My wife & I are looking for a head gardener to work at our family home near Tilford, Surrey. The successful candidate will take over from a much-loved gardener who has looked after the property for 40 years and is now looking to reduce his hours, so there’s a real chance to learn the grounds properly before taking full responsibility.
This is a hands-on, varied role suited to someone who genuinely loves being outdoors and takes pride in a well-run garden — from formal lawns and borders to a productive vegetable garden, a small orchard, plus livestock (just a few chickens & pigs!) and general estate maintenance.
There is a full-time maintenance employee on site and a part-time gardener who will be on hand to assist.
Key Responsibilities
- Overall care and maintenance of approximately 10 acres of garden and grounds, including borders, lawns, trees and hedges
- Management of the vegetable garden, including planning, planting, and harvesting produce
- There is small orchard we would be interested in growing (so in time pruning, pest management, and harvest)
- Feeding and general welfare checks of the chickens and pigs kept on the property
- Fencing, hedging, and other manual estate maintenance tasks
- Operating and maintaining garden machinery and tools (mowers, strimmers, chainsaws, etc.) safely and to a good standard
- Seasonal planning — planting schedules, mulching, pruning, lawn care programmes
- Managing supplies, ordering materials/plants as needed, and keeping basic records of work carried out
- You will be required to lead a small team of the maintenance man and part time gardener to ensure smooth day to day running of all operations
- Liaising with the family on priorities, projects, and any additional contractors (e.g. tree surgeons)
About You
- Substantial experience as a Head Gardener on a large private estate or similar-sized property
- Strong all-round horticultural knowledge — lawns, borders, vegetable gardens, and fruit growing
- Practical, hands-on approach to help with all fencing, hedging, and general manual estate work
- Comfortable with animal care
- Competent and safe use of garden machinery and power tools; relevant certifications (e.g. chainsaw, PA1/PA6 for spraying) not essential but desirable
- A full, clean UK driving licence
- Self-motivated, enthusiastic and able to manage own workload and communicate with the family
- Genuine passion for gardens and the outdoors, with pride in maintaining a high standard year-round
What’s Offered
Hours: Full-time permanent position
Salary: from £40k per annum dependent on experience and hours
Location: Live out, Near Tilford, Surrey
Reporting to: Homeowner
Holiday allowance: 25 days per annum
If this role is of interest, please contact Anna by email.
