Gardener – Watlington

ECG Limited; Watlington; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A private family estate in Oxfordshire is seeking an experienced Gardener for its stunning grounds. The role involves maintaining a productive one-acre walled garden while caring for the surrounding formal gardens. Candidates should be passionate about horticulture, with experience in high-end settings and equipment proficiency. The position is full-time, offering a unique opportunity to work in a beautiful environment with a dedicated team.

Qualifications

• Experienced gardener with a positive attitude and strong skills in horticulture.
• Confidence in working independently and part of a team.
• Experience in kitchen gardens or fruit/flower production is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the one-acre walled garden and additional acres around the estate.
• Involved in garden maintenance, including mowing and general upkeep.
• Assist with innovative projects like edible mushroom cultivation.

Skills

Horticulture

Teamwork

Attention to Detail

Innovation

Tools

Garden Machinery

Tractors

Spraying Certificates (PA1, PA6)

Job description

Gardener – Watlington. A rare and exciting opportunity has come up for an experienced and enthusiastic Gardener to join a stunning 500-acre private family estate in Oxfordshire.

The role is focused on a beautifully kept one-acre walled garden, a showpiece space that supplies the main house with fresh produce and cut flowers year-round. This garden is not only productive but beautifully designed, featuring elegant entertaining areas, a traditional rose garden, and two working glasshouses. One is used to grow vibrant crops of tomatoes, cucumbers, and chillies, while the other contains a small collection of plants destined for stunning floral arrangements throughout the estate.

Beyond the walled garden, you’ll help care for a further five acres of formal gardens, ornamental borders, and carefully curated planting schemes that surround the main house. These spaces offer constant variety and a real opportunity to be part of a garden that evolves with the seasons. This is a fantastic chance to be part of a dedicated team in a truly special setting, where attention to detail and a genuine passion for horticulture are valued and encouraged.

The gardens are constantly evolving, with the team always looking for new ways to grow, improve, and invest in the future of the estate. Innovation is encouraged, whether it’s experimenting with new planting schemes or exploring more sustainable and effective growing methods. One of the latest additions to their efforts includes cultivating a range of edible mushrooms, such as Lion’s Mane and Reishi.

The gardening team is seeking an experienced and passionate gardener with a positive, can-do attitude. The ideal candidate will have worked in a similar private or high-end setting and be confident working both independently and as part of a supportive team. Working alongside a knowledgeable Head Gardener, you’ll be involved in all aspects of garden maintenance including mowing, hedge cutting, and general upkeep. Ensuring the estate is kept to the highest standard throughout the seasons.

Experience with tractors and garden machinery is highly desirable, and holding PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates would be a bonus. You’ll also be expected to take pride in keeping tools, equipment, and the workspaces clean, safe, and well organised. A willingness to work at height is essential for certain tasks across the estate.

Previous experience working in kitchen gardens or with fruit and flower production would be advantageous, and there will be plenty of opportunity to build on that knowledge as part of a forward-thinking, experienced team.

This is a full-time permanent position. Some weekend work may occasionally be required.

SALARY: UP TO £36,000 DOE

LOCATION: Watlington, Oxfordshire

JOB No: EC68218

If this Gardener – Watlington is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below’ or contact Jay Rimell on 01233 733510 or email [e-mail]

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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Gardener – Watlington. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

We are proud to work with:

• theProfessional Gardeners’ Guild
• theRHS
• theWFGA–offering the WRAGs Scheme
• Arne Maynard Garden Design
• Historic Houses
• the HBG Training Programme

Tagged as: Experienced Gardener, full time, Gardener, Live Out, Oxfordshire