Location
Private family estate near Newbury, Berkshire, nestled in the heart of the Berkshire countryside around a historic manor house.

Hours
Full Time - Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week with occasional weekend work required to meet seasonal demands.

Salary
£38,000 - £45,000 per annum depending on experience.

About the Role
An exceptional opportunity for an experienced and passionate Head Gardener to take ownership of the gardens and grounds of a prestigious traditional country estate. The estate features established gardens, landscaped grounds, several additional properties, and a historic manor house. You will work closely with the Estate Manager and the principals to realise their vision, including the exciting redesign of the main garden and creation of new landscaped areas.

This hands-on role involves full responsibility for the care, maintenance, and ongoing enhancement of flowers, herbaceous borders, shrubs, mature trees, hedges, lawns, and rose gardens. Duties include seasonal planting, transplanting, pruning, fertilising, spraying, watering, weeding, and pest and disease management. You will oversee seasonal planting schemes and landscape plans, manage the greenhouse including propagation of flowers, fruit, and vegetables, and care for the estate’s fruit orchard.

Additional responsibilities include general grounds maintenance such as mowing, strimming, mulching, raking, maintaining paths and driveways, and ensuring all garden machinery, tools, equipment, and structures are maintained safely and efficiently. The role also includes overseeing the upkeep of the estate’s swimming pool and tennis court, caring for estate chickens, and occasionally assisting with the family’s pets.

As an integral member of the estate team, you will support wider estate improvement projects and demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to assist the family and colleagues as needed.

Experience
Substantial experience in a similar Head Gardener or senior horticultural position is essential. Proven ability to manage all aspects of horticultural maintenance and development on a large private estate.

About you
Highly organised, proactive, and self-motivated individual with outstanding practical gardening skills and excellent plant knowledge. A genuine passion for horticulture combined with a creative eye for garden design and development. Confident working independently and capable of managing multiple projects with exceptional attention to detail. Flexible, positive approach with excellent communication skills. A full, clean UK driving licence is essential.

Qualifications
Horticultural qualifications and PA1/PA6 spraying certificates are advantageous. Knowledge of woodland and tree management is desirable.