Gardener - Preston Hall Estate

The Company:

The walled gardens form part of an 18th and 19th century designed landscape and are of outstanding architectural interest. Currently, the gardens consist of extensive herbaceous borders, mature trees and shrubs, and a glasshouse containing grapevines, figs, and stone fruits.

Whilst it is largely a private garden, at present we are open for events such as weddings, by appointment for tours, and on designated open days throughout the year. The responsibilities of the role lie mainly within the walled garden and Flower Garden, though on occasion there may be some requirement to work around the holiday lets or Preston Hall itself.

Job description:

Key aptitudes to include:

• Weeding and border maintenance, to include deadheading and staking
• Planting – both perennials and containers
• Soil care to include mulching
• Cutting back of herbaceous perennials
• Watering of glasshouse, and container displays both in the garden and on the wider estate
• Operation of compact tractor with front loader and tipping trailer/RTV
• Ability to adhere to good Health and Safety procedures, and the ability to work effectively within these parameters
• Attention to detail and the ability to leave a tidy finish
• A willingness to work in all weathers

Experience:

• Some experience of gardening in a professional setting is essential, as is a recognised qualification
• Experience with use of hand tools such as spades, forks, mattocks, rakes, hoes etc
• Hedge cutting, strimming: experience in the use of garden machinery such as strimmers, pedestrian mowers, leaf blowers, hedge cutters is essential
• Some knowledge of fruit and vegetable production
• Knowledge of appropriate pruning times and training techniques
• Propagation – knowledge of different propagation techniques
• A full clean driving license valid for driving within the UK is essential due to the location of the estate and the nature of the role