HEAD GARDENER
Thimbleby Hall, North Yorkshire
c.£40,000–£54,000 (PGG guidelines) + accommodation available
A rare opportunity to lead and develop 16 acres of mature, compartmentalised gardens on a 3,300-acre country estate on the western edge of the North York Moors National Park.
Designed by Balston Agius and established from 2013, the gardens encompass terraced gardens with streams, a lake and waterfalls, an orchard, vegetable and cut-flower garden, Japanese streamside garden, wildflower meadow, rose, cottage and courtyard gardens, all set within sweeping parkland and ancient woodland. A new glasshouse is soon to be installed, complementing an established nursery with greenhouse and poly tunnels. The gardens have previously opened under the National Gardens Scheme.
The structure is in place and the spaces have matured; what we now seek is a talented, hands-on head gardener to refine the presentation and drive the next phase of development. You will lead a team of three skilled under-gardeners (supported by robotic mowing), plan and deliver your own schedules, and work closely with the family on their short- and long-term vision. The wider estate, which employs around 35 staff across farming, gamekeeping and estate maintenance, offers additional skills, labour and machinery. The garden team contributes produce and services to the estate's shooting ground, village store and holiday properties.
We are looking for a tried-and-tested gardener with excellent plantsmanship, strong interpersonal skills and a genuine 'can-do' attitude, with the integrity and judgement to lead a team and develop it to play to each member's strengths. A Level 3 horticultural qualification (or similar) is preferred. The owners are committed to investing in the garden and supporting the team, with a good ongoing training regime (spraying, chainsaw, Loadall tickets, etc.).
To apply, please send a letter of introduction and your current CV to our recruitment consultant, Michael Walker, at [email protected]
