Head Gardener- VacancyThe position offers the right candidate a fantastic opportunity to develop and expand a newly built country garden of approximately 10 acres at a secluded site in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, East Sussex. Over the past three years the owners have worked closely with Joe Perkins Design to begin to realise a long-term vision for the site connecting the house and gardens to the beautiful surrounding countryside, with an emphasis on naturalistic design, promoting ecology and wildlife.Now, as a key part of the process, we are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic full-time gardener who will be excited to contribute to the creative ongoing development of the garden and to nurture the spaces that have already been planted.The candidate must be confident using a range of garden machinery and happy working in a physically demanding role, whilst managing their own workload in all seasons. While much of the work will be independent, excellent communication skills are essential. A minimum of three years’ relevant experience is required, along with excellent horticultural knowledge and a passion for developing and maintaining a thriving, naturalistic garden. Just as important is the ability to communicate well and build a positive working relationship with the owners, especially as the project continues to take shape. It’s a great opportunity for someone who wants to see a new garden develop and flourish. This is a full-time position for someone who is happy to work on their own, but to also collaborate with other gardeners occasionally.About The Garden
The garden is designed to enhance existing natural features, with a strong emphasis on increasing biodiversity and supporting wildlife.
Key areas include perennial meadow borders featuring prairie plants and grasses; a large, spring-fed wildlife pond with native aquatic planting and woodland edge species; and a sunny main terrace with modern cottage-style planting. A herb garden offers a Mediterranean palette of edible, scented, and drought-tolerant species.
There is also an edible woodland garden designed to be a biodiverse, productive, and inspiring foraging space alongside a large productive garden with raised beds for growing fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers, with plans for a dedicated cut flower area.
Future plans include the development of a diverse orchard with a variety of fruit trees, and the establishment of wildflower meadows.
Size: Approximately 10 acres including wider meadows and woodland.
Location: The property is close to the village of Wadhurst, being a 5 minute cycle from its train station with direct services to London and Hastings.
The garden can be visited by potential applicants by prior arrangement.
Role & Responsibilities
Maintain and develop all areas of the site
Propagation
Compost management
Develop and implement an aftercare plan with Joe Perkins Design
Help to develop planting areas across the site that aligns with the design intentions
Ensure all equipment is well maintained and properly stored
Carry out all duties in accordance with the Health and Safety policy and manual handling
Skills & Experience
Strong practical experience in a variety of professional gardening areas: fruit and vegetable production, plant knowledge, mixed borders, wider woodland care, and wildflower meadow development
3 years of practical experience within horticulture, such as plant identification, sustainable garden practices, and garden maintenance (RHS Level 2 qualification would be an advantage but experience is key)
Experience with a wide range of garden machinery
Experience of working in a similar, physically demanding, and outdoor role
Strong communication skills
A positive attitude and friendly, approachable nature
Full clean UK driver’s license (manual)
Literacy across Google and Microsoft software
Excellent references are essential
Outline Of The Role
Location: TN5 6PT
Contract Type: Permanent
Working days: Monday – Friday
Working Hours: 8am – 4:30pm.
28 days holiday per annum
Salary circa £35-40k+ depending on skills and experience; potential for up to £8k tax-free relocation allowance.
Accommodation is not included
This private advert is being managed directly by the employer. English Country Gardeners are not involved in the hiring process and are therefore unable to share any additional information on this role. If you have any questions regarding this position, the best course of action is to apply for the job which will open a line of communication with the employer.If you would like to view more information on the Professional Gardeners Guild, please click and the Royal Horticultural Society, please clickFor more gardener roles please clickTagged as: East Sussex, full time, head gardener
