Sole Gardener – Part Time in Sissinghurst

The Landscaper Magazine; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

The Landscaper Magazine is seeking a Sole Gardener for a private country estate near Sissinghurst, Kent. This part-time role (3–4 days per week) involves maintaining a recently renovated medieval hall house and its gardens to a high standard, with potential to influence planting schemes and garden presentation throughout the year.

Ideal candidates will have practical horticultural experience, a genuine interest in plant care, and the ability to work independently.

Qualifications

• Practical horticultural experience is required.
• Strong interest in professional gardening and plant care.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and present the gardens to a high standard throughout the year.
• Carry out all aspects of practical garden maintenance.
• Manage and develop existing planting schemes.
• Work independently as the sole gardener.

Skills

Practical horticultural experience

Independent work

Plant care passion

Education

RHS Level 2 or 3

Job description

Location: Near Sissinghurst, Kent
Job Type: Part-time (3 or 4 days per week)
Salary: Pro rata, dependent on experience

A private country estate near Sissinghurst, Kent is seeking a Sole Gardener to maintain a recently renovated medieval hall house and its surrounding gardens.

The estate features parkland, a lake, formal lawns, extensive herbaceous borders, woodland, meadow, greenhouse, cutting garden, and landscaped areas designed by Tom Stuart-Smith in 2020. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining the gardens to a consistently high standard while managing ongoing planting schemes.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and present the gardens to a high standard throughout the year.


• Carry out all aspects of practical garden maintenance.


• Manage and develop existing planting schemes.


• Work independently as the sole gardener.


• Coordinate with a WRAGS trainee and external contractors when required.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should have:

• Practical horticultural experience.


• A strong interest in professional gardening and plant care.


• The ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.

Preferred Qualifications

• RHS Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, or equivalent practical experience.

Category

Details

Job Title Sole Gardener

Job Type Part-time

Working Hours 3 or 4 days per week (to be agreed)

Salary Pro rata, dependent on experience

Salary Guide Professional Gardeners’ Guild Level 3: £32,000–£41,000 per year (pro rata); Level 2: £29,000–£38,000 per year (pro rata)

Location Near Sissinghurst, Kent

Experience Practical horticultural experience required

Qualifications RHS Level 2 or Level 3 (preferred), or equivalent experience

Please note: This vacancy is managed directly by the employer. Further information about the role is available by contacting the employer during the application process.