Gardener

We are looking for a qualified, experienced and knowledgeable Gardener to join a beautiful private property near Chipping Norton.

The current Gardener has been with the family for eight years and is sadly leaving at the end of the year due to family circumstances. The family are therefore looking for someone who can take long-term responsibility for the gardens and continue to maintain and enhance them to a high standard.

This is an excellent opportunity for a knowledgeable all-round gardener who is a genuine plantsperson, enjoys both productive and ornamental gardening and has a good aesthetic eye.

The gardens are in a wonderful setting and include a varied ornamental garden and productive vegetable garden. The Principals are knowledgeable and enjoy collaborating on planting and the ongoing development of the garden, while giving the Gardener plenty of scope for creativity, independence and ownership. The successful candidate will join a small, inclusive and kind household team.
The role is currently structured as three days per week for much of the year, increasing to four days per week during the busier summer months. There is, however, flexibility around the exact number of days for the right candidate, according to the needs of the garden and the seasons.

The grass, hedges, larger areas of the estate and roadside verges are maintained separately, allowing the Gardener to concentrate predominantly on the more horticultural aspects of the gardens.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain and enhance the flower beds and borders throughout the seasons
• Undertake planting, pruning, dividing, deadheading and general plant care
• Grow and maintain vegetables and other produce
• Care for fruit trees, including seasonal pruning and maintenance
• Maintain areas of topiary
• Plan seasonal planting and ensure year-round interest within the gardens
• Undertake propagation and other horticultural work as required
• Monitor plant health and identify and treat pests and diseases appropriately
• Maintain high standards of presentation throughout the gardens
• Take responsibility for the day-to-day horticultural requirements of the garden
• Liaise with the groundsman and other contractors where necessary
• Advise the Principals on planting, improvements and the ongoing development of the gardens

The Ideal Candidate:

• An experienced and knowledgeable all-round gardener
• A genuine plantsperson with excellent horticultural and plant knowledge
• Experienced in both ornamental and productive gardening
• Confident growing vegetables and caring for fruit trees
• Knowledgeable about seasonal planting, pruning and general plant care
• A good aesthetic eye with an appreciation for the overall presentation of a garden
• Able to work independently and take ownership of the gardens
• Proactive and able to anticipate what needs to be done throughout the gardening year
• Organised, reliable and hardworking
• Happy to work alongside and liaise with the groundsman and other contractors
• A recognised horticultural qualification is a must, although strong practical experience and plant knowledge are equally important
• Looking for a long-term position and keen to become familiar with and invested in the gardens

What we offer and applications:

• Near Chipping Norton
• 4-5 days per week, with seasonal flexibility
• Salary: £40,000-£45,000 gross per annum (dependant on experience, days and hours)

The family are flexible on the start date, but would like to allow a minimum of one month for a thorough handover with the current Gardener before she leaves at the end of the year. This will provide time for a proper introduction to the gardens, seasonal routines and the way they have been developed and cared for over the years.

The current Gardener has greatly valued her eight years with the family and describes the role as a genuinely enjoyable one, reflecting the supportive and appreciative working environment.

This is a lovely long-term opportunity for a qualified and experienced gardener looking to take genuine ownership of a beautiful private garden while working within a supportive estate environment.

Our aims are to promote professional contact, share information and skills and, through our extensive ongoing learning and traineeships, to continue to provide the horticultural industry with skilled gardeners and garden managers.

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