Head Gardener – Private Estate – Winchester, Hampshire

Head Gardener

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Gardener to join a small team on a private estate near Winchester on a full‑time and permanent basis. The beautiful, grade‑II listed home and gardens were designed in the early 1900’s, sitting on a varied 13‑acre site.

Description

With rolling views of the surrounding countryside, the diverse estate consists of both formal and informal gardens, attractive outbuildings draped with wisteria, and a developing vineyard. The main arts and crafts garden has domestic revival influences, with a tennis court and swimming pool on site. The gardens are divided into a series of carefully manicured garden rooms, including mixed hedging, copper beeches, multi‑level lawns, terraced areas, mixed beds and borders, and a variety of unique water features. There is also a small vegetable garden and espalier apple trees. The owners have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the continued maintenance and development of the gardens.

Responsibilities

Oversee a small team of two part‑time trainee gardeners. Manage hedge cutting, specialist pruning, lawn care and tending to beds and borders. Plan and execute seasonal duties such as blowing leaves from tennis courts and clearing pathways. Provide leadership and training to the team, ensuring high standards of garden maintenance and development.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven history of working on a similar estate with good plant knowledge and maintenance experience.
• Knowledge of hedge cutting, specialist pruning, lawn care, beds and borders.
• Full driving licence and ability to drive a small tractor for the role.
• PA1/PA6 spraying and chainsaw certifications are advantageous but not essential; training can be provided.
• References and DBS check will be requested at offer stage.

Salary & Location

Salary: Circa £40,000 DOE
Location: Winchester, Hampshire

Application

To apply, please submit your application through the provided channel. Contact Sara Yassin at 01233 733510 or email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.