CP1069: Head Gardener for Private Estate in Oxfordshire, UK

CP1069: Head Gardener for Private Estate in Oxfordshire, UK

Head Gardener Overview
A beautiful private family-owned property in the North Oxfordshire area is looking for an Estate Head Gardener.

The gardens comprise of ornamental gardens, an orchard, a productive walled garden and glasshouse, cutting gardens, gravel garden, nuttery, wildflower meadows, pond and wetland, flowering tree and shrub walk; the overall character is naturalistic alongside formal hedging, lawns and topiary providing structure.

The estate is managed according to organic principles and the existing team suppport the owners’ passion for regenerative methods of managing landscape, promoting biodiversity and exploring and developing methods to garden with sensitivity to nature and the wider landscape, whilst simultaneously ensuring that the ornamental gardens are kept to the highest standard.

Additionally, a cut flower business is run from the estate grounds and the Estate Head Gardener will be required to assist and support in the maintenance of the cutting gardens as needed. A real interest and curiosity for growing cut flowers would be a plus. The position is offered on a live-in or live-out basis.

Job duties
Responsibilities of the Estate Head Gardener in Oxfordshire, include:

Care for and maintain the estate’s 16 acres of gardens and grounds, including ornamental gardens, an orchard, walled garden, cutting gardens, glasshouse, nuttery, wildflower meadows, ponds, wetland areas, and shrub walks
Regularly perform gardening tasks such as weeding, mulching, planting, pruning, deadheading, fertilising, and watering
Ensure high standards of garden aesthetics by tending to detailed border schemes, topiary, formal hedging, lawns, and other garden features
Support the development and renovation of the gardens according to the curated landscape design
Use extensive plant knowledge to care for a wide range of plant species, particularly those in the estate’s ornamental and cutting gardens
Apply organic and regenerative gardening methods, with an emphasis on promoting biodiversity and working sensitively with nature – ensuring these organic methods are used in all aspects of gardening, such as soil management, pest control, and plant health
Maintain knowledge of seasonal gardening tasks and requirements for different plants, adjusting care methods accordingly
Assist in the maintenance and care of the cutting gardens
Participate in the harvesting and management of flowers for the estate’s cut flower business
Take direction from the Estate owners (and others as they may direct) but also show own initiative in managing daily horticultural activities
Work collaboratively with the Estate garden team and the productive garden teams. Support their development, growth and encourage progression whenever possible
Work in accordance with the estate’s organic and regenerative principles to help maintain the landscape in a way that promotes sustainability and biodiversity
Assist with planting schemes, seasonal changes, and managing evolving plantings in line with new designs and the broader vision for the estate
Ensure that tools, equipment, and materials are maintained in good condition
Keep accurate records of garden activities, plant health, and garden tasks
Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with suppliers and subcontractors

Candidates must be/have:
An excellent Gardener, with a minimum of five years in a similar level role at a Historic or Private Estate
A positive team player with strong communication skills
Excellent and demonstrable plant knowledge
High level border work, working with attention to detail and craft in border maintenance work
Excellent pruning skills – competency in this area with a range of perennial plants, shrubs and climbers
Demonstrable experience in the routine annual maintenance of hedges; lawns; areas of hard-landscaping; assistance with the care of the wildflower meadows
Experience using power tools for garden maintenance, including hedge-trimming and strimming
Experience in productive gardening: vegetable and soft fruit production
A full clean UK driving licence
Experience driving other ground vehicles eg. ride-on mowers, SWB / LWB vans, manual and automatic operating systems – would be beneficial
Work as part of a small, close-knit team, but also demonstrate the ability to work independently and self-motivate to complete tasks to a high standard without supervision
Management skills – you will be responsible for leading, recruiting and managing teams across the Estate grounds
A level 3 horticultural qualification in addition to the required professional experience

Accommodation
A one-bedroom flat on the property grounds. Pets welcome.

Pets welcome.

Hours
Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 16:30.

Flexibility needed (some early mornings / weekends) will be required on occasion to support the private family as needed.

Location
Near Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK.

Salary
Up to £55,000, depending on experience.

Job ref
CP1069: Head Gardener for Private Estate in Oxfordshire, UK.