Head Gardener (Part time) Location: Lake District (Workington/Maryport area) Contract: Part-time, year-round. Start: Immediate / As soon as possible Overview We are seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate gardener to maintain and care for a private garden in the Lake District for a prestigious client. This is a hands-on, long-term role for a skilled professional with a genuine love of plants and garden design, who takes pride in horticultural excellence, attention to detail, and a consistently high level of professionalism. The successful candidate will also be involved in the final stages of garden installation and finishing touches, working closely with the client and any relevant specialists to ensure the garden is established, thriving, and maintained to an exceptional standard. The gardener will be encouraged to contribute thoughtful ideas and recommendations on plant care, seasonal management, and the long-term health and development of the garden. Working Pattern Summer: 23 days per week Winter: 12 days per week (Days to be agreed and may offer some flexibility) Key Responsibilities Day-to-day maintenance of the private garden, ensuring it is presented to an exceptional standard year-round Planting, pruning, deadheading, mulching, feeding, and general horticultural care Wildflower care, border maintenance, and seasonal tasks Monitoring plant health and proactively addressing pests, diseases, or deficiencies Supporting the installation and final detailing of the garden, including planting schemes and layout refinement Offering recommendations on plant care, seasonal changes, and long-term garden development Maintaining tools, equipment, and a tidy working environment Experience & Skills Required Minimum 5 years professional experience maintaining private gardens or high-quality landscapes Extensive plant knowledge, including shrubs, perennials, trees, and seasonal planting Lake Districtspecific horticultural knowledge strongly preferred, including experience with local soil types, weather conditions, exposure, and suitable planting choices Strong practical horticultural skills and an excellent eye for detail Ability to work independently, using initiative and sound judgement A high level of professionalism, discretion, and reliability Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all seasons Location & Access Must have easy and reliable access to the Workington / Maryport area Ability to travel independently to the garden location is essential Desirable (but not essential) Relevant horticultural qualifications Experience working with newly installed or developing gardens Full UK driving licence Personal Attributes Passionate about gardening and plant care Calm, trustworthy, and respectful of a private environment Presents themselves with professionalism and pride in their work Takes satisfaction in delivering consistently high standards