Experienced Gardener

An exciting opportunity for a knowledgeable and skilled gardener has arisen to lead a small team in taking forward an established private and listed garden within a beautiful private estate, located in the tranquil corner of North Cornwall. After many decades working with the property owners, the existing Experienced Gardener is soon to retire, and therefore the principles are keen to find a suitable replacement to keep the gardens looking to the highest of standards for the foreseeable future. This is a full-time permanent position which will give the successful applicant an opportunity to collaborate with the owners to develop the gardens further.

Set within a large and diverse woodland/herbaceous garden, the 17^th Century Manor House is surrounded by roughly 3-acres of formal gardens. The garden is unusual for Cornwall in its diversity as it comprises a walled garden sheltering a strong framework of historic yew hedges which are currently in a phased programme of regeneration. Other elements within the garden include herbaceous borders, formal lawns, rose gardens, small orchard, kitchen garden, and swimming pool. The garden also extends outside the walls, to the more informal Cornish style of woodland, with mature trees, rhododendrons, camelias, and pools.

The owners now require an experienced gardener with a proven track record of working within a horticulturally diverse garden to assist in the ongoing maintenance and development of the garden and grounds. There are elements within the gardens that the owners are looking to change, therefore a keen aesthetic awareness, attention to detail, and a creative flair are of great interest to help execute the plans to a high standard.

Our client seeks an experienced gardener to help maintain the formal gardens on a year-round basis following the annual calendar. Suitable applicants will possess a recognised horticultural qualification, PA1 & PA spraying certificates, as well as extensive experience in horticulturally diverse and historic gardens in a private estate setting. As such, excellent plant knowledge and technical skills are essential for this position with experience in pruning, compost management, propagation, weeding, kitchen gardening, and border maintenance. A self-motivated, organised individual with a self-start attitude and proven track record of managing a diverse 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.

The owners are passionate about their garden and are open to ideas the Senior Gardener will have with regards to the development of the gardens. The successful applicant will be working alongside a small team within the estate as well as being able to use their own initiative within the gardens. Experience in the use and maintenance of a wide range of gardening machinery, which ideally the gardener should be capable of maintaining between services.

This exciting vacancy would be great for someone looking to work in a beautiful part of the country, with one of the most striking aspects of the gardens being the sweeping views of the surrounding Cornish countryside.

Working hours are Monday – Friday 7:30am – 5:00pm, with statutory pension and holiday entitlement being 20 days plus Bank Holidays. Please note, the successful candidate will be offered the post, subject to extensive reference checks. Candidates will also need to provide evidence of qualifications held and hold a full driver’s licence.

SALARY: Up to £35,000 depending on experience

LOCATION: North Cornwall

JOB No: EC64463

If this Experienced Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.