Location: Small village near Henley-on-Thames (15 mins from Henley / 30–40 mins from Oxford)
- Start Date: Flexible
- Salary: £40,000 – £45,000, depending on experience
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Overview
A committed and knowledgeable Head Gardener is sought to take responsibility for the care and ongoing development of a beautiful 50-acre private estate in the Buckinghamshire countryside. This peaceful property, used by the family primarily on weekends and during school holidays, includes formal gardens, a productive kitchen garden, and wider grounds. It is a much-loved sanctuary for the family.
The successful candidate will bring both hands-on expertise and pride in maintaining high horticultural standards, as well as a calm, discreet, and self-directed working style.
The Estate
Approximately 50 acres, including:
* Formal gardens surrounding the main house
* Lawns, herbaceous borders, ornamental shrubs, and hedges
* A productive kitchen garden
* Woodland areas and open grounds
* A portion of the acreage (fields and paddocks) is managed by a local farmer and does not fall under the gardener’s remit
Key Responsibilities
* Complete maintenance and development of the formal and kitchen gardens
* Seasonal planting, propagation, pruning, weeding, mulching, and general plant care
* Lawn mowing, edging, feeding, and aeration as required
* Care of trees, hedges, and established beds
* Managing irrigation systems and garden machinery
* Planning and implementing planting schemes and garden improvements in collaboration with the family
* Upkeep of paths, terraces, garden furniture, and outdoor entertaining areas
* Monitoring and reporting on garden health, pest control, and general condition
* Occasionally liaising with contractors, suppliers, or other tradespeople
* Ensuring the garden is always guest-ready, especially ahead of family visits
Candidate Requirements
* Proven experience in a similar Head or Senior Gardener role on a private estate
* Strong horticultural knowledge, with formal training preferred
* Excellent plant knowledge and garden management skills
* Hands-on, proactive, and confident operating garden machinery and tools
* Able to work independently and manage time effectively
* Discreet, professional, and respectful of the family’s privacy
* Full UK driving licence essential