Estate Gardener - Farley Hill, Reading
Salary up to £30,000 per annum
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Estate Gardener to join a dedicated team of two full-time gardeners responsible for the care and maintenance of an exceptional garden of over 20 acres. Designed by Charles Bridgeman in 1729, this is a rare and historically significant landscape, comprising formal gardens, sweeping lawns, woodland, a kitchen garden, a water garden, and a walled garden. This is a wonderful opportunity for a skilled horticulturalist who takes genuine pride in their work and is eager to develop their knowledge and craft within a historic estate setting.
The gardens at Farley Hill are a fine example of early eighteenth-century landscape design. The successful candidate will be joining a small, hard-working team working to improve the garden to an exceptional standard. The breadth and variety of the landscape, from formal parterres to parkland to productive kitchen garden and ornamental water features, offers a genuinely rewarding environment for a gardener who wants to deepen their horticultural expertise.
ABOUT THE ROLE
- Lawns & Hard Landscaping - Mowing, edging and general lawn care using ride-on and pedestrian mowers. Maintaining paths, gravel areas, steps and hard landscaping features to a consistently high standard.
- Planting & Borders - Pruning of trees, shrubs, hedges and climbers at the correct time of year. Planting trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, bulbs and seasonal bedding. Weeding, mulching, feeding, and general maintenance of beds and borders.
- Propagation & Growing - Watering plants, containers and glasshouse crops. Propagation, including seed sowing, cuttings, and division.
- Plant Health - Monitoring and treating pests, diseases and weeds using appropriate and responsible methods.
- Machinery & Equipment - Safe operation of horticultural machinery including mowers, strimmer, hedge trimmers and chainsaws (subject to certification).
- Estate Duties - Supporting wider estate duties, including assistance at events and open days.
A full job specification is available on request.
ABOUT YOU
- Proven hands-on experience in a gardening or grounds maintenance role.
- Competence across the key responsibilities of the position.
- A genuine passion for horticulture and a desire to continue learning and developing their skills.
- An interest in building a long-term career within a historic estate of exceptional significance and prestige.
- A flexible, positive, and collaborative approach to work.
- A willingness to work additional hours when required to meet the needs of the estate.
- Relevant machinery certifications (desirable but not essential).
- A willingness to undertake training, with full support provided to gain any required machinery qualifications.
HOURS & PACKAGE
- Hours: 7.30am–4.30pm Monday to Thursday; 7.30am–3.30pm Friday
- Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum
Pay: Up to £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Gardening: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
