Head Gardener

Description

Private Head Gardener

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

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

Ad ID: 5416903199