Head Gardener

Job Description

HEAD GARDENER – HISTORIC GEORGIAN GARDENS, CENTRAL LONDON

A rare opportunity to lead the care and future of some of London’s most distinctive historic gardens.

The Bedford Estates is looking for an experienced and inspirational Head Gardener to lead the horticultural team caring for an exceptional collection of Georgian garden squares and green spaces in the heart of Bloomsbury. Combining heritage horticulture, biodiversity, team leadership and the challenge of developing beautiful gardens in a busy central London setting, this is a Head Gardener role unlike many others.

The role

You will take overall responsibility for the care, presentation and development of the Estate’s gardens, leading and developing the horticultural team while setting exceptional standards.

You will be both a leader and a hands-on gardener, with responsibilities including:

• Leading, motivating and developing the gardening team.

• Developing planting schemes and horticultural improvements.

• Maintaining exceptionally high horticultural and presentation standards.

• Planning seasonal work and long-term garden management.

• Supporting the gardens’ use as event spaces.

• Caring for historic landscapes while making them resilient for the future.

• Managing trees, shrubs, lawns, herbaceous planting and seasonal displays.

• Developing and implementing biodiversity and sustainable gardening practices.

• Managing contractors, resources, equipment and budgets effectively.

• Working with colleagues and stakeholders to help shape the future of the gardens and wider public realm.

About you

We are looking for an accomplished horticultural professional with:

• Significant professional horticultural experience ideally in a London setting.

• Proven experience of leading and developing a team.

• Excellent plant knowledge and practical horticultural skills.

• A strong interest in horticultural design and creating high-quality planting schemes.

• Experience in historic gardens, estates, parks or other high-quality gardens.

• Strong organisational and communication skills.

• A passion for biodiversity and sustainable horticulture.

• A genuine desire to combine heritage stewardship with fresh ideas and horticultural ambition.

A formal horticultural qualification and full valid driving licence are essential.

Why this role?

The Bedford Estates has cared for much of Bloomsbury since 1669. Today, its gardens are an important part of the character of this remarkable area of London. For the right person, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact on a distinctive collection of Georgian gardens, developing your team, raising horticultural standards and ensuring these special landscapes continue to flourish for generations to come. If you are passionate about great gardens, great teams and the opportunity to practise exceptional horticulture in the heart of London, we would love to hear from you.