Lead Gardener: Historic Garden & Propagation

EF Education First Ltd.; Dacorum; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals on duty

Free onsite gym and pool

Company pension scheme and healthcare

Job summary

Ashridge House is seeking a passionate and creative Gardener to join the Grade II* listed garden. The role focuses on hands-on maintenance, leadership, and safeguarding heritage horticulture in a historically significant setting.

You will lead seasonal plantings, supervise staff, manage propagation and nursery stock, and ensure safe pesticide use while supporting sustainable garden practice year-round.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of supervisory experience in a historic garden open to the public.
• Excellent horticultural knowledge including glasshouse propagation.
• Chainsaw licence CS30/31/32 required.
• People management skills including training, coaching and mentoring.
• Understanding of H&S and COSHH regulations; ability to write risk assessments.

Responsibilities

• Prioritise and implement seasonal maintenance of the Formal Gardens (seasonal bedding, borders, lawns, trees, hedges, roses).
• Assist in organising and carrying out landscaping and planting schemes.
• Operate and maintain garden tools, machinery and vehicles, including hired equipment.
• Ensure sustainable management of irrigation systems.
• Oversee propagation in glasshouses and coldframes; manage nursery stock and supplier liaison.

Skills

Supervisory experience

People management

Horticultural knowledge

Driving licence

Education

Full driving licence

Chainsaw licence CS30/31/32

Job description

Ashridge House is seeking a passionate and creative Gardener to join the Grade II* listed garden. The role focuses on hands-on maintenance, leadership, and safeguarding heritage horticulture in a historically significant setting.

You will lead seasonal plantings, supervise staff, manage propagation and nursery stock, and ensure safe pesticide use while supporting sustainable garden practice year-round.