Location: Private country house (5 acres) just south of Newbury, West Berkshire Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent Reports to: Homeowner Salary: £35,000 Start Date: January 2026 Overview We are seeking an experienced gardener to maintain and enhance the gardens of a private country house set within 5 acres. The garden includes vegetable plots, fruit trees, flower beds, hedges and natural areas. We will require hands on expertise and an eye for design and detail. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who has horticultural expertise and who is interested in plants, working outside and who takes pride in the maintenance of a beautiful and productive environment. Key Responsibilities 1. General Garden Maintenance Maintain lawns, borders, flower beds and pathways to a good standard. Regular mowing (or overseeing lawn contractors depending on the season), edging, weeding, pruning, mulching and deadheading. Seasonal planting and replanting of flowers, bulbs and shrubs. Care of trees and shrubs, ensuring plant health and appearance. 2. Kitchen Garden and Fruit Trees Plan, plant and maintain vegetable plots and herb gardens for mainly summer production Plant seeds in green house to prepare for the spring vegetable planting season Manage fruit trees and soft fruit bushes, including pruning and feeding Harvest produce for household use. 3. Grounds Management Maintain lawns, driveways and garden structures Operate garden machinery and ensure that it is regularly serviced and maintained. Manage composting, leaf collection and recycling of green waste 4. Planning and Seasonal Work Develop and execute a seasonal garden maintenance plan. Manage greenhouse and poly tunnel. Prepare and protect the garden for changing seasons. 5. Collaboration and Communication Work closely with the homeowner (and other household staff) to ensure that the gardens work well and look good. Provide ideas on improvements and developments. Supervise contractors where seasons require additional support such as tree surgeons, pest control, irrigation specialists and lawn maintenance people. 6. Poultry Regularly clean out of the chicken coop. Check the poultry for lice and any medical issues and advise accordingly. Collect eggs and feed the poultry. We provide a relaxed and happy work environment and there is a degree of mucking in with household staff such as the collection of parcels delivered to the house and the carrying of dustbins etc. Candidate Profile Essential Skills and Experience Proven experience as a professional gardener Sound knowledge of horticulture, plant care, soil management and traditional gardening methods. Competence with garden machinery and tools, with an understanding of maintenance and safety. Ability to work independently, manage time effectively and take initiative. Physically fit and capable of working outdoors year round in varying weather conditions. Working Hours Full time: Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm Benefits Competitive salary (based on experience) Accommodation available - 2 bedroom cottage (some adjustment on salary will be required) Use of produce grown Pension contribution and holiday entitlement. Support for continued professional development and training