Head Gardener / Sole Gardener with assistance

Jinny Blom designed private garden, near Stroud

We are seeking a Head Gardener with proven track record and excellent references for the large diverse garden of a period property near Stroud. This is a significant new garden under development by leading landscape designer Jinny Blom.

The property is 18 acres, with 1.5 acres of walled gardens with herbaceous planting, roses and climbers, as well as an orchard, a fruit & vegetable garden with greenhouse and a small vineyard. The wider landscape is around 16.5 acres and is comprised of meadows surrounded by hedgerows and a woodland walk.

A new Head Gardener is required to lead the new garden design into full development in collaboration with the designer.

The successful candidate will be supported by an Assistant Gardener and will be working alongside a small team which will be taking care of the house and the wider landscape. Where appropriate certain tasks such as mowing and hedge trimming can be delegated to the house team but will need instructing and overseeing by the head gardener.

Requirements

• Experience of working within a similar environment

• Accredited formal horticultural qualifications

• Excellent proven plant knowledge

• Strong practical gardening experience across a wide range of horticultural disciplines

• Excellent plant husbandry and plant propagation skills

• Experience of fruit and vegetable gardening

• Experience of successional planting

• Experience of composting and soil care

• Experience of plant feeds, pest and weeds control (spraying certificate required)

• Experience of managing greenhouses

• Experience in managing volunteers

• Experience in budget development and management

• Tree, topiary and fruit tree pruning skills

• Supervisory experience

• Collaborative temperament with a self-motivated and hands-on approach

• Open minded and able to work across different areas of expertise and skills

• Full clean driver’s licence

Key Responsibilities

• To work closely with the designer and team to ensure the spirit and detail of the garden’s design is fully delivered

• To plan a sequence of work throughout the year which will form the base for monthly and weekly task schedules• To ensure that all garden areas and the     wider property are maintained to the highest possible standards and are always ready for the family and guests

• To maintain and order adequate, appropriate and necessary sundries and supplies promptly, within budgetary limitations

• To ensure that all areas of planting, pruning, cultivation, and presentation meet the high standards expected

• To ensure that pests and diseases are effectively controlled by the safest and most ecologically friendly means

• To keep on top of any noxious weeds throughout the property

• To inspect all plants, hardscape materials and fencing on a regular basis and record and report any issues to the design team

• Care and handling of tools and machinery

• Supervision of contractors and monitoring of works to the gardens

General Responsibilities

• Ensuring quality of own work and gardening staff meets the highest standard

• General assistance to other members of the household as needed

• Ensuring that the garden environs are kept tidy and safe at all times

• To be punctual

• To be willing to make up time taken out of the working day for personal reasons

Salary and conditions

Salary: negotiable circa £38k - £42k depending on experience

Live out. Accommodation allowance if required.

Hours: 40 hours / week, Mon – Fri 8am – 5pm with flexibility

Supporting rotational weekend watering when required with TOIL.

Holidays: 26 days plus public holidays

Start date around March 2026 (negotiable)

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter to our recruitment specialist, Michael Walker at [email protected]

Please note. Applicants must have the full right to work in the UK and with the relevant exoperience and training.