Job Description
Overview
We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Senior Gardener to take full responsibility for the care, presentation, and ongoing development of multiple private gardens. This is a hands-on role suited to a skilled horticultural professional who is confident working independently and delivering consistently high standards.
The ideal candidate will bring strong plant knowledge, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage and evolve established gardens with minimal oversight.
Role Summary
* Full-time Senior Gardener responsible for:
* A primary residence garden
* A nearby secondary property (currently maintained on a bi-weekly basis)
* Potential additional small garden areas
* Transition from a team-based approach to a single dedicated gardener, ensuring continuity and deep familiarity with the gardens
* Full ownership of day-to-day maintenance, scheduling, and seasonal planning
Key Responsibilities
Garden Maintenance & Care
* Maintain all gardens to an exceptional standard year-round
* Lawn care including mowing, edging, feeding, aeration, and seasonal treatments
* Planting, pruning, training, and propagation
* Soil management, fertilisation, and mulching
* Pond and water feature maintenance
* Monitoring plant health, including pest and disease management
* Ensuring all outdoor areas remain tidy, structured, and visually consistent
Seasonal Planning & Development
* Plan and implement seasonal planting schemes
* Proactively manage planting cycles and garden transitions throughout the year
* Identify and execute opportunities for garden improvement and refinement
Specialist Collaboration
* Work alongside a Japanese garden specialist, maintaining design integrity and supporting specialist requirements where needed
Technical Responsibilities
* Operate and maintain all gardening tools and machinery
* Oversee basic irrigation systems, including maintenance and troubleshooting
* Maintain organisation of tools, equipment, and garden storage areas
Additional Duties
* Occasional light handyman tasks related to the garden and exterior areas (minor, non-specialist works only)
Candidate Profile
Experience & Expertise
* Proven experience as a Senior or Sole Gardener within a private residence or estate
* Strong horticultural knowledge across planting, pruning, and plant health
* Experience managing multiple garden spaces independently
* Confident with garden machinery and tools
* Working knowledge of irrigation systems
* Basic handyman capability desirable
Personal Attributes
* Highly self-sufficient and dependable, able to work independently without supervision
* Detail-oriented with a strong sense of pride in presentation
* Proactive and organised, with the ability to plan ahead
* Comfortable working outdoors year-round
* Discreet and professional in a private household setting
Compensation & Details
* Salary from £40,000+, depending on experience
* Full-time, permanent role
* Opportunity to take full ownership of established, high-quality gardens
* Further details to be discussed during the interview process