Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Sole Gardener to join the mature garden of a residential property located near Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire. The owner now requires an experienced gardener with a proven track record of managing a large mature English country garden to assist in the ongoing maintenance and development of the garden and grounds. This is a full-time permanent position; however, the principles will consider those looking for a 4-day week for the right candidate.

The gardens are roughly 6-acres in size and feature a walled garden together with green house, Espalier fruit trees, vegetable patch, established roses, herbaceous borders and woodland. The gardens also contain formal lawns and extensive hedges of yew, beech and box. The garden is mature and has been professionally designed and maintained therefore the owners are looking for a highly skilled candidate to keep the gardens at a high standard.

Our client seeks an experienced gardener to help maintain the gardens on a year-round basis following the annual calendar. Applicants will possess an academic horticultural qualification, such as a Kew Diploma, RHS level 2 or equivalent, combined with extensive experience working in a similar role. As such, excellent plant knowledge and technical skills are essential for this position with experience in compost management, propagation, spraying, weeding and rejuvenating beds. A self-motivated, organised individual with a self-start attitude and proven track record of managing a large mature English country garden, with a strong work ethic, ability to work to their own initiative and willingness to work to consistently high standards are qualities which are essential for this role. Candidates will be flexible and willing to extend their duties where needed. As such, this is a physically demanding position which requires a fit and strong individual who is comfortable working in all weathers.

General maintenance duties will include but are not limited to pruning, propagating, weeding, edging and compost management. The owner is passionate about their garden and are open to ideas the Gardener will have with regards to the development of the gardens. The lawns are cared for by external contractors, therefore previous experience in managing contractors will be advantageous for prospective candidates. Experience in the use and maintenance of a wide range of gardening machinery as well as PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates, and a chainsaw certification is desirable for this position. The house is equipped with machinery, which the gardener should be capable of maintaining between services.

Please note, the successful candidate with be offered subject to extensive reference checks (both written and verbal) and DBS check. Candidates will also need to provide evidence of qualifications held and hold a full driver\xe2\x80\x99s licence.

SALARY: Up to \xc2\xa340,000 depending on experience

LOCATION: Oxfordshire

JOB No: EC58751

If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 733510 or .

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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Sole Gardener vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Sole Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

Tagged as: Live Out, Sole Gardener

English Country Gardeners