Job Opportunity - Gardens
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About Us
Preston Hall Estate is excited to welcome a new Gardener to the Walled Garden. This is an opportunity to join the estate at an exciting time as we continue to develop and improve the existing gardens. We are located just outside Pathhead, Midlothian, within easy reach of Edinburgh by car. The walled gardens form part of an 18th and 19th century designed landscape and are of outstanding architectural interest. Currently, the gardens consist of extensive herbaceous borders, mature trees and shrubs, and a glasshouse containing grapevines, figs, and stone fruits. Whilst it is largely a private garden, at present we are open for events such as weddings, by appointment for tours, and on designated open days throughout the year. The responsibilities of the role lie mainly within the walled garden and Flower Garden, though on occasion there may be some requirement to work around the holiday lets or Preston Hall itself.
About You
Working closely alongside our Head Gardener this is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to increase their expertise and develop knowledge, though you will also have a resourceful nature and the ability to work under your own initiative. You will have the ability to guide seasonal staff and volunteers in their work. As our programme of events increases, you may be expected to facilitate as required, and so the ability and confidence to interact with garden users during garden events is required. Due to the nature of the role you will need to be comfortable with physical work, uneven ground, and potentially walking over long distances to different areas of the surrounding estate and properties. We would expect you to be willing to observe health and safety procedures set out by Preston Hall Estate in
Key aptitudes to include:
· Some experience of gardening in a professional setting is essential, as is a recognised qualification
Weeding and border maintenance, to include deadheading and staking
Experience with use of hand tools such as spades, forks, mattocks, rakes, hoes etc
Hedge cutting, strimming: experience in the use of garden machinery such as strimmers, pedestrian mowers, leaf blowers, hedge cutters is essential
Planting – both perennials and containers
Soil care to include mulching
Some knowledge of fruit and vegetable production
Knowledge of appropriate pruning times and training techniques
Propagation – knowledge of different propagation techniques
Cutting back of herbaceous perennials
Watering of glasshouse, and container displays both in the garden and on the wider estate
Operation of compact tractor with front loader and tipping trailer/RTV
· Ability to adhere to good Health and Safety procedures, and the ability to work effectively within these parameters
Attention to detail and the ability to leave a tidy finish
A willingness to work in all weathers
· A full clean driving license valid for driving within the UK is essential due to the location of the estate and the nature of the role
Key Information
· You will be working four days a week, ideally Tuesday to Friday. You may be asked to help out very occasionally at weekends
· Salary is £26,424 pro rata
How to Apply
If you feel like you would be a good fit for the role, please send a CV and covering letter outlining your suitability to Kate@prestonhall.co.uk