Experienced Gardener

ECG Limited; Banbury; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious estate near Banbury is seeking an experienced gardener to help develop and maintain a stunning garden. The role involves a variety of tasks including planting, propagation, and greenhouse care, emphasizing organic gardening practices. Strong horticultural knowledge is essential, as is the ability to work as part of a dedicated team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an exceptional garden's growth alongside respected professionals, in a supportive environment with excellent facilities.

Qualifications

• Candidates should ideally possess a recognised horticultural qualification.
• Experience in a high-quality, diverse garden is preferred.
• A driving licence is required due to the rural location.

Responsibilities

• Daily duties include weeding, planting, propagation, greenhouse care, and pruning.
• Collaborate with the established garden team to maintain the garden.
• Ensure high standards of non-chemical horticulture.

Skills

Strong horticultural knowledge, especially in organic gardening

Flexibility in various gardening tasks

Ability to work in a team

Education

Recognised horticultural qualification (e.g., RHS Level 2)

Job description

An incredible opportunity has become available for an experienced gardener to be based within a significant, privately owned 15-acre estate near Banbury currently undergoing an extensive, long-term redevelopment. Around five acres are intensively gardened, with the site being redesigned and planted under the guidance of renowned landscape designer Dan Pearson. Although the garden is still in its project phase it holds exceptional potential. The successful candidate will join at an exciting time, contributing to the regeneration and establishment of a highly considered, organically managed garden.

The garden areas are made up of extensive yew hedging, wildflower meadows, a large lake with a boathouse, lawns, a newly constructed walled garden, and a Victorian-style glasshouse. Much of the landscaping is carried out by external contractors, but all planting is completed in-house by the garden team to maintain high standards. The estate is managed organically, with some areas Soil Association certified, requiring a strong commitment to non-chemical horticulture and an ability to maintain standards through rigorous hand-weeding and traditional methods.

Daily duties are varied and may include weeding, planting, propagation, greenhouse care, pruning, hedge cutting, lawn care, and working in or around water. The new walled garden will include cut flowers, vegetable beds, and dedicated propagation space. The glasshouse serves a dual purpose: half as a functional propagation area for the garden, and half as an aesthetically pleasing space the owners can use socially. Work will be allocated according to skills and strengths; while candidates do not need expertise in every area, they must demonstrate strong horticultural ability while maintaining flexibility as the team grows.

The gardener will work alongside an established team consisting of one full-time horticulturalist and two part-time staff, with the team expected to expand further as the garden develops. A collaborative, positive working environment is paramount, and the client places strong emphasis on building a happy, motivated team with genuine passion for horticulture. Excellent new facilities including a purpose-built garden barn and break room are in development to support the team. The client is highly engaged, visiting regularly, and values a thoughtful, nature-focused approach to garden management.

Candidates will ideally hold a recognised horticultural qualification (e.g., RHS Level 2) or demonstrate equivalent experience gained within a high-quality, diverse garden. Strong horticultural knowledge, especially in organic gardening, is essential.

A driving licence is required due to the rural location, and a DBS check will be necessary.

This role offers a rare opportunity for an enthusiastic and skilled gardener to contribute meaningfully to the creation of a major new garden, learning alongside respected professionals and shaping the landscape as it enters its most exciting phase of development.

SALARY: £34,000 – £38,000 DOE

LOCATION: Banbury, Oxfordshire

JOB No: EC70502

If this vacancy is of interest, please apply below, call Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or [e-mail]

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• RHS
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• the HBG Training Programme