Gardener - Poole, Dorset

Colten Care; Poole; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Colten Care in Poole is seeking an experienced Gardener to join our team at The Aldbury and Canford Chase. You will create and maintain beautiful outdoor spaces that support residents' wellbeing and engagement with nature.

You will work closely with residents, lead gardening activities where appropriate, and use a range of garden tools to keep grounds well-tended in a care-home setting. Training and a supportive team are provided.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in gardening with a focus on outdoor spaces.
• Good understanding of horticulture and plant care.
• Able to work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Clear English communication and literacy.
• Willingness to engage with residents in a care-home setting.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain attractive outdoor spaces for residents' wellbeing.
• Engage residents in gardening activities and nature appreciation.
• Prioritize tasks and manage grounds using a range of garden equipment.
• Collaborate with Home Manager and team to support daily life at The Aldbury and Canford Chase.

Skills

Gardening experience

Horticulture knowledge

Garden tool operation

English literacy

Independent working

Tools

Power tools

Job description

Salary: From £15.30 up to £16.80 per hour

Working Hours: 32 hours per week, based at our homes The Aldbury and Canford Chase in Poole, Dorset

Location: Poole, Dorset

Site: The Aldbury

Closing Date: 12/11/2026

From £15.30 up to £16.80 per hour

32 hours per week, based at our homes The Aldbury and Canford Chase in Poole, Dorset

At Colten Care we are proud to offer career development opportunities, and a range of pay enhancements across our roles.

Introduction

We’re looking for an experienced Gardener to join our team and become a valued part of day-to-day life, based at our homes in the Poole area.

Reporting to the Home Manager and group-wide Head Gardener, you’ll play an essential role in creating and maintaining the beautiful outdoor spaces that help our residents lead a fulfilled life. The inspiring and relaxing surroundings are essential to our residents’ individual wellbeing. As part of your responsibilities, you will engage with residents to foster their interests in nature, plants, flowers, and the changing seasons. Your encouragement and support will empower residents to explore the gardens at their own pace, and you may have the option to establish gardening clubs to further engage them.

About you

You will have a deep passion for gardening, as well as demonstrated experience in the field, a good understanding of horticulture, and ideally, an appreciation for a care home environment. Your creativity and expertise will be instrumental in crafting stunning outdoor spaces that our residents will adore. You’re adept at prioritising tasks and working efficiently on your own initiative. You’re confident using a wide range of garden equipment including power tools.

You’re polite, courteous, patient, and respectful, with good communications skills and literacy in English. You’re approachable, with a can-do attitude, a genuine interest in helping our residents make the most of our gardens and keen to learn and develop your knowledge.

Essential requirement- Business insurance is essential due to travel during work hours

We’re an award-winning, family-owned, independent care home group, with an outstanding reputation in the industry. This is due to our amazing people and our focus on keeping the resident at the heart of everything we do.

We strive to be the best we can hence why all 21 of our nursing homes are rated at least good and 7 are outstanding by the CQC, our national regulator.

If a career in elderly care is for you then you want to be part of the team at Colten Care.

excellent inductions, training and 'on the job' support

friendly team and great support network of internal professionals