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.
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