Situated on the boundary between Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, the garden, which opens for the National Garden Scheme and other charitable events, has been featured in publications such as House & Garden and Gardens Illustrated.
The position has become vacant due to the retirement of the incumbent Head Gardener, who has worked at the estate for 15 years.
The gardens and estate are rich and diverse, blending traditional and contemporary styles. They include a formal parterre, a walled kitchen/cutting garden with a large greenhouse, a pool garden, substantial herbaceous borders, a formal rose garden, topiary, water features, parkland with old specimen trees.
The role
The successful candidate will take a leading role in the maintenance, development, and creative enhancement of these gardens and landscapes, working closely with the estate owners. This hands-on position would suit an experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic person with a keen eye for detail, exceptional attention to detail, and strong background in horticulture.
As Head Gardener, you will be responsible for leading and mentoring a team of two gardeners and a part-time helper (two days per week). Key responsibilities:
- Kitchen and cut flower gardening, including growing a wide range of vegetables and flowers for the
house. Growing includes greenhouse propagation (Alitex greenhouse used for overwintering, propagation, and growing tomatoes, aubergines, peppers) - Lawn care and maintenance
- Species-specific pruning of trees and shrubs
- Herbaceous border maintenance across varied planting schemes
- Water feature maintenance, including formal ponds, fountains, and a large wildlife pond with marginal
plantings. - Wildflower meadow maintenance and creation
- Operating and maintaining garden machinery (including a compact tractor with loader)
- Care of trained fruit trees, wall shrubs, hedges, and topiary
- General woodland and parkland management
The candidate
The position is for an experienced candidate, at Head Gardener level, with a minimum Level 3 qualification in Horticulture. You will be competent in both ornamental and productive gardening. You will demonstrate exceptional organisational skills, self-motivation, proactive approach and respectful of a private family environment. A flexible and positive attitude, coupled with a can-do mindset, is essential for this role.
- Location: Private Estate near Thame (Bucks/Oxon Border)
- Hours: Full-time, permanent position – Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
- Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
- Benefits: 20 days paid holiday plus bank holidays, pension scheme
Applicants are requested to send their CV and covering letter to Philip Kusmishko, Head Gardener, phil@tythrop.co.uk
