The role:
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Borde Hill team as Senior Walled Kitchen Gardener, overseeing the restoration of our one acre biodynamic Victorian Walled Garden. Award winning Garden Designer Ann-Marie Powell has redesigned the space, leading with edimental planting which celebrates the principles of ‘rare and unusual’ that define Borde Hill’s horticultural legacy. The design introduces a tapestry of heritage varieties and companion planting schemes that will transform this historic space into a dynamic growing environment. From the restored fruit-trained walls to intimate dining spaces nestled among the plantings, every element has been carefully considered to create moments of discovery.
The Walled Garden will be focused on a progressive fusion approach, using edimental planting for aesthetic purposes, some of which will be available for harvesting. This space will be exclusively open to those dining at the new field to fork restaurant ‘Cordia’ due to open at the end of this year, therefore high ornamental and cultivation practices are essential throughout the season.
You will also be working closely with our Senior Grower at the four acre biodynamic Market Garden located at Sugworth Farm on Borde Hill Estate, to produce ‘field to fork’ seasonal fruit and vegetables supplying the restaurant and cafes.
You will be joining us at the implementation stage of this exciting project and if you are a passionate horticulturalist with creative flair, have a strong working knowledge of Walled Gardens with ornamental garden experience, and are looking for a career highlight, then this could be the job for you.
Your main duties will include:
- Oversee a small team including volunteers and students, supported by the Head Gardener
- Collaborate with the Market Garden Senior Grower, and Chef, to ensure ready supply of productive crops to the ‘field to fork’ offer, as well as the sowing of annual ornamental planting.
- Work within the standards of Demeter and attend annual inspections, preparing all of the paperwork and keeping records of Biodynamic spraying activities.
- Be responsible for the care of all plants within the walled garden, and the indoor plants within the glasshouse restaurant and cafe
- Contribute to Borde Hill’s wider work as a member of the Garden Team, actively participating in scheduled and ad hoc departmental meetings with the Head Gardener, General Manager and the Managing Director.
- Delegated authority for annual budgets for the Walled Garden supported by the Head Gardener and Finance Team.
Salary: 28,000, dependent on experience
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Holiday entitlement: 32 days pro rata (including Bank Holidays)
To apply: email your CV & covering letter to: [email protected]
If you are in employment, please include your current notice period.
Closing date: 7th February 2025
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