A Skilled Head Gardener required for a large private garden in South County Dublin
The estate, at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, is one of the finest private gardens in Ireland, with many interesting features and a unique microclimate. The 18-acre property contains historic elements, naturalistic and formal planting and includes meadow, woodland, river garden, extensive herbaceous areas, formal hedging and lawns, a walled garden with fruit, hot and cool gardens, a rose garden and other areas. It is gardened to a very high standard with attention to fine detail.
The Candidate:
- The ideal candidate will be creative and innovative and have a sense of excitement for ongoing and future projects
- They will have a broad knowledge and passion for plants, with an understanding of current ideas in planting design
- They will be self-motivated, physically fit and able to work efficiently while observing the finer details
- They will be sensitive towards the historic and biodiverse elements of the garden and landscape
- They will have good team skills
Responsibilities will include:
- Managing and motivating the team of 1 full-time and 2 part-time staff
- Managing the day-to-day, year-round maintenance of the garden, including planting and maintaining large herbaceous areas with artistry and flair
- Managing the continuing development of the garden, while working closely with the owners and the garden consultant
- Propagating plants
- Maintaining records for the garden, machinery, and health and safety
- Managing the garden budget and ordering plant material and other sundries when necessary
- Liaising regularly with the estate manager
- Planting containers for seasonal interest
- Providing flowers for the house
Requirements:
- A recognised qualification in horticulture and relevant experience of at least 5 years
- A significant ability managing and fine-tuning perennial and other planting schemes
- Propagating skills
- Pruning experience
- Turf maintenance skills
- Familiarity with glasshouse and polytunnel culture
- Familiarity with organic principles and sustainable practice
- Knowledge of Latin plant names
Go to HorticultureJobs to apply to this job.
