Head Gardener/ Estate Horticulturist

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Head Gardener/ Estate Horticulturist
Location: Fairfax County, Virginia
Property: Private 7-acre estate
Reports to: Property Owner

Overview

A private 7-acre estate in Fairfax County is seeking a skilled and thoughtful Head Gardener to steward and maintain a diverse collection of established gardens.

This is a hands-on horticulture role , focused on plant health, seasonal care, and long-term garden development. The property includes multiple designed garden spaces, including a formal English-style border, kitchen garden, and several distinct landscape areas.

This is not a facilities or commercial property management role.
Candidates must have strong plant knowledge and experience working directly in gardens.

Property & Gardens Include

• Formal English-style border garden
• Kitchen garden with annuals and edibles
• Reflection pool garden
• Pool deck garden
• Front-of-house garden
• Secret entrance court garden
• Wooded lawn garden
• Lawns, hedges, and mature trees throughout

Key Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on care of all garden areas, including planting, pruning, dividing, and general horticultural maintenance
• Manage and work alongside a small garden team (2 staff members)
• Execute seasonal garden tasks and plan weekly work schedules
• Maintain plant health, soil quality, and overall garden presentation
• Perform and oversee pruning of perennials, shrubs, and small trees
• Manage irrigation systems and monitor site conditions (sun, moisture, drainage)
• Address environmental challenges with thoughtful strategies
• Coordinate mulching, composting, and bed preparation
• Assist with plant replacements and ongoing refinement of planting areas
• Maintain tools and equipment

Desired Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in estate gardening, public gardens, or high-end residential landscapes
• Strong plant knowledge, particularly perennials, shrubs, trees, and English-style borders
• Knowledge of seasonal garden care in the Mid-Atlantic (Zone 7a)
• Comfort working hands-on in all weather conditions
• Attention to detail and pride in presentation
• Ability to plan ahead while adapting to weather and site conditions
• Formal horticultural training or degree preferred but not required

Personal Attributes

• Calm, organized, and observant
• Self-motivated with excellent time management
• Respectful of a private estate environment
• Passion for plants, garden structure, design, and long-term stewardship

Additional Information

• The current garden manager is available to assist with transition and knowledge transfer
• This role offers the opportunity to steward a thoughtfully designed property and guide its continued development over time

Compensation

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in estate gardening. References may be requested.

This position offers the opportunity to steward a thoughtfully designed property and continue developing a mature garden with strong bones and long-term potential.