Head Gardener

Christ Church is seeking to appoint a Head Gardener who is enthusiastic, self-motivated, experienced, reliable and adaptable and who is keen to use their knowledge and experience to ensure the gardens and grounds are maintained and developed to a high standard. 

Within the Christ Church grounds there are 10 separate gardens. Some are open to the public to view through tours and others are private or used for functions. They are all maintained by the gardening team. In all these gardens the emphasis is on the trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials and bulbs surrounding the spacious lawns, which are maintained to a high standard. Summer and winter bedding schemes feature in a small part of the Rose Garden. Plant production is undertaken in a small plant nursery containing glasshouses and cold frames. 

The Head Gardener is responsible for the planning and implementing an annual programme of preparation and maintenance of the gardens at Christ Church. This programme includes responsibility for the propagation and rearing of plants and for planting, weeding, pruning and daily care. It is essential that the Head Gardener should be a keen and experienced plants-person as well as having previous experience of managing a formal garden. The Head Gardener will prepare a termly report for the Gardens Committee, make proposals for improvements and the design and maintenance of new and revamped planting areas, as well as small areas of seasonal bedding, and for a rolling programme of tree planting. 

The successful candidate will possess a minimum qualification of NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, NCH, HND, OND, City & Guilds, Kew or Edinburgh Diploma in Horticulture, RHS Level 3, MHort RHS. A proven track record of high-quality horticultural work and an interest in sustainable garden practices are essential. The Head Gardener will line manage a team consisting of Assistant Head Gardener, Senior Gardener (currently vacant) and four gardeners, therefore people management and communication skills are essential. 

For more information, including how to apply, please see the attached Further Particulars.