The renowned Foggy Bottom Garden, laid out in the 1960s consists of a 6 acre all-season garden with famous conifer and mature trees, perennial borders, pond and (in progress) Japanese garden. The surrounding 10 acre gardens, which includes the Grade II listed Georgian manor, Bressingham Hall, are partly curated with Adrian Bloom’s original plant collections, North American wood and wild flower meadows. Bloom is a lifelong gardener, creator and designer of Bressingham Gardens. The gardens, which are visited by 65,000 visitors annually are owned by Bloom Nurseries.
The new Senior Gardener will work with the Head gardener, garden team and volunteers, taking an active role in the presentation, diverse work programme and ongoing development of the gardens. The work involves the maintenance of a sympathetic, creative and beautiful garden in the Bloom tradition. You will be flexible and sensitive in respecting Bressingham Gardens traditions and have the imagination to retain and adapt these as necessary.
As a Senior Gardener you will be managing specific areas of the garden, ensuring the health and conservation of valuable plant collections. Coupled with strong horticultural discipline, you will, in conjunction with Adrian Bloom, develop and implement creative and artistic planting schemes which are sympathetic to the garden’s unique style. You will also be willing to work with the whole Garden team, in areas other than those you specifically manage, whenever required. You will fulfil a supporting role for the Head Gardener in developing and managing the garden team, including seasonal staff and volunteers. You will also assist in interpreting the garden to visitors through garden tours, and occasionally giving talks and lectures to local horticultural societies.
The candidate for the post of Senior Gardener, will have the relevant horticultural qualification (City & Guilds in Ornamental/Amenity Horticulture Level 3 or equivalent) with a minimum of three years of relevant experience in a heritage garden or recognised horticultural establishment. PA1 & PA6 certificates are a must. Good plant knowledge and management of plants in the garden landscape is key, as is extensive knowledge of horticulture and arboriculture principles and practices, including the use of garden equipment/machinery. Experience in maintenance on buildings, fences and machinery, is a big bonus.
- Full time: 39 hours per week, ability & willingness to work weekends, bank holidays & event days essential, when necessary.
- Reporting on a daily basis to Adrian Bloom
- Salary: £23,000 – £25,000 commensurate with experience
- Location: Diss, Norfolk, IP22 2AA
Full job and application details here.