Gardener jobs in Fawley

Part-Time Head Gardener – Patrick’s Patch, Beaulieu

Professional horticulture role – 3 days per week

About Us
Patrick’s Patch is a highly productive fruit and vegetable garden located in the heart of Beaulieu Village. Open year-round to the public, it serves as both an educational resource and a working garden, supplying fresh, seasonal produce directly to Steff’s Kitchen, our on-site café.

The garden operates organically, using a mix of traditional and modern techniques to ensure sustainable production. A team of dedicated volunteers supports the garden’s daily upkeep, working alongside the Head Gardener to maintain productivity and visitor engagement.

About the Role
We are looking for a skilled horticulturist to take hands-on leadership of Patrick’s Patch. This is a part-time position, working three days per week (21 hours), including some Saturdays. Seasonal flexibility will be beneficial to meet growing demands.

This is not a hobby gardening role. It requires professional expertise in productive fruit and vegetable growing to ensure a consistent supply of fresh produce for the café.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and manage seasonal crop production, ensuring a steady supply of fresh fruit, vegetables, and cut flowers for Steff’s Kitchen.
• Use organic growing techniques to maintain soil health, control pests, and maximise yield.
• Carry out all aspects of garden maintenance, including soil preparation, planting, pruning, composting, and harvesting.
• Lead and coordinate a team of volunteers, ensuring tasks are carried out efficiently and providing guidance where needed.
• Engage with visitors, school groups, and the local community, offering insight into sustainable food production and organic growing.
• Maintain regular communication with the café and garden centre team to align growing schedules with kitchen needs.

About You
The ideal candidate will have:

• Formal horticultural training or at least three years of hands-on experience in productive fruit and vegetable growing.
• A strong understanding of organic growing techniques, soil management, and sustainable practices.
• The ability to plan and manage a productive kitchen garden, ensuring a reliable seasonal supply.
• Experience leading and working alongside volunteers, providing motivation and guidance.
• Confidence in engaging with the public, including school groups and visitors.
• A self-motivated and organised approach, capable of working independently while collaborating with the wider team.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a unique, community-focused environment in the beautiful New Forest.
• Be part of a professional horticultural role with a clear focus on food production.
• Lead and inspire a loyal team of volunteers.
• Work in a garden that embraces sustainability, organic growing, and education.
• Enjoy a flexible part-time schedule, free parking, and staff discounts.

This is a part-time position: 21 hours per week, across three days (including some Saturdays), with some flexibility for seasonal growing needs.

Location: Patrick’s Patch, Fairweather’s Garden Centre, Beaulieu

If you are a skilled horticulturist with a passion for growing productive crops for a working kitchen, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: From £15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 21 per week

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Experience:

• Gardening: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 04/04/2025