Gardener

ECG Limited; Hereford; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local gardening company near Hereford is seeking an enthusiastic Undergardener to support a small team and the Head Gardener. The role involves maintaining diverse garden areas, performing tasks like planting, pruning, and assisting with seasonal projects. Ideal candidates will have practical gardening experience, a passion for horticulture, and the ability to work independently. The position offers a salary starting at £26,500 and the opportunity to develop skills in a historic setting.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in gardening or grounds maintenance, ideally within private estates.
• Good plant knowledge and enthusiasm to learn from the Head Gardener.
• Able to follow direction and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Gardener in the maintenance of gardens.
• Carry out planting, pruning, mulching, weeding, and edging.
• Assist with greenhouse and propagation activities.

Skills

Practical gardening experience

Knowledge of garden machinery

Physical fitness

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Education

Basic horticultural qualification

Tools

Garden machinery

Hand tools

Job description

An opportunity has arisen for a dedicated and enthusiastic Undergardener to join a small team and work alongside the Head Gardener at a beautiful period property near Hereford / Ledbury. This role is ideal for someone with a positive work ethic, and a genuine passion for gardening who is looking to gain experience and grow professionally within a high-standard private estate setting.

The stunning 17th century grade II listed building is surrounded by an interesting and diverse garden containing a Venetian Garden, Mediterranean garden, rose garden, walled garden modelled on an alpine garden with lawns, borders, flower beds and rose bushes. On either side of the 50-meter entrance path to the property are two orchards and a vineyard of about 2.2 acres. The formal gardens are about 3 acres including a vegetable plot, large and small greenhouse and a fruit cage, as well as climbing wisteria on the walls of the main house. As part of the wider estate is an arboretum with specimen trees.

The successful candidate will support the Head Gardener in the ongoing restoration, development, and day‑to‑day maintenance of the gardens. The day‑to‑day maintenance of the garden involves assisting with the upkeep and presentation of all areas of the garden to ensure consistently high standards. The postholder will carry out planting, pruning, mulching, weeding, edging and general border care throughout the year, as well as assisting with seasonal tasks such as propagation, staking, dividing, bulb planting and autumn leaf clearance.

With regards to restoration and new projects, the Undergardener will work closely with the Head Gardener to provide practical support for landscape improvements, plant trials and new planting schemes. They will also contribute input and feedback on horticultural tasks and seasonal schedules when required.

Duties include the safe operation of garden machinery such as mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, blowers and small tractors, with training available where necessary. The role involves carrying out routine checks, cleaning and basic maintenance of tools and equipment, and promptly reporting any faults or safety concerns to the Head Gardener.

Additional responsibilities include assisting with the upkeep of pathways, hard surfaces, composting areas and garden structures. The Undergardener will also support greenhouse, cold frame and propagation activities and help ensure that all areas remain tidy, organised and presentable to the owner and visitors.

Applicants should have practical experience in gardening or grounds maintenance, ideally within private estates, parks or horticultural settings. A basic horticultural qualification is desirable but not essential, and further training can be supported. Good plant knowledge and an enthusiasm to learn from an experienced Head Gardener are important, as is the ability to follow direction and work independently when required. Competence in the safe use of garden tools and machinery is essential, as are physical fitness, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions. A positive attitude, attention to detail and a genuine passion for horticulture are key to success in this role.

SALARY: starting at £26,500 DOE

LOCATION: 7 miles from Hereford

JOB No: EC70479

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

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We are proud to work with:

• the Professional Gardeners’ Guild
• the RHS
• the WFGA– offering the WRAGs Scheme
• Arne Maynard Garden Design
• Historic Houses
• the HBG Training Programme

Tagged as: Gardener, Hereford