Sole Gardener

A fantastic lifestyle opportunity has arisen near Bramley in Surrey, for a skilled and creative Sole Gardener to join a welcoming family on their estate to help with the ongoing development of their garden. This role would suit a well-rounded estate gardener with strong horticultural knowledge.

The property is situated in an idyllic valley in the Surrey Hills and comprises approximately 20 acres overall, inclusive of surrounding fields and woodland. The family took ownership of the former equine estate several years ago and are gradually working towards developing a varied and beautiful garden. The successful applicant will therefore play a key part in the owners’ desire to undertake a new project each year, with their creative flair and horticultural experience being drawn upon at every opportunity.

The gardens are at various stages of development in terms of planting and design, though large areas are complete and include mixed beds/borders, shrubberies, specimen trees, an orchard with approximately 50 fruit trees, a formal kitchen garden, wildflower meadow areas, a pond with approximately 50 fish as well as water lilies and surrounding planting, and a swimming pool within a walled garden, small vegetable garden, and small greenhouse. The gardens are framed by native mature woodland. The fields are grazed by sheep, and trees are planted every year. They have two beehives within an acre of borage. Machinery on site consists of a 50hp tractor, quad bike, a large ride-on mower, trailers, and a range of good quality hand-held garden machinery and tools. The Sole Gardener will have use of a Toyota Hilux where the need arises, and as such, a full driving licence is essential.

Applicants for this role will ideally hold an academic horticultural qualification with strong plant knowledge and several years’ experience in gardening positions on diverse private estates. Physical fitness and energy are of paramount importance as this garden is more physically demanding than many being on a hill. A genuine ‘can-do’ attitude is required, and new ideas are welcome, alongside competence with general garden machinery. Experience with chainsaws is desired, though otherwise suitable applicants will not be discounted. The garden is run organically, so candidates must have an understanding of organic plant pest and disease management methodologies. This role offers an opportunity to showcase creative skill, and as such, those with a keen eye for plant use and garden design are encouraged to apply.

Other non-horticultural duties include assisting the owner with moving logs/firewood and checking the Chlorine levels in the pool once per week.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled, qualified, and well-rounded estate gardener to take on a new and ongoing project on a stunning private estate alongside a very welcoming and creative family. A full and cleared criminal background check is required of all applicants.

SALARY: £33,000 – £35,000 depending on experience

LOCATION: Bramley, Surrey

JOB No: EC653591

If this Sole Gardener position is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.

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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this 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 vacancy has been unsuccessful.

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