Head Gardener, Garrison, NY

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

 Compensation: $100,000 to $120,000 per year

An historic estate built in 1919 in the Hudson Highlands in Garrison, NY, is seeking an experienced Head Gardener to oversee the maintenance and development of the garden. This is a full-time position with benefits and the possibility of housing on the property. The 120-acre estate features magnificent views of the Hudson River and approximately seven acres of gardens including perennial beds, a rose garden, a shade garden, a walled kitchen and cutting garden, a small orchard, meadows, woodland trails, several water features, a glass conservatory attached to the main house, as well as a 1400 sq ft greenhouse and a holding nursery.

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Manage the planting and maintenance of the gardens
  • Supervise full- and part-time gardeners and landscape crews
  • Identify and plan removal of weeds and invasives throughout the property
  • Work with Facility/Landscape manager on proactively monitoring and treating tree, shrub and turf issues including pests and pathogens.
  • Work with Facility/Landscape manager to maintain gravel pathways, woodland pathways and turf areas
  • Develop, execute and maintain the display of container plants around the property
  • Manage propagation and plant collection in the greenhouse and nursery
  • Select and source plant material and other horticultural products and tools as needed
  • Manage the pruning of shrubs, roses, vines, and trees with best practices for health and desired aesthetic value.
  • Manage manual irrigation needs as well as monitor automatic irrigation systems
  • Schedule and oversee vendors such as arborists and landscape contractors as needed
  • Provide weekly work reports to owners and Estate Manager.

Qualifications/Requirements

Landscape designers Arne Maynard and Lindsey Taylor have worked on the gardens of Cat Rock for nearly ten years, and the Head Gardener will be responsible for working with them to maintain and bring to fruition the existing gardens, as well as establishing a significant amount of newly planted gardens. The Head Gardener will work closely with the Estate Manager and Facilities/ Landscape Manager, outside contractors, and the owners, as well as supervise a staff of three to five full- and part-time gardeners. Applicants must have a firm grasp of horticultural practices and landscape management, as well as an aesthetic understanding of gardens. Attention to detail, the ability to multi-task and clear communication skills are essential.

Contact Information

Cat Rock, Garrison, NY
Contact Name: Ruth Haworth
Email: headgardenergarrisonny@gmail.com