Senior Gardener - Newmarket

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced and hands on Senior Gardener to work closely alongside the owners, gardening team and wider estate team to maintain the stunning gardens set within an historic estate in Cambridgeshire. The Senior Gardener will be an integral part of the estate team, being reliable and enthusiastic while implementing their strong knowledge across the ever-developing gardens. 

The garden comprises of 16-acres of historical parkland with gardens laid out 20 years ago with extensive views of the surrounding countryside. There is a peony garden, rose garden, walled herbaceous and shrub borders, formal lawns and hedges, cut flower and vegetable garden, polytunnel and greenhouse. Large collection of bulbs planted throughout the historic landscape, with Galanthus, Camassias and Narcissus. A busy garden which has a varied aspect to it, although only 20 years old, the garden continues to develop and evolve. There’s also a secret garden with striking Himalayan Birch trees, summer garden, pleached hornbeams, clipped ornamental hawthorns that line the paths, vast terracotta pots filled with topiary and scented shrubs, extensive yew hedges. There are ornamental ponds, and a 6-acre memorial meadow planted with fruit trees and naturalised drifts of bulbs. In addition, the estate is developing a pinetum to accompany a young arboretum, and a variety of mature formal hedging surrounding the main house.  Working with the Family, alongside the small team and other members of staff on the estate the garden forms a wonderful setting for the private home at its centre. 

A good knowledge of compact tractors, implements, pedestrian mowers and handheld machinery is desirable in this role, PA1 and PA6 spray certification is essential with a recognised horticultural qualification advantageous. Knowledge of automatic irrigation systems and cylinder mowers would be advantageous, as would chainsaw certification, although contractors are used for larger tree works. Propagation and cultivation of ornamental and edible plants as well as the knowledge of division of herbaceous perennials and pruning of a wide array of shrubs and trees is needed. 

The applicant will need an eye for detail and the will to constantly improve the garden in its next chapter. This role would suit someone who is looking to care for and nurture this special garden. The owners are seeking an enthusiastic, reliable individual, who has experience within a similar setting maintaining gardens to the highest of standards. Applicants should take pride in their work and demonstrate a passion for horticulture.

The gardens open each year for various events, raising impressive funds for charity through admissions, food, plant and craft sales. The horticultural team assist with these events acting as an ambassador for the gardens and showcasing their hard work. Therefore, it is asked that the successful candidate will assist with these openings, working an additional two Sundays per year. 

Regular working hours for the position are Monday to Friday, 8am – 4:30pm, with 30-minutes paid morning break and 30-minutes unpaid lunch. Holiday entitlement will be 24 days + Bank Holidays. 

Please note, the successful applicant will be subject to extensive reference checks both written and verbal. 

To apply please email - info@larstonerecruitment.com