Senior Gardener

Yarlington Garden Team; Castle Cary; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury estate's gardening team in Castle Cary seeks a Senior Gardener. This role focuses on cultivating engaging garden experiences while maintaining high horticultural standards. Responsibilities include leading guest activities, enhancing garden areas, and providing support in the absence of the Lead Gardener. Ideal candidates will have proven gardening experience, strong communication skills, and an RHS Level 2 qualification. A full driving license is required. Competitive salary of £28,000–£32,000 plus benefits.

Benefits

Complimentary gym access

50% off Spa Treatments

30% discount in estate shops

Discounted hotel stays for staff

Complimentary garden membership

Complimentary staff meal each shift

24/7 remote GP appointments

Qualifications

• Experience in a professional gardening or horticultural role.
• Ability to engage confidently with resident guests.
• Full driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance garden areas, focusing on the flower garden.
• Deliver high horticultural standards across all planting.
• Lead and support guest activities including tours and workshops.

Skills

People-focused engagement

Proven experience in gardening

Strong plantsmanship

Confident communication

Flexible approach

Education

RHS Level 2 qualification or equivalent

Job description

Senior Gardener

£28,000–£32,000 per annum plus bonus and fantastic benefits

Average 40 hours per week across 5 days (seasonal working patterns apply). Flexibility needed to fit the business.

A full driving license is required for this role

Advert closes: 6th January

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Where horticultural excellence meets unforgettable guest experiences

Our Senior Gardener

This is a truly people-focused gardening role, perfect for someone who loves sharing their horticultural knowledge as much as they love cultivating beautiful spaces. As Senior Gardener at the Yarlington Residences, you’ll play a key role in maintaining and developing the gardens while building meaningful, professional relationships with our resident guests. Working closely with the Lead Gardener, you’ll help create welcoming, engaging garden experiences through regular interaction, tours, talks, and workshops — ensuring every guest feels connected to the gardens and the people who care for them. You’ll also provide continuity and leadership when covering for the Lead Gardener, maintaining both standards and the guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance all garden areas, with particular focus on the productive flower garden
• Deliver consistently high horticultural standards across ornamental and productive planting
• Engage confidently and professionally with resident guests on a daily basis
• Lead and support guest-facing activities including garden tours, talks, and workshops
• Help develop new garden experiences aligned to guest interests and estate character
• Collaborate closely with the Resident Manager and wider estate teams
• Adapt priorities to meet seasonal needs, guest schedules, and special events
• Provide leadership and operational support during the Lead Gardener’s absence

What we can offer

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Stay in shape with our complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Discover exclusive perks with our Discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
• Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
• Complimentary staff meal each shift – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments.
• Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting your wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities including Fun Squad events, which include activities such as Go-Karting and Wine Tasting, to name but a few.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.

What we’re looking for

• A genuinely people-focused gardener who enjoys engaging with guests
• Proven experience in a professional gardening or horticultural role
• Strong plantsmanship and broad horticultural knowledge
• Confident, personable, and professional communication style
• A proactive and flexible approach to seasonal and guest-led work
• RHS Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) or higher
• Ability to balance guest interaction with hands‑on horticultural work
• Full driving licence

Where you’ll be working

The Residences at Yarlignton is a collection of luxury residences just moments from The Newt and its gardens, nestled deep in the Somerset countryside. Thoughtfully curated for guests seeking privacy and comfort, our sensitively restored Regency rectory with two companion houses offers the freedom to self‑cater, the ease of partial service, or the indulgence of a fully staffed stay – all with The Newt’s signature warmth and attention to detail. The gardens are integral to this experience, combining ornamental quality with productive horticulture.

Who are we – The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home‑away‑from‑home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams – from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming – collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.