Job Title: Sole Gardener / Handyperson (Live-in)
Location: Marden, Kent
Salary: £35,000 – £37,000 per annum + Rent-free 2-bedroom accommodation (bills included)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Overview:
A unique and rewarding opportunity has arisen for an experienced and multi-skilled Sole Gardener/Handyperson to maintain a traditional and charming private estate garden in Marden, Kent, on behalf of a warm and appreciative private owner. This live-in position includes a rent-free two-bedroom flat, with all utilities and council tax covered by the employer.

The Garden:
Set within two acres of formal gardens and surrounded by paddocks and farmland, the property includes:

• A kitchen garden with a glasshouse and polytunnel
• Extensive lawns, mixed borders, and flower beds
• Mature native trees (Sycamore, Scots pine, Holly, Horse Chestnut)
• A traditional rose arbor
• Two ponds with Koi Carp, requiring knowledge of aquatic plant and fish care

This is a private garden, not open to the public, and while not a "show garden", it embodies the character of a classic English country setting.

Key Responsibilities:

Horticultural Duties:

• Full seasonal management of all planted areas, including borders, lawns, hedges, and trees
• Propagation, kitchen gardening, and greenhouse management
• Pest and disease identification and treatment
• Care and management of aquatic ecosystems (ponds)
• Maintain potted plants, hanging baskets, and indoor house plants
• Pruning, mulching, fertilising, and weeding as appropriate

Handyperson Duties:

• General estate and building maintenance, including basic DIY and decorating
• Weekly winding of turret clocks and coach house clocking machines
• Fire preparation, bin rotation, and property checks
• Monitoring and light maintenance of classic car collection (cleaning, moving, battery management)
• Cleaning of windows, gutters, driveways, garages, and patios
• Assisting tradespeople and managing service visits
• Painting of exterior ironwork and gates when necessary
• Co-managing tenants at a nearby lodge and maintaining their front garden

Additional Duties:

• Ordering garden and household supplies as needed
• Supporting with occasional private events on the property
• Occasional weekend watering during hot weather or periods of absence
• General site security and property awareness

Requirements:

• Academic qualification in horticulture (Level 2 or higher) preferred – experienced candidates without qualifications will also be considered
• Strong plant knowledge and seasonal garden management experience
• Skilled in propagation, pruning (including roses and young trees), and vegetable growing
• Competent in the safe use and maintenance of garden machinery
• Chainsaw licence (CS30-31) and PA1/PA6 spray certificates are required
• Full UK driving licence and own transport (due to rural location)
• Basic understanding of pond and aquatic ecosystem care is desirable
• Self-motivated, and highly organised
• Positive, flexible, and discreet personality with a strong work ethic
• Comfortable working independently and living on-site

Working Hours & Benefits:

• Monday to Friday (7:30am – 5:00pm) with 1 hour for lunch
• No scheduled weekend work, though some flexibility required for seasonal tasks
• 20 days annual leave + 8 UK bank holidays
• Live-in accommodation: 2-bedroom flat adjacent to the main house (not suitable for children or pets)
• All rent, utilities, council tax, and bills covered by the employer