Sole Gardener

ECG Limited; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Sole Gardener to manage a breathtaking 20-acre private garden in the scenic Kent Downs. This role offers the opportunity to bring creativity and personal touch to a historically rich garden, originally designed in a formal style but now embracing a more romantic landscape. The ideal candidate will possess a strong horticultural background, excellent plant knowledge, and the ability to maintain garden machinery. With accommodation provided, this position is perfect for someone eager to make a lasting impact in a beautiful environment while working closely with open-minded owners. If you have a love for gardening and a vision to enhance a remarkable space, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Accommodation provided

Pets allowed

Council tax paid

Water bills covered

Qualifications

• Must have a recognised horticultural qualification and experience in a similar role.
• Strong plant knowledge and technical skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage a stunning 20-acre private garden with diverse plant life.
• Oversee a part-time groundsman and collaborate on garden ideas.

Skills

Horticultural knowledge

Plant care

Garden machinery maintenance

Creative gardening ideas

Team management

Education

Recognised horticultural qualification

Tools

Chainsaw

Spraying equipment

Job description

A full time driven and experienced Sole Gardener is sought to manage a stunning 20-acre private garden in the Sevenoaks District of Kent.

Set in 2500 acres of outstanding natural beauty in the Kent Downs, the majority of the land is for livestock and arable farming. Seated within the main garden is a Grade I listed house built in 1680. The house is set on a terrace with the gardens originally set out in a formal style around 1700 but have since been landscaped in a more natural/romantic style. The garden is presented to a very high standard all year round with bulbs, wildflowers, azaleas, rhododendrons, summer flowering herbaceous borders and roses, together with woodland walks. The garden includes formal parterres/lawns, flower borders, topiary, rockery, stream, lakeside, wetland area, Woodland Garden and a small propagation area, which can be expanded. There is also an aspiration to have cut flowers for the house/restaurant.

The owners are looking for a passionate Sole Gardener / plantsperson who is excited by the possibility of putting their stamp on the garden. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and able to come up with ideas and their proposed work schedule in weekly meetings with open-minded owners. The role will include management of a part-time groundsman who maintains the grass and woodland garden.

As the garden is varied, the candidate will need to be versatile and have a broad knowledge. Ideally, candidates will have a recognised horticultural qualification and previous experience working in a similar role on a private estate. Excellent knowledge of plants and a broad range of technical skills will be required as well as a desire and ability to work to a high standard. It is important that applicants are enthusiastic and able to work on their own initiative. Candidates should have the ability to carry out basic maintenance on a wide variety of garden machinery. PA1 & PA6 spraying certificates and chainsaw certificates are also desirable.

The garden has a rich history, and the successful candidate will be somebody who is going to breathe new life and love into the garden to take it forward with this generation of owners.

2-bedroom accommodation suitable for single occupancy or a couple is provided for the successful candidate. Pets are welcome. Council tax and water bills are paid by the employer, all other bills are the tenant’s responsibility.