Head Gardener

**HEAD GARDENER**
**Shanks House, **Gillingham, North Dorset.

**_We are looking for an exceptional, hands-on, Head Gardener to lead our small team of 2 FT gardeners, overseeing a particularly beautiful private garden designed by Tom Stuart-Smith._**

The main house is surrounded by formal gardens with parkland. The estate houses a variety of formal gardens including borders and lawns, ornamental beds, vegetable gardens, fruit trees and mature trees throughout. The neighbouring estate has recently been acquired by the owner with a view to progressively expanding into the additional space which will continue to provide further opportunity for the Head gardener and their team.

Applicants will have formal training and hands on experience within a similar historic estate and garden.

Applicants should have excellent plant identification skills, excellent attention to detail, and a methodological approach to their work. Ideally having overseen a garden which has enjoyed a similar level of design input and managed to an equally high horticultural standard.

The role will suit someone with a keen aesthetic eye and a strong work ethic. The estate provides an opportunity to work in almost every aspect of horticulture - keeping the working week, varied and incredibly interesting.

The owners of the estate are passionate about their garden and continue to support the gardens continued improvement.

Applicants must be tidy in their work, presentable, positive in attitude and possess a working understanding of the considerations required of gardeners on private estates.