Sole Gardener

ECG Limited; Newbury; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A private country house in Newbury seeks an experienced Sole Gardener to maintain and enhance its gardens, including vegetable plots and flower beds. The role requires proven horticultural expertise and the ability to work independently. A competitive salary ranging from £35,000 to £40,000 is offered, along with accommodations and benefits like professional development support.

Benefits

Accommodation available

Use of produce grown

Pension contribution

Support for professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a professional gardener.
• Sound knowledge of horticulture and plant care.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Physically fit and capable of working outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance gardens with a focus on design and detail.
• Plan and maintain vegetable plots and fruit trees.
• Operate garden machinery and manage composting.
• Develop and execute a seasonal garden maintenance plan.

Skills

Horticultural expertise

Garden maintenance

Competence with garden machinery

Ability to work independently

Job description

Sole Gardener – Vacancy

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Sole Gardener with contractor support to maintain and enhance the gardens of a private country house set within 5 acres. The garden includes vegetable plots, fruit trees, flower beds, hedges and natural areas. We will require hands on expertise and an eye for design and detail.

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who has horticultural expertise and who is interested in plants, working outside and who takes pride in the maintenance of a beautiful and productive environment.

Key Responsibilities

General Garden Maintenance

• Maintain lawns, borders, flower beds and pathways to a good standard.
  Regular mowing (or overseeing lawn contractors depending on the season), edging, weeding, pruning, mulching and deadheading.
  Seasonal planting and replanting of flowers, bulbs and shrubs.
  Care of trees and shrubs, ensuring plant health and appearance.

Kitchen Garden and Fruit Trees

• Plan, plant and maintain vegetable plots and herb gardens for mainly summer production
  Plant seeds in green house to prepare for the spring vegetable planting season
  Manage fruit trees and soft fruit bushes, including pruning and feeding
  Harvest produce for household use.

Grounds Management

• Maintain lawns, driveways and garden structures
  Operate garden machinery and ensure that it is regularly serviced and maintained.
  Manage composting, leaf collection and recycling of green waste

Planning and Seasonal Work

• Develop and execute a seasonal garden maintenance plan.
  Manage greenhouse and poly tunnel.
  Prepare and protect the garden for changing seasons.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with the homeowner (and other household staff) to ensure that the gardens work well and look good.
  Provide ideas on improvements and developments.
  Supervise contractors where seasons require additional support such as tree surgeons, pest control, irrigation specialists and lawn maintenance people.

Poultry

• Regularly clean out of the chicken coop.
  Check the poultry for lice and any medical issues and advise accordingly.
  Collect eggs and feed the poultry.

We provide a relaxed and happy work environment and there is a degree of mucking in with household staff such as the collection of parcels delivered to the house and the carrying of dustbins etc.

Candidate Profile

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience as a professional gardener
  Sound knowledge of horticulture, plant care, soil management and traditional gardening methods.
  Competence with garden machinery and tools, with an understanding of maintenance and safety.
  Ability to work independently, manage time effectively and take initiative.
  Physically fit and capable of working outdoors year round in varying weather conditions.

Salary: Competitive salary (based on experience) £35,000-£40,000

Working Hours: Full time: Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm

Benefits

• Accommodation available – 2 bedroom cottage (some adjustment on salary will be required)
  Use of produce grown
  Pension contribution and holiday entitlement.
  Support for continued professional development and training

How to Apply

Please send your CV and cover letter to: [e-mail]

Applications close 28th November 2025