Sole Gardener

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

Job summary

A horticultural services provider in Southeast Oxford is seeking an experienced Sole Gardener to oversee the private garden of a Grade II listed property. This hands-on role requires strong horticultural knowledge and the ability to work independently while maintaining high standards. The position offers a salary of circa £40,000 and involves the full responsibility for the garden's care, development, and management. Close collaboration with garden owners and attention to detail are key.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sole Gardener or Senior Gardener on a private estate.
• Strong plant knowledge and horticultural expertise.
• Ability to work independently and maintain high standards.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop garden areas for year-round interest and aesthetic appeal.
• Advise on plant selection and placement for the central border.
• Liaise with contractors for large scale and specialist works.

Skills

Horticultural expertise

Creative approach to planting

Good communication skills

Tools

Gardening tools and machinery

Pesticide application equipment

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and proactive Sole Gardener to take ownership of the private garden of a Grade II listed property in Southeast Oxford. The successful candidate will work closely with the owners, to develop and maintain a high-quality garden that provides year-round interest, colour, texture, and scent.

The gardens extend to approximately 1.5 acres surrounding the main house. The property is approached by a gravel driveway bordered by laurel and privet hedging, along with a mix of trees and shrubs, and features a recently added grass turning circle in front of the property. To the front of the house, there are expansive lawns bordered by herbaceous planting, interspersed with mature specimen trees including cedar and horse chestnut. A large central border sits within the lawn, for which the owners are considering an Oriental-style influence and would welcome creative input from the new Gardener.

Throughout the garden, there are a variety of established planting areas and features, including box hedging, and smaller flower beds running along the house. To the rear of the property lies a more formal garden, incorporating structured flower borders including a rose bed, box parterre garden, lawns, and various areas offering a strong framework for refined and considered planting as well as the potential to create an herb garden in the courtyard. The property also includes a tennis court and an indoor swimming pool adjacent to the house, as well as several seating and relaxation areas where the owners are keen to enhance planting to provide year-round interest, colour and scent.

The Sole Gardener will be hands on and responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and care of all garden areas, including the ongoing development and implementation of planting schemes designed to provide year-round interest. Working closely with the lady of the house, the role involves advising on plant selection and placement, including proposals for a central border with an Oriental-style theme, as well as maintaining lawns, hedges, herbaceous borders, the parterre garden and seating areas to a consistently high standard. Plant health is closely monitored, with pests and diseases managed using minimal chemical intervention wherever possible.

The position also requires liaising with external contractors such as tree surgeons for large scale and specialist works, sourcing and purchasing appropriate tools, machinery and equipment, and contributing to the planning and delivery of future garden projects, and the development of effective tool storage and workshop solutions. Throughout all activities, high standards of presentation are maintained, with careful consideration given to ensuring the gardens remain safe for children and pets at all times.

The successful candidate will have proven experience working as a Sole Gardener or Senior Gardener on a private estate, with strong plant knowledge and a high level of horticultural expertise. A creative approach to planting and garden design is essential, alongside the ability to work independently, take ownership of the role and maintain consistently high standards. Good communication skills and a collaborative working style are required to work effectively with others and external contractors. PA1/PA6 spraying certificates are desirable, and a clean driving licence is preferred. The candidate must also be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS check and any additional security screening as required.

This is a full-time hands-on role that would suit a Gardener with horticultural knowledge, initiative, and excellent communication looking to take full responsibility for the garden’s care, development, and day-to-day management. The working week is Monday to Friday with working hours adjusted seasonally to meet the needs of the garden.

SALARY: Circa £40,000 depending on experience

LOCATION: Southeast of Oxford

JOB No: EC70579

If this vacancy is of interest, please apply below, call Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or [e-mail]

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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.

We are proud to work with:

• the Professional Gardeners’ Guild
• the RHS
• the WFGA – offering the WRAGs Scheme
• Arne Maynard Garden Design
• Historic Houses
• the HBG Training Programme