Opportunities
Horticultural Assistant
We’re looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Horticultural Assistant to join the team at Careys Secret Garden, Wareham, Dorset.
Careys is a unique 3.5-acre Victorian walled garden managed with nature and sustainability at its heart. Our approach is peat-free, pesticide-free and focused on creating a beautiful, biodiverse garden that works with wildlife rather than against it.
This is a varied, hands-on role working across both Careys Secret Garden and our Careys Secret Botanicals Nursery in Rempstone, so no two days are likely to be quite the same.
The role
Working alongside our horticultural team, you’ll help with the day-to-day care, development and presentation of the gardens and nursery.
Your work will include general garden maintenance, planting, propagation and plant care, pruning, weeding, watering and seasonal tasks, as well as helping to maintain our high standards across a garden that is open to the public.
You'll also support work at our nursery, helping to grow and care for plants destined for the gardens and for sale online.
Because Careys is a visitor attraction as well as a working garden, horticulture here isn't always behind the scenes. Our gardeners are an important part of the visitor experience, and there may be opportunities to talk to visitors, answer questions and share your knowledge. Applicants who are confident and comfortable speaking to groups or an audience will therefore be particularly welcome.
As Careys Secret Garden and Botanicals occasionally take part in external events and exhibitions, we welcome applications from candidates with experience in plant fairs and installations.
About you
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has practical experience working in horticulture or a similar professional gardening role and any relevant formal qualifications.
- Has a good working knowledge of plants and general horticultural practices.
- Is confident carrying out practical, physical work outdoors throughout the seasons.
- Can work independently as well as being part of a small team.
- Is organised, reliable and able to use their initiative.
- Shares our interest in sustainable, wildlife-friendly and nature-led horticulture.
- Is friendly and approachable, particularly when working around members of the public.
- Ideally feels comfortable sharing horticultural knowledge with visitors and small groups.
Essential
The role involves regular work at both Careys Secret Garden and our nursery, so applicants must have their own vehicle and be able to travel between the two sites as required. You may also be required to occasionally transport plants and materials between the two sites.
Why Careys?
Careys isn't a conventional visitor garden. We're constantly learning, experimenting and adapting the way we garden in response to wildlife, biodiversity and our changing climate.
You'll be joining a small, passionate team and will have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of a very special and unique garden, rather than simply maintaining an established landscape.
If you're an experienced horticulturist who enjoys getting stuck in, loves plants and nature, and would like to help shape the next chapter of Careys Secret Garden, we'd love to hear from you.
To apply: Please send us your CV along with a short introduction telling us about your horticultural experience and why you'd like to work at Careys Secret Garden.
Location: Wareham, Dorset
Driving: Own vehicle essential
Full Time Hours Available.
Salary: £26,500–£30,000 per annum, depending on experience and agreed working hours. The salary range is based on a 40-hour week and will be pro-rated where fewer hours are worked.
Application Deadline: 30th September 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 5th October 2026
Please send your CV and covering letter hello@careyssecretgarden.co.uk
Volunteer
Fancy getting your hands dirty in a truly magical setting?
Become a volunteer at Careys Secret Garden and be part of something special.
Whether you’re passionate about plants, love meeting new people, or simply want to spend more time in nature, volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved.
As a thank you, our volunteers receive free garden membership, plus exclusive discounts on events, workshops, retail items and plant sales.
Join our friendly team, learn new skills, and help this secret sanctuary thrive!
To register your interest please email Dan on dan@careyssecretgarden.co.uk. Please include your full name, address, contact number and availability.
Careys Secret Garden is proud to be a leader in moving beyond sustainability within our community. By demonstrating that it is possible to enhance nature and create economic benefit Careys Secret Garden hopes to be an example locally to empower our community and encourage a more beneficial relationship between nature and people. From growing our plants in peat-free soil, using eco-friendly packaging, managing waste responsibly, employing sustainable facilities, and sourcing locally, we are making a positive impact on the environment in real terms. However, we hope also to inspire all generations in creating a more harmonious world. We invite our visitors and community to join us in our commitment to restoring nature and having fun whilst we do it.
Sustainable, Ethical and Responsible Business of the Year 2024/2025
At Careys Secret Garden, we are deeply committed to environmental stewardship and to move beyond sustainability into regeneration. Our goal is to create a thriving garden that not only delights our visitors but also restores and nurtures the natural world.