SEEKING SKILLED GARDENER We are looking for a skilled and knowledgeable gardener to work within one of the U.K.'s most joyful private gardens that has appeared in a number of prestigious gardening publications, books and on Gardeners' World.
The owner is extremely proactive, working alongside the garden team.
He is passionate about maintaining existing forms and structures while also developing and evolving new areas and embracing many contemporary horticultural practices.
Ideal for someone who has had experience working within a similar environment for a minimum of 5 years and who has good plant identification skills, excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to working.
A good understanding of herbaceous borders, pruning of shrubs and roses with some knowledge of aquatic planting and wild meadows is needed.
A basic understanding of fruit and vegetable growing would also be useful.
In the 16 acres you will be working alongside the Deputy Head Gardener and grounds-person as well as sub-contractors responsible for the tree and hedge work.
You must be willing to take direction but also capable of working on your own initiative and you should be passionate about horticulture in general, energetic and with a positive "can do" attitude.
Good time keeping, honesty and a respect for Health & Safety are paramount.
Practical use and maintenance of a range of garden machinery is desirable, as is the ability to drive a tractor and trailer.
A full clean driver's licence is essential.
The position is full time with requirement to work on a rota basis for watering duties over the summer months.
Working hours are from 8am to 5pm with two 30 min breaks during the day.
In order to simplify the process of selection, we have added a list of questions.
If you can answer most of these with confidence and without resorting to a Google search, then it is worth applying for the job.
If not, then it's likely you do not have the necessary horticultural skills that we are looking for.
1.
How many different groups of clematis are there and when and how would you prune each group.
2.
What is the purpose of mulching and what different types of mulch are there 3.
When would you prune a rambling rose 4.
What time of year would you prune branches off a birch tree and off an ornamental cherry 5.
What is the difference between a annual and a perennial plant 6.
What is the most important thing to remember when you transplant a herbaceous peony 7.
What is mycorrhizal fungi 8.
When and how would you prune an established wisteria.
We look forward to hearing from any suitable candidates