The Knole Estate are seeking an enthusiastic gardener to work in the private gardens of the Sackville Family. The Knole Estate are looking for an experienced gardener but applicants looking for training (who demonstrate an interest in horticulture and have relevant work experience) will also be considered.
The Role
The gardener will be based in the Grade 1 listed private gardens at Knole House in Sevenoaks. The 26 acres of walled garden contains many historic features, including one of the longest wisterias in the world, the oldest walled garden in the country and a snail mound. The gardener will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of garden tasks including maintaining the wild flower meadow, vegetable garden, borders, turf, decorative hedges and water features. The gardener will also help to maintain an apple orchard in the old Kitchen Garden in Knole Park. They may be required to assist with maintenance work in the 1000-acre medieval deer park from time to time with the Park Keeper.
The gardener will report directly to the head gardener or the assistant head gardener and will be working as part of a small team in a private family garden. Members of the public are able to view the garden on several days each year and you will be required to interact with visitors, answering questions and talking about your work.
Day to day duties will include:
· Lawn maintenance.
· Maintaining formal borders.
· Maintaining informal borders.
· Pruning (trees, shrubs, climbers and fruit).
· Hedge cutting (formal and informal).
· Vegetables production for the house.
· Production of bedding plants.
· Production of herbaceous perennials.
· Weeding.
· Watering (pots and beds).
· Maintaining water features (formal and informal).
· Use of garden machinery (ride on mowers, pedestrian mowers, hedge cutters, brush cutters, compact tractor and any other when required)
· Glasshouse production/management.
· To ensure all health and safety procedures are adhered to.
· Composting.
· Mulching.
· Fruit production.
· Cut flower/ pot plant production for the house.
· Adhering to current health and safety at work regulations.
· Any other duties that may arise during the working day.
Training
The Knole Estate will cover the cost of comprehensive training with a local training provider for a nationally recognised qualification.
The Knole Estate will also cover the cost of the training courses detailed below:
· Tractor driving and trailer operation
· Ride on mowers
· Brush cutter/strimming
· Pedestrian mowing
· Hedge cutting
· Spraying (Pa1-Pa6)
· Chainsaw ( Cs30-Cs31)
· First Aid
· Additional training on a case by case basis
There is potential for additional training depending upon your interests.
Salary and working hours
The gardener will receive a competitive remuneration package for a 40 hour week. The Salary offering will be commensurate with the experience of the successful candidate and their training requirements. Working hours will be 8am to 5pm on Mondays to Fridays, with a break of one hour for lunch between 1pm and 2pm.
Candidate Qualifications
You will have at least five G.C.S.E’s (or equivalent) at A*-C (or Grade 9-4). Ideally, you will hold a full, clean, driving licence. Experience of gardening work and horticultural knowledge are desirable. Ideally candidates will have at least 6-12 months of working in the horticultural industry. Qualifications in spraying and chainsaw are desirable. The role would suit someone studying for their RHS Level 2 or above (or similar qualification).
Gardener Qualities
We are looking for an enthusiastic, diligent and hardworking employee to join the Estate Team. You will be happy to take instruction and keen to learn. You will be prepared to work outside in all weather conditions, and will be happy to work as part of a team as well as independently. Depending on your level of experience, at times, you may be required to supervise and instruct trainees.
How to apply
Please send a cover letter and a curriculum vitae addressed to The Head Gardener, Knole Estate c/o Frances Reed, Estate Manager, Knole Estate, Knole Estate Office, Knole House, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP or via email to francesreed@knoleestate.com by midday on 4th February 2026.
If you have any queries about the role then please contact: francesreed@knoleestate.com