An excellent opportunity has arisen for a passionate and enthusiastic Gardener to join a friendly gardening team on a prestigious Tom Stuart Smith garden in Oxfordshire.
The historic 74-acre property contains incredibly beautiful gardens and boasts an arboretum and surrounding parkland with two large lakes, a lake garden, sunken garden, a two-acre walled garden, extensive herbaceous borders as well as a two-acre woodland garden; a classic Tom Stuart Smith design containing 23000 perennials, 40000 bulbs and a variety of species (rodgersia, selinum, iris, eupatorium, thalictrum, epimedium, ferns, euphorbia, grasses, gallium, aster and many others).
The gardens are managed by a team of five gardeners, under the management of the Head Gardener. The team works across all areas of the garden maintaining it to the highest standard. As such, applicants should be able to demonstrate impeccable attention to detail and a genuine passion for horticulture. It is an exciting opportunity for a gardener looking for the next step in their career, looking to grow as a gardener and further develop their experience. The role will require a good plants person to ensure plant maintenance and health via feeding, weeding, mulching and general upkeep to the highest standard.
This is a hands-on role, suited to someone who enjoys working both collaboratively and independently, with the ability to prioritise their workload. Applicants must be physically fit and able to work for long periods when required. A good knowledge of compact tractors, implements, pedestrian mowers and handheld machinery is desirable, and PA1 and PA6 spray certification is desired, with a recognised horticultural qualification considered advantageous.
Knowledge of automatic irrigation systems and cylinder mowers would also be useful, as would chainsaw certification, although larger tree work is carried out by contractors. The role will also require propagation and cultivation of both ornamental and edible plants, as well as the division of herbaceous perennials and the pruning of a wide array of shrubs and trees. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hard-working and enthusiastic gardener to be part of a close-knit team on a very prestigious estate on a permanent full-time basis.
The successful candidate will need a keen eye for detail and a genuine desire to constantly enhance and improve the garden. The role will particularly suit someone who takes pride in caring for and nurturing this exceptional landscape, with a strong focus on maintaining and developing the kitchen walled garden as an integral part of the estate.
Working hours are 08:00 – 17:00 Monday to Thursday and 08:00 – 16:00 on Friday between March and November, and 08:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday between November and March.
SALARY: up to £30,000 DOE
LOCATION: North Oxfordshire
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We are proud to work with the Professional Gardeners’ Guild, the RHS, the WFGA, Arne Maynard Garden Design, Historic Houses, and the HBG Training Programme.
If you are a motivated and enthusiastic gardener looking for a new challenge, please apply for this exciting opportunity.
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