Experienced Gardener
Experienced Gardener
A wonderful opportunity has arisen to join a passionate and friendly garden team caring for the award-winning Newby Hall Gardens, one of the finest privately owned gardens in the North of England.
Newby Hall & Gardens
About us:
Newby Hall is one of the most well-loved gardens in North Yorkshire. The formal gardens extend to circa 25 acres. The garden you see today was created in the 1920’s and has been extended and developed by three generations of the Compton family. The award-winning gardens are of international renown, most recently being named Garden of the Year in 2019 – the only garden to have won this award twice. The famous 172m double herbaceous borders, the longest of their kind in a private garden, form the central axis of the garden alongside which, smaller compartmentalised gardens unfold. While the garden is home to extensive plant collections, most notably the National Collection of flowering Cornus, there is always room for development, with a major focus of recent years being the restoration of the 1914 Rock Garden, which is coming to the end of a 6 year long redevelopment project. In addition to the formal gardens, there are two heritage orchards totalling around 7 acres and two ornamental woodlands comprising of an additional 25 acres.
Opened to the public in the 1950s, the garden currently receives around 100,000 visitors per year, with the Hall and Gardens opening from the 1st April through to the end of September. The Estate hosts numerous events throughout the open season, culminating with the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show which brings circa 25,000 garden lovers through the gates.
Overview of position:
As an Experienced Gardener, in conjunction with the Head Gardener, Senior Gardener and other members of staff and volunteers, you will be responsible for assisting with the day to day maintenance of the garden at Newby Hall. This extends to all aspects of garden maintenance, from weeding and pruning to planting and redevelopment of garden areas, as well as assisting with hedge and grass cutting and pesticide application to a lesser extent. Annually the garden team plant circa 6,000 annuals and tender perennials along with 18,000 spring flowering bulbs in the garden and display pots.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in planting and pruning.
- Maintain garden beds by weeding, mulching and fertilising as needed.
- Perform regular inspections to identify and address pest or disease issues promptly.
- Operate and maintain gardening equipment and tools safely.
- Collaborate with the Head Gardener, Senior Gardener and other team members to execute day to day maintenance and projects efficiently.
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation within the garden area.
- Be ambassadors for Newby Hall and provide excellent customer service when interacting with visitors.
Experience, Skills & Qualification
- As a trained, professional horticulturist, you will possess great plant knowledge, demonstrable knowledge and experience in all aspects of ornamental horticulture such as pruning, planting and border maintenance.
- You will hold a recognised horticultural qualification, RHS Level 3 or equivalent, while experience and certification in the safe operation of a range of garden machinery such as tractors, gators and lawnmowers and a Pa1/6 spraying certificate is desirable.
- You must have the ability to manage your time effectively and efficiently, be able to prioritise workload and be happy working independently or as part of a team.
- You must have the ability to perform physical tasks in various weather conditions.
- Strong attention to detail and a passion for horticulture.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- A full driving licence is essential due to the location of the Estate away from reliable public transport services.
This is a permanent position, working hours are 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday to Friday (weekend watering on a rota with time in Lieu). Salary £25,749. 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays. A generous staff discount is offered in our shop and restaurant as well as access to all public events held on the estate.
Please apply in writing with a covering letter explaining why you think you are the perfect candidate along with a CV with relevant horticultural experience and contact details to Head Gardener, Lawrence Wright at The Estate Office, Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE or by email to admin@newbyhall.com
The closing date for applications is Sunday 1st June 2025, however, the advert may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.
