An exceptional opportunity for an experienced and passionate Head Gardener to join a stunning private estate in the Cotswolds at the beginning of its development journey.
Set within approximately 100 acres of newly established woodlands, wildflower meadows, lakes, natural springs and gardens, this role offers the rare chance to help shape, develop and maintain a significant private landscape from concept through to maturity.
Working closely with the owners, an external landscape design company and an Assistant Gardener/Groundsman, you will play a key role in bringing the vision for the estate to life. This is a hands-on position suited to someone who enjoys being actively involved in all aspects of gardening and grounds maintenance while helping guide the long-term development of the property.
A particular focus of the role will be the creation and management of an exceptional kitchen garden, combining a beautiful show garden with a productive vegetable, fruit and cut-flower garden supplying the house throughout the year.
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely with the owners, landscape designers and contractors to implement and develop the long-term vision for the estate.
- Take a hands-on role in all aspects of garden, grounds and woodland maintenance across the estate.
- Work alongside and support the Groundsman in the day-to-day care of the gardens and wider landscape.
- Maintain lawns, borders, hedges, trees, shrubs, lakes, woodland areas and ornamental planting to an exceptionally high standard.
- Lead the development and ongoing management of the kitchen garden, ensuring it is both highly productive and visually outstanding.
- Carry out planting, pruning, propagation, weeding, mulching, lawn care and seasonal horticultural tasks.
- Undertake hedge cutting, tree maintenance and woodland management, including the safe use of chainsaws and other machinery where qualified.
- Monitor plant health, identifying pests, diseases and nutrient deficiencies and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Assist with the maintenance of lakes, ponds and water features.
- Operate and maintain estate machinery and equipment including tractors, mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, chainsaws and other horticultural equipment.
- Coordinate and oversee specialist contractors where required.
- Conduct regular inspections of the estate, identifying maintenance requirements and opportunities for improvement.
- Ensure all work is carried out safely and to the highest standards of presentation.
General Requirements
- Significant practical experience within private estates, country house gardens or high-quality horticultural environments.
- Excellent horticultural knowledge with a passion for plants and gardening.
- Proven experience managing and developing productive kitchen gardens.
- Experience working alongside landscape architects, designers and contractors on garden development projects.
- Strong practical skills across all aspects of garden and grounds maintenance.
- Competence operating tractors, mowers, hedge cutters and other estate machinery.
- Chainsaw certification and experience in hedge cutting, tree work and woodland management.
- Physically fit and willing to undertake manual outdoor work in all weather conditions.
- A proactive, hands-on approach with excellent attention to detail.
- Full UK driving licence.
Ideal Candidate
- Enthusiastic, practical and eager to transform the principals visions into practicality.
- Takes pride in maintaining exceptionally high standards.
- Has a keen eye for detail and presentation.
- Able to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a small team.
- Enjoys the variety of work associated with a private estate environment.
- Would suit a current assistant gardener looking for the next step up
Hours & Practical Details
- 40 hours per week.
- Some weekend work and seasonal watering duties may be required.
- ASAP start.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to be part of an exciting garden project from its earliest stages.
- A rare chance to help create and nurture a significant private estate over the long term.
- Direct involvement in the design, implementation and ongoing development of the landscape.
- The opportunity to develop a beautiful and productive kitchen garden.
- A supportive working environment with engaged owners and a commitment to horticultural excellence.
Pay: £48,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
