Head Gardener

Head Gardener – Vacancy

A hands‑on Head Gardener is sought for a private family home on the borders of Hereford and Shropshire.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead a small team in a growing garden. The garden consists of 20 acres of formal garden including walled kitchen garden, rose garden, maze, mixed borders, topiary, laburnham arch and new gardens to be designed and planted with the new Head Gardener. There is also an additional 37 acres of recently‑planted parkland. The gardens are occasionally open for charity and group tours and the Head Gardener is required to help organise these events and to give talks/tours.

The successful candidate will be leading and working with the team to maintain the gardens on a daily basis, and will help to design and build new areas of the gardens.

Applicants must have excellent plant knowledge, a relevant horticultural qualification and design experience. Previous experience as a Senior Gardener, Deputy Head or Head Gardener is essential, with a proven track record in a leadership role responsible for supporting and developing a small team. Candidates should also be proficient in using and maintaining a wide variety of garden machinery.

As this is a family home, the garden team are occasionally called on to help in other aspects of the running of the estate. The gardening team also undertake the regular walking of the family dogs on the estate so it is essential that candidates like animals.

Working Hours: The role is full‑time; working hours are 8am‑5pm in British Summer Time and 8am‑4pm between October and March with two half‑hour breaks. A three‑bedroom cottage on the estate is available for the successful candidate.

Salary Circa £48,000