Head Estate Gardener

Welwyn Garden City, England, United Kingdom

7/17/2025

Brocket Hall is a historic and prestigious 543-acre estate, home to two championship golf courses, a luxury restaurant, and one of England's finest stately homes. With heritage gardens, formal landscapes, woodlands, water features, and ornamental planting, the estate is a showcase of horticultural beauty and tradition.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Head Gardener to lead our dedicated gardening team and ensure the estate grounds remain immaculate and inspiring for our members, guests, and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day care, maintenance, and development of all estate gardens and grounds including formal gardens, borders, water features, and heritage landscapes
• Design and implement seasonal planting schemes, manage ornamental beds, lawns, topiary, trees, and historic garden elements
• Manage a small team of gardeners, apprentices, and seasonal staff - delegating tasks, providing training, and upholding high standards of work
• Ensure all horticultural practices adhere to sustainability and environmental best practices
• Oversee maintenance of tools, machinery, irrigation systems, and glasshouses
• Monitor plant health and manage pest, disease, and weed control in a safe and effective manner
• Work collaboratively with the wider estate team, including events, golf, and facilities, to coordinate garden presentation and logistics
• Manage the horticultural budget, procurement of supplies, and liaise with suppliers and contractors where needed
• Uphold and promote health & safety, COSHH, and risk assessment protocols
  
  

Requirements

• Proven experience in managing extensive historic or high-profile gardens, ideally on a private estate or public venue
• Strong leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to inspire and manage a small team
• Excellent plant knowledge, garden design sensibility, and practical hands-on gardening skills
• Knowledge of garden machinery, irrigation systems, and sustainable practices
• A proactive, creative, and detail-oriented approach
• Flexibility to work across weekends, special events, or seasonal demands as needed
  
  

Benefits

• Pension Plans
• Training & Development
• Strong career progression
• Enrolment in Brocket Hall staff benefits program
• Complimentary use of golf and leisure facilities