Senior Craft Gardener
Jinny Blom designed Garden, near Henley on Thames
Garden being designed by Jinny Blom
Jinny Blom is one of the UK’s most sought-after Garden and Landscape Designers, with
projects worldwide. Working on behalf of exceptional clients creating large holistic gardens and
estate projects. Now seeking a Senior Craft Gardener for a newly created estate of 75 acres centred around a
series of architecturally unique new buildings.
The gardens and landscape settle into a varied and connected sequence of experiences from the
formal to the informal and natural. Key areas are mature beech bluebell woodland, mixed
woodland, a series of lakes, new nature reserve with chalk scarps, smart gardens around the
house, orchards and an extensive vegetable and cutting garden with two large greenhouses.
We are aiming for the highest standard of conservation management in the wider landscape and
the lakes and the highest levels of horticultural excellence in the more traditionally gardened
areas.
The successful candidate will work closely with the head gardener and other team members in
what will be a very hands-on role. While the main focus will be on kitchen gardening, they will
cover for the Head Gardener when required and will have a senior position in what will
otherwise be a relatively flat and collaborative structure.
Requirements
• Experience of working within a similar environment
• Equal importance will be given to formal horticultural qualifications (RHS level 3 or
equivalent is desirable) as well as experience and knowledge
• Excellent proven plant knowledge
• Excellent plant husbandry and plant propagation skills
• Experience of fruit and vegetable gardening
• Experience of successional planting
• Experience of composting and soil care
• Experience of plant feeds, pest and weeds control (spraying certificate required)
• Experience of managing greenhouses
• Tree and fruit tree pruning skills
• Supervisory experience
• Collaborative temperament – providing support for the Head Gardener and other
members of the team if required
• Open minded and able to work across different areas of expertise and skills
• Full clean driver’s licence
Key Responsibilities
• To work closely with the designer and head gardener in establishing and developing the
new garden
• To ensure the garden and wider property is maintained to a high standard at all times
• To maintain and cultivate a wide range of trees, shrubs, roses and herbaceous plants to
the highest standard
• Clipping of hedges and topiary
• Controlling pests and diseases- focus on developing organic production
• Application of mulch and fertilisers- focus on developing organic production
• Weeding of borders, paths, steps, yards and pathways and generally keeping on top of
noxious weeds throughout the property
• To inspect all plants and hardscape materials on a regular basis and record and report
any issues to the design team
• Care and handling of tools and machinery
• Supervision of volunteers- by arrangement with the Head Gardener
• Supervision of contractors and monitoring of works on-site- by arrangement with the Head Gardener
General Responsibilities
• Ensuring that the quality of work meets the highest standard
• General assistance to the Head Gardener and other members of the garden team and
household as needed
• Regular interaction and planning with the chef
• Ensuring that the garden environments and tools are kept tidy and safe at all times
Hours: 40 hours / week (Mon – Fri 07.30 – 16.00)
Supporting rotational weekend watering when required with TOIL.
CPD: Your continued professional development is important to us.
Holidays: 26 days plus public holidays
Private medical insurance is available
Workplace pension is provided
Start date: 1st October 2025 or as available.
Salary: circa £30k - £40k - could be negotiable for an exceptional candidate.
Plus an accommodation allowance if required.
Please apply by sending your CV and a letter of introduction to our recruitment consultant
Michael Walker at nationalgardensspecialist@gmail.com
