Head Gardener - Ref 1273 Date: May 24, 2024

Head Gardener

Willey Park, Nr Much Wenlock, Shropshire

An experienced, enthusiastic and knowledgeable working Head Gardener is required to maintain a privately owned, well established garden. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in beautiful gardens in the lovely county of Shropshire. This is a full-time permanent position.

The 12 acre gardens and grounds include a woodland walk to the Church with specimen trees, azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas as well as spring bulbs. The formal gardens include lawns, herbaceous borders, rose beds, urns, a conservatory, and planting around the swimming pool. There are potting sheds and greenhouses and a gardeners bothy/break room. This is a very hands on roll.

The applicant will be expected to:

· Ensure gardens are maintained to a high standard throughout

· Manage the greenhouse, herbaceous borders, lawns, hedges and all aspects of maintenance in an extensive landscaped area and woodland walk

· Manage and work with an apprentice or grounds man

· Ensure the safe maintenance of all garden machinery

· Be fully compliant with Health and Safety and COSHH Regulations

Applicants must be highly motivated, have good organisational skill, hold recognized horticultural qualifications, and a full clean driving licence. Candidates must have excellent craft garden skills including pruning. Mechanical skills are needed to the extent of lawn mower and small tractor maintenance, and keeping hand tools such as hedge trimmers and strimmers in safe working order. A passion for gardening and flexibility within the role is essential.

Essential qualifications:

· A minimum qualification of NVQ level 3 in Horticulture (or its equivalent)

· Spraying certificate

· Chainsaw certificate

The ideal applicant will preferably have a minimum of five years’ experience, including time spent in working in a non-commercial private garden.

Please apply with CV and covering letter.

Apply by email: lydiaforester@hotmail.co.uk