Skilled / Sole Gardener
Turn End Gardens
Haddenham, Buckinghamshire
Permanent 32 hours per week. Flexible Working
Turn End is one of three pre-eminent houses which are enhanced by a glorious sequence of adjoining gardens of interlinked informal spaces and garden rooms created by internationally renowned architect Peter Aldington in the 1960s.
We are looking for an experienced, self-motivated gardener with a passion for plants, excellent craft skills and visual sensitivity. You will be responsible for managing a small garden budget, placing orders and managing equipment as well as garden health and safety and documentation. You will be responsible for overseeing the gardens; ultimately the role will be managed by an estate manager, to be recruited later in 2025. You should also collaborate with a range of people including family, volunteers, visitors, Trustees, Patrons of the Trust, contractors, external organisations and partners.
About Turn End
Most of the garden is densely planted with a wide range of bulbs, herbaceous perennials, shrubs and climbers. There are also paved areas, gravel paths and parking areas to maintain, compost heaps to turn, two ponds, a fine lawn and a small greenhouse for overwintering and propagation of plants for the garden and for sale. There are trained fruit but no vegetable garden.
The garden is in the centre of Haddenham village, Buckinghamshire, and is less than an acre, but feels larger, mainly because it is a series of related, but contrasting enclosures and vistas. Planting is designed to provide different atmospheres in each area and for all seasons, so it is complex, wide ranging and dense. The garden includes a house courtyard with a naturalised pool; a small woodland area around 100 year old apple trees; a curved grass glade leading to a series of garden rooms, sunken or raised, sunny or shady, geometric or informal, yet all harmonious and unifying irregular geography with the buildings. https://www.turnend.org.uk/the-trust
Person Specification
We are looking for a skilled gardener who will have a passion and empathy for the gardens. They will have a flexible attitude to time according to season and circumstance; someone who is consistently reliable, with excellent communication and people skills. At least 3 years’ experience working in a public or private garden with a varied plant collection. Recognised horticultural qualification to Level 3, or equivalent work experience. Through study or experience to possess excellent plant knowledge and craft skills.
Excellent attention to detail and thoughtful, sympathetic approach to help us continue to care for and evolve this garden in the spirit of its creation.
This will require a broad experience of caring for mixed borders, fine lawns, trees, shrubs, trained fruit, compost heaps, irrigation systems, greenhouse work and plant propagation. Experience in the use of a range of machinery and hand tools.
Confident to plan, prioritise and deliver all garden maintenance and work independently. Good administration skills. Confidence in using computers including email, word processing, spreadsheets, video conferencing. As sole gardener, the role involves carrying out physical tasks that can be demanding and repetitive. Flexible approach, able to work evenings and weekends on occasion for example watering, helping with events and attending meetings.
Desirable:
Experience of working in a public garden or with visitors.
Experience of sourcing and supervising specialist contractors, e.g. tree surgeons.
Experience of supervising freelance gardeners, trainees and volunteers.
Organising and delivering private garden tours and helping with public events run by the family.
PA1 and PA6 Pesticide training certificates.
