Our private client is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Gardener to take full responsibility for the maintenance and development of a prestigious and beautiful garden at the heart of a traditional country estate.
The ideal Head Gardner will bring flair, creativity, and enthusiasm, combining a deep respect for horticultural tradition with the ability to adapt to the challenges of modern gardening.
This is a hands-on and managerial role, requiring horticultural expertise, leadership, and the ability to deliver projects to the highest possible standard.
To oversee a small team, including an Assistant Head Gardener and three part-time Gardeners.
The gardens include both formal and informal elements greenhouses, propagation, vegetable and fruit production, containers, perennials, woodland trees and shrubs, woodland planting, meadow, lake and wilder areas. Working closely with the Senior Property Manager, you will have overall responsibility for ensuring the gardens and grounds are maintained to the exceptional standards expected by the Principal.
Days & Hours of work: Monday to Friday; 40 hours per week (flexibility required when owners are in residence)
Duties include but are not limited to:
Working in the gardens to achieve the highest standards expected by the Principal
Full care and maintenance of flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns, hedges, topiary, orchards, rose gardens and lake
Planting, pruning, transplanting, fertilising, spraying, weeding, watering and pest/disease management
Implementing and maintaining detailed landscape and seasonal planting plans
Overseeing irrigation systems and ensuring efficient water management, particularly to minimise climate impact
Maintenance of garden structures, equipment and supplies; ensuring safe use of all machinery including tractors and vehicles
General groundskeeping duties mowing, mulching, strimming, raking, snow clearance and upkeep of paths and driveways
Managing and mentoring the gardening team, ensuring high standards and professional development
Budget control, accurate record keeping, and ordering of plants and supplies
Greenhouse management and propagation of flowers, fruit and vegetables
Supporting ad hoc estate project work as required
Ensuring the team works within Health & Safety guidelines set by the employer
Maintenance of the London property terrace garden
Liaising closely with the Senior Property Manager to deliver the Principal's garden vision
Requirements:
Minimum 5 years experience in a senior gardening position, ideally on a private estate
Relevant horticultural qualifications
Enthusiastic, creative, and passionate about horticulture with strong attention to detail
Respectful, collaborative, and discreet in all dealings with owners and staff
PA1/PA6 spraying certificates and chainsaw licence desirable
Wide experience of different gardening challenges
Proven team leadership and ability to motivate and mentor staff
Solid horticultural knowledge, including propagation, orchard/fruit care and seasonal planting
Comfortable working alongside garden designers to achieve the owners vision
Excellent organisational, communication and record-keeping skills
Experience in grass management, from fine lawns to wildflower meadows
Experience of kitchen garden production
Full, clean UK driving licence
Reporting to: Senior Property Manager
Package
Salary: £47K+ gross per year
Holidays: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Unless otherwise specified, a minimum of 5 years relevant experience is required to receive the advertised rate of pay.
Randolphs is an employment agency and employment business authorised to advertise this role on behalf of our client.
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