- Location: Small village near Henley-on-Thames (15 mins from Henley / 30–40 mins from Oxford)
- Start Date: Flexible
- Salary: £40,000 – £45,000, depending on experience
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Overview
A committed and knowledgeable Head Gardener is sought to take responsibility for the care and ongoing development of a beautiful 50-acre private estate in the Buckinghamshire countryside. This peaceful property, used by the family primarily on weekends and during school holidays, includes formal gardens, a productive kitchen garden, and wider grounds. It is a much-loved sanctuary for the family.
The successful candidate will bring both hands-on expertise and pride in maintaining high horticultural standards, as well as a calm, discreet, and self-directed working style.
The Estate
Approximately 50 acres, including:
- Formal gardens surrounding the main house
- Lawns, herbaceous borders, ornamental shrubs, and hedges
- A productive kitchen garden
- Woodland areas and open grounds
- A portion of the acreage (fields and paddocks) is managed by a local farmer and does not fall under the gardener's remit
Key Responsibilities
- Complete maintenance and development of the formal and kitchen gardens
- Seasonal planting, propagation, pruning, weeding, mulching, and general plant care
- Lawn mowing, edging, feeding, and aeration as required
- Care of trees, hedges, and established beds
- Managing irrigation systems and garden machinery
- Planning and implementing planting schemes and garden improvements in collaboration with the family
- Upkeep of paths, terraces, garden furniture, and outdoor entertaining areas
- Monitoring and reporting on garden health, pest control, and general condition
- Occasionally liaising with contractors, suppliers, or other tradespeople
- Ensuring the garden is always guest-ready, especially ahead of family visits
Candidate Requirements
- Proven experience in a similar Head or Senior Gardener role on a private estate
- Strong horticultural knowledge, with formal training preferred
- Excellent plant knowledge and garden management skills
- Hands-on, proactive, and confident operating garden machinery and tools
- Able to work independently and manage time effectively
- Discreet, professional, and respectful of the family's privacy
- Full UK driving licence essential