Head Gardener - Superb 13 Acre Private Garden- With Lovely, 3 bedroom House

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a highly skilled and experienced Head Gardener to lead the development and maintenance of a stunning 13-acre private garden set within the beautiful Suffolk countryside, on the banks of the River Stour. 

These magnificent gardens have been admired by visitors through National Garden Scheme (NGS) Open Days for almost 70 years and are renowned for their beauty, diversity and year-round interest. The estate features formal herbaceous borders, a rose garden, lily pond, extensive lawns and hedging, a large walled kitchen garden, riverside walks, woodland, and a remarkable collection of mature trees.

The garden offers exceptional seasonal interest. Spring begins with carpets of snowdrops and daffodils, followed by spectacular apple and cherry blossom displays, culminating in drifts of cow parsley throughout the wilder areas. Summer showcases the formal gardens at their finest, including vibrant herbaceous and hydrangea borders, a beautiful rose garden and a recently established yew parterre. The extensive walled kitchen garden contains an orchard, newly developed raised vegetable beds and a bespoke Alitex greenhouse.

The role:

This is a hands-on position requiring a passionate and knowledgeable horticulturist who will take pride in maintaining and further enhancing this exceptional garden. Working closely with one other gardener and the owners, who take an active interest in the garden's ongoing development, the successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of garden management and maintenance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Development and maintenance of ornamental and productive gardens
• Vegetable and fruit cultivation within the walled kitchen garden
• Plant propagation and nursery work
• Glasshouse management
• Care and maintenance of herbaceous borders, shrubs, roses and hedges
• Tree and woodland management oversight
• Operation, maintenance and safe use of horticultural machinery
• Provision of cut flowers for the house
• Maintenance duties associated with the swimming pool
• Assisting with the planning and implementation of future garden developments

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Extensive practical experience in a senior gardening role, preferably within a private estate or similar setting
• Broad horticultural knowledge and excellent plant identification skills
• Strong garden development and maintenance expertise
• Experience in vegetable growing, propagation and glasshouse cultivation
• Confidence operating and maintaining horticultural machinery
• A proactive, organised and self-motivated approach
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with owners and colleagues
• A genuine passion for creating and maintaining gardens of the highest standard

Qualifications:

• RHS Level 2 qualification (minimum) or equivalent horticultural qualification
• PA1/PA6 spraying certificates or equivalent
• Additional horticultural qualifications and specialist skills would be advantageous

Accommodation:

• 3 bedroom house within walking distance of the main property 
• Family and pets welcome 
• 1 brand new bathroom.
• The garden is enclosed and has a gorgeous wooden greenhouse 

Flexibility to provide occasional weekend watering cover is required.

This is a rare opportunity to become custodian of a much-loved and historically admired garden, while playing a key role in its future development and success.

The current Gardener is retiring after 22 happy years and will be greatly missed.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter to [email protected]