Ornamental Gardener

Job Overview

Reports To: Head Gardener

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the gardens team on a privately owned estate near Romsey, Hampshire. The estate features formal parkland, managed woodland, a newly planted vineyard, and a diverse range of gardens, including a historic walled garden, greenhouse,ornamental borders, lawns, and topiary.

This is a rare opportunity to work in a varied and historic horticultural setting within a supportive, professional small team.

As Ornamental Gardener, you will work closely with the Head Gardener, assisting across the estate with a wide range of horticultural tasks. The role offers scope to develop your skills in both ornamental and wider estate gardening while contributing to the care and evolution of a high-quality landscape.

This position will particularly suit someone looking to deepen their plant knowledge and refine the practical skills needed to cultivate a broad and diverse collection of plants and garden features.

Main Responsibilities

• Undertake hands-on seasonal maintenance and development of ornamental beds, borders, paths, and horticultural features.
• Assist with and complete key duties in the wider grounds, working to high horticultural standards.
• Contribute to the planning, development, and improvement of the ornamental garden in collaboration with the Head Gardener.
• Oversee and participate in the day-to-day cultivation of the plant collection.
• Support projects, share ideas, and deliver maintenance and improvement works as part of the garden team.

Typical Tasks (depending on season and operational needs):

• Maintenance of mixed shrubs, herbaceous borders, wall climbers, and roses (dividing, staking, tying-in, pruning, feeding, watering).
• Weeding, mulching, and seasonal pruning.
• Pest and disease control (using organic methods where possible).
• Planting and maintenance of shrubs, specimen trees, and containers for seasonal display.
• Topiary trimming, grass mowing, and leaf clearance.
• Maintenance of ornamental paths and garden features.
• Assistance with greenhouse management, irrigation systems, and water features.
• Composting and recycling of garden waste.
• Safe use and maintenance of garden machinery, hand tools, and equipment.
• Compliance with Health & Safety regulations, ensuring personal and team safety at all times.
• Any additional tasks as directed by the Head or Senior Gardener.

Person Specification

Essential:

• RHS Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) with at least 3–5 years' experience in private estates or horticulturally diverse gardens.
• Strong ornamental plant knowledge and excellent plant identification skills.
• Demonstrable experience in growing and maintaining flowers, borders, and ornamental features to a high standard.
• Competent in the use and of a wide range of horticultural machinery and hand tools/equipment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Good IT literacy and clear written/verbal communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for historic gardens and garden design.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Physically fit and able to undertake manual horticultural work.

Desirable:

• RHS Level 3 qualification
• PA1 & PA6 spraying certificates.
• Tractor / ATV driving
• Basic first aid training

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about ornamental horticulture and creating aesthetically beautiful, nature-rich gardens.
• Keen eye for detail and a commitment to high standards of craftsmanship.
• Practical, adaptable, and proactive with a positive "can-do" approach.
• Professional, tidy, and presentable, with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Respectful of discretion and confidentiality in a private estate setting.
• Cooperative and enthusiastic, with a positive team spirit
• Willingness to take direction and follow instructions when required
• Able to work independently and take ownership of tasks
• High energy and motivation with strong attention to detail
• Proactive "can-do" attitude and good time management
• Strong work ethic, integrity, and discretion
• Commitment to personal development and training

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £25,000.00-£29,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company pension
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person