentoring a team of two gardeners and a part-time helper (two days per week). Key responsibilities:
- Kitchen and cut flower gardening, including growing a wide range of vegetables and flowers for the house. Growing includes greenhouse propagation (Alitex greenhouse used for overwintering, propagation, and growing tomatoes, aubergines, peppers)
- Lawn care and maintenance
- Species-specific pruning of trees and shrubs
- Herbaceous border maintenance across varied planting schemes
- Water feature maintenance, including formal ponds, fountains, and a large wildlife pond with marginal plantings.
- Wildflower meadow maintenance and creation
- Operating and maintaining garden machinery (including a compact tractor with loader)
- Care of trained fruit trees, wall shrubs, hedges, and topiary
- General woodland and parkland management
The candidate
The position is for an experienced candidate, at Head Gardener level, with a minimum Level 3 qualification in Horticulture. You will be competent in both ornamental and productive gardening. You will demonstrate exceptional organisational skills, self-motivation, proactive approach and respectful of a private family environment. A flexible and positive attitude, coupled with a can-do mindset, is essential for this role.
- Hours: Full-time, permanent position – Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
- Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Applicants are requested to send their CV and covering letter to Philip Kusmishko, Head Gardener, phil@tythrop.co.uk
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Private Estate: Head Gardener employer: Thedirt
Contact Detail:
Thedirt Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Estate: Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the estate and its gardens before your interview. Spend some time researching their style and what makes them unique. This will help you show your genuine interest and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other horticulture professionals. Join local gardening clubs or online forums where you can connect with others in the field. You never know who might have insider info about job openings or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your skills during the interview. Bring along a portfolio of your previous work, including photos of gardens you've designed or maintained. This visual evidence can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Private Estate: Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your skills and enthusiasm for horticulture. We want to see how you can bring creativity and care to our diverse gardens.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant experience in both ornamental and productive gardening, and don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've had. We appreciate attention to detail, so make it clear why you're the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We want to understand your qualifications and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the modern gardening world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thedirt
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care, and how you would approach maintaining the diverse garden styles mentioned in the job description. This shows your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in both ornamental and productive gardening. Discuss any leadership roles you've had, especially mentoring others, as this is key for the Head Gardener position.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
Think about how you would creatively enhance the estate's gardens. Be prepared to share your ideas on garden design, maintenance strategies, and how you would manage the team effectively. This will show your proactive approach and can-do mindset.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the estate and its gardening practices. Inquire about their current projects or future plans for the garden. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your vision.