Head Gardener
Posted 11 days 13 hours ago by ECG Limited
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a talented and experienced Head Gardener to join a prestigious private estate in Oxfordshire, near Charlbury. Set within beautiful countryside, the estate features a diverse and evolving garden landscape, including formal gardens, herbaceous borders, wildflower meadows, orchards, kitchen and cut flower gardens, ponds, glasshouses, and polytunnels.
The gardens are currently undergoing redesign, with new areas planned for development. This role offers a rare chance to take a leading position in shaping and maintaining a truly special garden, working closely with the Estate Manager and owners to bring their vision to life.
The Role- Overall responsibility for the management and maintenance of all gardens and grounds to an exceptional standard
- Leading and supporting a small gardening team, including Assistant Gardeners
- Planning and implementing seasonal planting schemes and long-term landscape projects
- Hands on care of flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns, hedges, rose gardens, and borders
- Planting, pruning, fertilising, pest and disease control, and irrigation
- Greenhouse and propagation work, including fruit, vegetables, and cut flowers
- Management of the orchard and kitchen garden
- General grounds maintenance: mowing, strimming, mulching, and upkeep of paths and driveways
- Maintenance of garden machinery, tools, and structures
- Overseeing additional estate responsibilities such as swimming pool and tennis court upkeep
- Occasional care of the family pets
- Supporting wider estate projects as required
- Proven experience in a Head Gardener or senior horticultural role
- Strong organisational and project management skills
- A creative eye and passion for horticulture and garden design
- Ability to work independently and lead a small team
- Good plant knowledge, including trees and woodland management (desirable)
- Horticultural qualifications preferred
- PA1/PA6 spraying certificates desirable
- Flexible, proactive, and hands on approach
- Full, clean UK driving licence essential
- Full-time: Monday to Friday (40 hours per week)
- Start date: As soon as the right candidate is found
- Location: Private estate near Charlbury, Oxfordshire
Salary: £40-£45K DOE
This is a rare opportunity for a skilled and passionate gardener to leave a lasting mark on a remarkable private estate.