The Bressingham Gardens are on the hunt for a new head gardener to take on the role of managing the renowned 17-acre gardens. The position is planned to start in early 2023.
This is a brand new position for Bressingham, which will encompass work currently carried out by both Jamie Blake, head gardener of the Dell Garden and Adrian Bloom, head gardener to his own garden at Foggy Bottom.
The Bressingham Gardens are well known for Alan Bloom’s Dell Garden and Adrian Bloom’s adjacent garden at Foggy Bottom. Originally created on grazing farmland to display the plants grown at the Blooms of Bressingham Nursery, the gardens now feature over 8000 species and varieties of plants.
Alan Bloom, founder of the family nursery, planted the first beds of the Dell Garden in 1953. Now numbering 48 beds and covering 6 acres, the Dell Garden is packed full of inspiration on how to grow perennials.
In 1962, Adrian joined the family business and began planting on the site of an empty meadow in 1966. This would become the gardens of Foggy Bottom and show experiments in planting for year round colour and the use of conifers and heathers.
Other areas at Bressingham include the Summer Garden, Adrian’s Wood, the Fragrant Garden and the Winter Garden.
The role
The successful candidate will be expected to not only have a passion for plants, but a passion for people, customers, visitors and above all garden staff and volunteers. Both Jamie Blake and Adrian Bloom, although stepping away from their roles, will help support the candidate in this challenging new position.
To be in with a chance of landing this role, you’ll need to be a trained gardener or horticulturalist and have a good level of practical experience. The criteria include:
- An RHS Level 3 certificate
- Excellent knowledge of plant husbandry
- Experience and confidence working with and managing garden staff
- proficient communication skills
- Confidence with machinery and equipment use
- Knowledge of health and safety
- PA1 & PA6 qualifications
For the full job description, or to apply, visit the Bressingham Gardens website by clicking here.