Gardener

Shanks House; Wincanton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Private estate setting

Job summary

Horticulture Jobs in the United Kingdom is seeking a skilled Gardener for a private estate in Wincanton, Somerset. The role involves maintaining formal gardens, borders, vegetable plots, and meadow spaces, working with a small team to uphold the high standards of a garden designed by Tom Stuart‑Smith.

The role offers varied tasks from ornamental gardening to plant cultivation and seasonal displays, with opportunities to liaise with contractors and contribute ideas to further development of the

Qualifications

• RHS Level 2 qualification (or equivalent).
• Proven experience within a private estate, historic garden or similar setting.
• Strong practical horticultural skills and plant knowledge.
• Competence in the operation of garden machinery, including tractors, chippers, strimmers and hedge cutters.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop the gardens to a high standard throughout the year.
• Assist across ornamental gardening, productive growing, meadow management and seasonal displays.
• Liaise with and oversee specialist contractors when required; assist during estate visits or garden tours as needed.

Skills

Rose care

Pruning

Vegetable production

Kitchen gardening

Plant propagation

Growing cut flowers

Turf management

Seasonal planting

Wildflower meadows

Contractor liaison

Education

RHS Level 2 qualification

Tools

Tractors

Chippers

Strimmers

Hedge cutters

Job description

Gardener – Wincanton, Somerset.

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced and passionate Gardener to join a dedicated team of four at a beautiful private estate featuring a renowned garden designed by Tom Stuart‑Smith. Set within the stunning North Somerset countryside, the estate encompasses formal gardens surrounding the main house, ornamental borders, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, mature specimen trees, parkland and wildflower meadows. The gardens combine strong structural design with naturalistic planting, creating a diverse and rewarding environment for an ambitious horticulturist. The owners are deeply passionate about their garden and remain fully committed to its ongoing development and enhancement. This role offers the opportunity to contribute ideas, apply professional expertise, and play a key part in the continued evolution of a truly special private estate.

The Role

Working alongside the Head Gardener and wider team, you will help maintain and develop the gardens to an exceptionally high standard throughout the year. The role offers considerable variety across almost every aspect of horticulture, from ornamental gardening and productive growing to meadow management and seasonal displays.

The successful candidate will also be confident in liaising with and overseeing specialist contractors when required and may occasionally assist during estate visits or organised garden tours, representing the gardens in a professional and knowledgeable manner.

About You

We are seeking a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and hands‑on gardener with formal horticultural training and practical experience gained within a private estate, historic garden or similarly high‑quality horticultural environment. You will have excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills and a methodical approach to your work. A keen aesthetic eye, positive attitude and strong work ethic are essential, together with an understanding of the professionalism, discretion and presentation expected when working on a private estate.

Applicants should be physically fit, self‑motivated and possess excellent plant knowledge alongside a genuine passion for gardening and horticultural excellence.

Essential Requirements

• RHS Level 2 qualification (or equivalent)
• Proven experience within a private estate, historic garden or similar setting
• Strong practical horticultural skills and plant knowledge
• Competence in the operation of garden machinery, including:
• Tractors
• Chippers
• Strimmers
• Hedge cutters
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Chainsaw certification and experience
• Woodchipper certification
• PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates

Key Skills

• Rose care and maintenance
• Pruning of trees and shrubs
• Vegetable production and kitchen gardening
• Plant propagation
• Growing cut flowers
• Turf and lawn management
• Seasonal planting and display design
• Wildflower meadow establishment and management
• Contractor liaison and supervision

What We Offer

This is a rare opportunity to work within a highly regarded private garden where quality horticulture is valued and encouraged. The breadth of the estate ensures that no two weeks are the same, offering continual variety, learning and professional satisfaction.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary of £32,000–£35,000 per annum, dependent on experience
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Opportunity to work in a nationally recognised garden designed by Tom Stuart‑Smith
• Supportive owners with a genuine commitment to the continued improvement of the gardens
• Varied and rewarding work across a beautiful and diverse private estate

If you are an experienced gardener seeking a long‑term position within an exceptional private estate and are passionate about delivering the highest horticultural standards, we would be delighted to hear from you.