The garden, which includes an orchard, lawns, a pool garden, cutting garden, fruit cage, kitchen garden with Victorian heated greenhouse, topiary and hedging is currently opened once a year under the NGS. It sits in the midst of the estate’s woods and fields which are increasingly being managed for conservation and wildlife benefit.
Main duties and responsibilities::
- To manage the overall care and maintenance of the garden to a very high standard, including hedge cutting, specialist pruning (eg. topiary, roses, trained fruit trees and wall climbers,) lawn care, tending to beds and borders, weeding, propagation, mulching, maintenance of paths and terrace areas and keeping the potting shed and machinery store neat and organised.
- To grow, harvest and store seasonal fruit and vegetables and cut flowers for the house and the barn. The greenhouse is heated and there is also a polytunnel for winter salad. The owners are keen cooks and providing organic produce year round as well as cut flowers for both the house and the barn (where occasional events are held) is an important part of the job.
- To maintain photographic and written records of the garden, including a journal of what has been planted, the location of those plants and how they have fared.
- To provide security and look after the owners’ dogs when they are very occasionally away.
- To redevelop or enhance parts of the garden which are in need of a refresh.
- To help with animal care (chickens, peacocks).
Candidate requirements:
- strong plant knowledge and competent in a variety of horticultural practices including propagation, species – specific pruning and composting.
- ability to identify plant pests and diseases and manage them environmentally, for instance through biological controls.
- a keen interest in organic vegetable and fruit production.
- strong time management and organisational skills, including planning of schedules so that things don’t get missed and are done at the correct time.
- proactive and able to work on your own and take ownership of the garden.
- enthusiasm and an interest in contributing to ways in which the garden can be improved and enhanced.
- ability to communicate efficiently with the owners verbally or in writing and give them regular updates on the garden.
- ability to use and maintain garden machine and carry out general admin such as arranging for mowers, strimmer etc to be serviced.
Qualifications:
At least a RHS Level 2 or equivalent in Horticulture and 2 or 3 year’s experience within a similar role.
What we offer and applications:
Salary – approx. £35k DOE, includes a lovely one bedroom cottage rent free (excluding electricity, but including hot water, heating and council tax).
28 days holiday a year inclusive of bank holidays.
Pension
40 hours a week Mon – Fri.
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your CV and a cover letter telling us why you’d be a great fit.
