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