Sole Gardener

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a live in Sole Gardener to join the garden of a 16th century Grade II* listed private property located near Ludlow, Shropshire. The owners now require an experienced gardener with a proven track record of managing a large, high-end garden, to assist with the ongoing maintenance and future development of the garden and grounds to a continued high standard. This is a full-time permanent position.

Boasting magnificent views, the gardens are roughly 11-acres in size, with elements including formal lawns, herbaceous borders, perennial beds, small pond, organic vegetable garden, greenhouse, a small woodland and orchard. The gardens are currently under construction with a swimming pool and gym in the process of being built, with completion estimated for 2025. After completion there will be extensive work carried out within the garden, with the client bringing in a Chelsea multi-award winner to create bespoke new areas. The Sole Gardener will be directly involved with the implementation of the scheme and with its development and maintenance thereafter.

Our client seeks an experienced gardener to help maintain the gardens on a year-round basis following the annual calendar. Applicants will ideally possess an academic horticultural qualification, such as RHS level 2 or equivalent, combined with at least 3 years’ experience working in a similar role. As such, excellent plant knowledge and technical skills are essential for this position with experience in compost management, propagation, spraying, weeding and rejuvenating beds. A self-motivated, organised individual with a self-start attitude and proven track record of managing a large garden, with a strong work ethic, ability to work to their own initiative and willingness to work to consistently high standards, are qualities which are essential for this role. The individual should be an excellent communicator and have a good sense of humour. Working closely with the Estate Manager, there will be a requirement for additional duties to be carried out within the estate therefore candidates will be flexible and willing to extend their duties where needed. As such, this is a physically demanding position which requires a fit and strong individual who is comfortable working in all weathers.

General gardening duties will include but are not limited to fine lawn care, pruning, propagating, kitchen gardening, weeding, hoeing, clearing, topiary management, edging and hedge cutting. The Sole Gardener will also be responsible for seasonal planting and providing cut flowers for the main house. Also on site are 2 beehives of which the Sole Gardener will maintain and manage, with training provided if the successful candidate does not have experience with bees. The owners are passionate about their garden and want to keep them to an immaculate standard. Experience in the use of and maintenance of a wide range of gardening machinery including tractors, as well as a chainsaw certification are desirable for this position. The house is equipped with machinery, which the gardener should be capable of maintaining between services. 

A 2-bedroom coach house on site, is available to the successful candidate. Council tax and utility bills are covered by the employer, with partners, dependants and pets welcome; dogs must be well behaved and socialise well with other dogs. The owners divide their time between properties and as this is a live in role the Sole Gardener will share security responsibilities with other staff on site. Candidates will need to hold a full driver’s licence due to the location of the property.

Working hours for this role are 8am – 5pm Sunday to Thursday, or Tuesday to Saturday; with annual leave bring 20 days plus Bank Holidays.

Please note the successful candidate will be subject to reference checks and a DBS check.

SALARY:  Up to £35,000 depending on experience

LOCATION:  Shropshire

JOB No:  EC61979

If this Sole Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sophie Sharpe.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Sole Gardener 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 Sole Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.