Part time Gardener - Private Garden - Petersfield, West Sussex

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Part time Gardener to take responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and development of a beautiful private garden in West Sussex. This is a three-day-per-week, self-employed position. The garden surrounds a charming Grade II listed 16th-century farmhouse and extends to approximately 5 acres of established ornamental gardens, set within a wider 25-acre alpaca farm.

The garden has been carefully maintained by the current gardener for the past 10 years and is designed and overseen by the owners with a clear vision for its appearance. The garden is not open to the public, although it has the quality and presentation of a garden that could be.

The emphasis is on year round structure, continuity and visual interest, rather than seasonal bedding, with a consistent and considered style throughout.

The garden features extensive mature ornamental planting, including rhododendrons, heather, conifers, ornamental shrubs and established beds and borders, together with a particularly attractive long lavender border leading towards the house. There is also a large ornamental koi pond which forms an important feature within the garden. The property does not have a kitchen garden or greenhouse, allowing the successful gardener to concentrate fully on the ornamental landscape and its presentation.

This is a hands on position, working three days per week on a self employed basis. The successful candidate will take complete ownership of the day to day horticultural maintenance, organising their own workload and ensuring every area of the garden is maintained to an exceptionally high standard. The client is looking for someone who will take genuine pride in the garden and develop a long term interest in its continued care and presentation.

Responsibilities will include the ongoing maintenance of the ornamental borders and planting, as well as routine seasonal pruning, weeding, mulching, feeding, deadheading, planting and general plant husbandry, together with maintaining the lawns, pathways and pond area. The successful candidate will be an experienced gardener with a background in private gardens and ornamental gardening. The role would suit someone who is self motivated, organised and confident working independently, with the ability to plan their own workload and recognise what needs to be done without close supervision. An eye for detail is essential, together with the ability to maintain established planting while working within the owner's design vision.

Ideally, the successful applicant will be based locally to the property in Petersfield, West Sussex. The position offers the opportunity to establish a long term working relationship with the owners and take responsibility for a beautiful and rewarding private garden with considerable horticultural character.

SALARY: £25 / hour (3 days / week)

LOCATION: Petersfield, West Sussex

JOB No: EC74890