Head Gardener

Fresh Horticultural Careers; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A horticultural management company in Central London is looking for an experienced Head Gardener to lead the horticultural management of a prestigious new garden. This hands-on leadership role includes overseeing maintenance and directing a team while promoting community engagement. Applicants should possess a Garden Diploma or equivalent and have substantial experience in public gardens and sustainable horticulture. This project presents a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing public gardens or parks, ideally to Green Flag or London in Bloom standards.
• Strong background in biodiverse planting schemes and sustainable horticulture.
• Minimum of three years' experience leading horticultural teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day horticultural operations of the garden.
• Maintain key garden elements including wildflower mosaics, woodland shrubs, and wetland features.
• Deliver horticultural maintenance aligned with sustainability goals.

Skills

Public garden management

Sustainable horticulture

Team leadership

Community engagement

Biodiversity knowledge

Education

Garden Diploma, ND, HND, BSc in Horticulture or RHS Level 3

Job description

Location: Central London

Our client is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Gardener to lead the horticultural management of their prestigious new garden. This is a hands‑on leadership role, responsible for delivering high‑quality horticultural maintenance and supporting the garden's long‑term vision. You will manage a team of Senior Gardeners, an Apprentice, and volunteers, ensuring the garden's diverse planting schemes and natural features are maintained to the highest standards. You will also play a key role in community engagement, biodiversity enhancement, and supporting educational and volunteer programmes. The Head Gardener is also expected to act as an ambassador both for the company and for the garden. This is a once in a generation project which has already attracted strong media attention and coverage and they wish to capitalise on that in the future as the garden establishes itself and evolves.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day horticultural operations of the garden.
• Maintain key garden elements including wildflower mosaics, woodland shrubs, lawns, social ovals, natural play areas, and wetland features.
• Deliver horticultural maintenance aligned with the company's sustainability and biodiversity goals.
• Provide training and guidance to apprentices, gardeners, and volunteers.
• Support the Landscape Manager in implementing landscape management plans.
• Manage horticultural tools, PPE, and sustainable resources.
• Assist in planning and delivering community and corporate volunteer days.
• Contribute to interpretation materials and educational content.
• Occasionally lead guided walks and provide horticultural advice to stakeholders.

Experience

• Proven experience managing public gardens or parks, ideally to Green Flag or London in Bloom standards.
• Strong background in biodiverse planting schemes and sustainable horticulture.
• Experience with aquatic planting and water feature maintenance.
• Demonstrated leadership of horticultural teams.
• Experience in public engagement and educational activities.

Knowledge

• Excellent plant and biodiversity knowledge.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation and garden safety protocols.
• Awareness of climate change and biodiversity loss, and appropriate horticultural responses.

Qualifications

• Garden Diploma, ND, HND, BSc in Horticulture or RHS Level 3 (or equivalent).
• Minimum of three years' experience leading horticultural teams.
• Full, valid UK driving licence