Head Gardener

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head Gardener to join the team in the Heart of Cornwall portfolio, managing and caring for three exceptional gardens.

We are looking for someone to bring their passion, specialist knowledge and expertise to lead a fantastic team in caring for three beautiful yet distinct gardens at Trelissick, Glendurgan and Trerice to the highest standards, as well as enhancing access and enjoyment for local and international visitors all year round.  

What it's like to work here

Trelissick estate is set on its own peninsula, with panoramic views over the Fal estuary. The woodland garden comprises meandering paths, exotic planting, sweeping lawns and herbaceous borders bursting with colour. At the heart of the garden lies a two-acre walled garden, once famed as the ‘fruit garden of Cornwall’. For decades, this former kitchen garden has sat dormant and inaccessible. Now we have an incredibly exciting opportunity to breathe new life back into this space in the coming years, as well as developing and empowering the team to care for a flagship garden.

At Glendurgan, three valleys join into one to create an incredibly unique garden, in which a beautiful and intriguing blend of exotic and native plants thrive. There are impressive plants and natural beauty to be discovered at every turn, including the historic laurel maze planted 200 years ago by the Fox family, the creators of the garden.

Hidden away down a Cornish country lane, Trerice is home to a small but varied garden. From the formal knot garden, inspired by grand Elizabethan ceilings, to the wilderness of the mowhay where wildlife thrives, the garden at Trerice is full of variety. Its sense of tranquility is enhanced by informal cottage borders, a productive potager garden and a Cornish orchard.  

Reporting to the General Manager, you’ll be part of the Property Leadership Team holding accountability for day-to-day maintenance and long-term planning for the gardens. You’ll set and deliver your own operating and conservation budgets and be responsible for the safety and compliance within the garden. The garden/office split is anticipated to be 60/40. 

What you'll be doing

As Head Gardener for the Heart of Cornwall, not only will you lead an ambitious garden restoration project at Trelissick, you’ll also be responsible for the whole garden operation across the portfolio, leading and inspiring a staff team of 11 and over 50 garden volunteers. We are looking for someone who puts people at the heart of what they do, regularly sharing their knowledge and experience with others, and is committed to team learning and development, as well as their own. 

You’ll work closely with the visitor experience team to champion our cause and engage visitors with the beauty, nature and narratives of our gardens. You’ll support an inclusive culture, where everyone feels a positive sense of belonging and pride for the part they play. You’ll work with property teams to make changes that improve access to the garden. You’ll have a close working relationship with experts from our internal consultancy and will connect yourself externally to ensure you are always learning from others, identifying partnership opportunities where relevant, and sharing knowledge and skills.

Who we're looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you have: 

• significant practical horticultural experience supported by appropriate qualifications to at least RHS level 3 or above (or equivalent vocational experience) 

• Experience of managing a diverse garden throughout the seasons and able to draw on your excellent knowledge of plants and plant care 

• Knowledge and understanding of the conservation of historic landscapes and the ability to work with key management documents including Statement of Significance, Conservation Management  Plan and the Garden Management Plan in order to retain as well as build upon the garden’s unique character

• Experience of personal contribution to the development and delivery of interventions and/or programming within gardens and the outdoors to enhance visitor engagement, drive visitor growth or  deepen community connections

• Good communication skills, enabling positive relationships to be built and maintained externally and internally 

• Great leadership skills with experience of managing and supporting teams of staff and volunteers 

• Experience with managing operational risk and compliance requirements relevant to horticulture

• Commitment to working as part of a wider team to build a culture of inclusion

• Experience with managing resources, budgets and work plans to ensure quality delivery

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• EV car lease scheme 

• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Employee assistance programme

• Free parking at most Trust places.