About the Role
An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced and enthusiastic Gardener to work full-time on a beautiful private estate in Berkshire. The grounds encompass a variety of formal and informal areas, including a walled garden, kitchen garden, woodland and parkland.
Working closely with the Head Gardener and Garden Designer, you will be involved in both the day-to-day maintenance of the estate and the ongoing development of the gardens. A significant part of the role will focus on helping to establish and implement a new planting scheme within the walled garden, offering the successful applicant the chance to contribute to an exciting long-term project.
This position would suit someone with a genuine passion for horticulture who enjoys working to exacting standards and takes pride in creating beautiful, well-managed gardens.
Main Responsibilities
Garden Care
- Maintain a wide range of garden areas, ensuring high standards of presentation throughout the year.
- Care for ornamental borders, shrubs, topiary, hedges, lawns and mixed planting.
- Carry out routine cultivation, weeding, mulching and watering as required.
Plant Management
- Undertake pruning and training of ornamental plants, climbing plants and fruit trees.
- Propagate plants from seed, cuttings and division where appropriate.
- Monitor plant health, identifying and addressing pests, diseases and nutritional deficiencies.
- Improve soil health through appropriate cultivation and soil management techniques.
Seasonal Work
- Assist with seasonal planting and bulb displays.
- Renovate existing planting areas and establish new schemes.
- Support the ongoing evolution of the gardens through thoughtful planting and maintenance.
Estate Maintenance
- Help care for woodland paths, orchard areas, meadows and other landscape features.
- Assist with the general upkeep of the wider estate to maintain an attractive and welcoming environment.
Machinery
- Operate horticultural equipment safely and efficiently, including mowers, hedge trimmers, strimmers and other powered machinery.
- Carry out routine cleaning and basic maintenance of equipment.
Working with the Team
- Collaborate effectively with the Head Gardener and Garden Designer on both routine tasks and larger development projects.
- Take ownership of allocated responsibilities while contributing positively to the wider team.
- Share ideas and observations that support the continued improvement of the gardens.
Skills and ExperienceEssential
- Strong practical horticultural knowledge gained through professional experience.
- Good understanding of plant care, pruning techniques, border maintenance and soil management.
- Ability to work independently and manage tasks with minimal supervision.
- A keen eye for detail and commitment to maintaining exceptional standards.
- Physically capable of carrying out demanding outdoor work in all seasons.
- Professional, discreet and respectful when working within a private estate.
Desirable
- RHS Level 2 qualification, or equivalent horticultural experience.
- Experience working within a private estate, country house or other high-quality garden.
- Knowledge of plant propagation and establishment.
- Familiarity with meadow, orchard or woodland management.
- Confidence using and maintaining horticultural machinery.
Personal Attributes
We are looking for someone who:
- Isn't afraid to take a hands-on approach and enjoys varied work.
- Has a genuine enthusiasm for plants and gardening.
- Is dependable, self-motivated and well organised.
- Enjoys working collaboratively within a small, dedicated team.
- Is eager to develop their horticultural knowledge and broaden their skills.
- Takes satisfaction in producing gardens of the highest quality.
This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a professional gardening team and play a key role in shaping the future of an exceptional private estate. Alongside caring for established gardens, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the creation of new planting schemes and help develop the estate for years to come.
Pay: £28,000.00-£33,000.00 per year
Experience:
- professional gardening: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
