Sole Gardener

ECG Limited; Oundle; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A private estate in England is seeking an experienced Sole Gardener to manage a beautiful 9-acre garden near Oundle. The role involves daily garden maintenance, creative development, and collaboration with renowned garden designer Marcus Green. Candidates should have a Level 2 horticultural qualification, strong plant knowledge, and a chainsaw licence is highly desirable. Salary offered is between £30,000 and £35,000 depending on experience. This position is perfect for those who excel in a hands-on, creative environment.

Qualifications

• Experienced at a Skilled, Sole, or Senior Gardener level.
• Ability to bring ideas and energy to the garden's long-term development.
• Enjoys creating well-balanced, seasonally interesting displays.

Responsibilities

• Daily care and presentation of the gardens.
• Planting, pruning, and border care.
• Working alongside garden designer Marcus Green.

Skills

Strong plant knowledge

Attention to detail

Time management

Confidence in machinery operation

Creative flair

Education

Horticultural qualification at Level 2 or above

Tools

Chainsaw licence

PA1/PA6 spray certificates

Job description

A unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated Sole Gardener to take ownership of a beautiful private estate near Oundle, Northamptonshire. This role would suit an energetic and knowledgeable plants person with a creative flair and a genuine passion for bringing a developing garden vision to life. It offers the chance to work in a beautiful, evolving environment where the owners are dedicated to investing in and enhancing the gardens for the long term.

The estate comprises 9 acres of established gardens and a further 200 acres of parkland. The owners are working with renowned garden designer Marcus Green, with the first stage of a three-phase development beginning in the spring. This includes the redevelopment of borders and the creation of a new vegetable garden, forming the foundation of an exciting transformation. The successful applicant will play an important role in bringing these plans to life, working closely alongside both Marcus Green and the owners as the project progresses. This collaboration provides a rare opportunity to actively shape and influence the future direction of the garden.

Working in partnership and contributing ideas in discussion with Marcus Green and the owners, the Sole Gardener will be responsible for the daily care, presentation, and ongoing development of the gardens. Duties will cover all aspects of ornamental horticulture such as planting, pruning, border care, hedge trimming, mulching, weeding, lawn maintenance, basic machinery upkeep, and some light landscaping. The role requires someone who takes pride in high standards and enjoys creating well-balanced, seasonally interesting displays. Additional duties include helping with the owners’ dogs when required.

The gardens feature a mix of formal and informal elements including established borders, ornamental planting, yew hedging, specimen trees, and parkland. There is a tree work required across the estate, so a chainsaw licence is highly desirable. The estate operates a range of electric mowers and machinery, therefore confidence in their operation and basic maintenance will be beneficial. A practical and forward‑thinking approach to managing and improving the landscape will be highly valued.

The ideal candidate will be experienced at a Skilled, Sole, or Senior Gardener level and ideally hold a horticultural qualification at Level 2 or above. PA1/PA6 spray certificates and a chainsaw licence are highly beneficial. Strong plant knowledge, exceptional attention to detail, and good time management are essential. The owners are looking for someone enthusiastic, proactive, and able to bring ideas and energy to the long‑term development of the garden.

This is an excellent opportunity for a gardener who thrives in a hands‑on role and enjoys being part of a collaborative and creative process with Marcus Green and the owners.

SALARY: £30,000 – £35,000 DOE

LOCATION: Northamptonshire – Oundle

JOB No: EC70467

To apply, please call Jay Rimell on 01233 733510 or email [e-mail].