📍 Projects Across the South West & Southern England

💰 £32,000–£40,000 per year + performance bonus

Who We Are
At Unique Projects Devon, we design and build some of the most distinctive outdoor spaces across the South of the UK. With over 15 years of experience and a reputation for delivering complex and challenging landscape schemes, we’re known for our attention to detail, professionalism, and collaborative approach. We are APL and HTA accredited and proud to have RHS-trained horticulturists in our team.

We’re expanding, and we are on the lookout for skilled landscapers to join our growing team. Whether you’re looking for a permanent role or prefer working freelance, we want to hear from you.

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About the Role

You’ll be part of a team delivering high-quality gardens and landscapes for private clients and commercial projects across Devon and beyond. From hard landscaping to soft planting, decking to garden structures, every day brings something different. You’ll need a solid understanding of construction, pride in your workmanship, and the ability to get stuck in whether working solo or in a crew.

Your work may include:

• Full hard landscaping works: setting out, foundations, paving, walls, steps
• Timber installations: fencing, pergolas, sleeper walls, decking (Millboard experience preferred)
• Groundworks & drainage installation
• Soft landscaping: turfing, planting, wildflower schemes
• Garden structures, outdoor kitchens, water features, lighting
• Site clearance and general prep
• Supporting the site manager and team leaders
• Contributing to maintenance and aftercare as needed

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What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years landscaping experience
• A strong portfolio or photographic evidence of your work
• A full UK driving licence
• Confident using tools, machinery and equipment
• Proactive and practical mindset
• Ability to follow plans and drawings
• Good communication and teamworking skills
• RHS Level 2/3 or other horticultural qualifications are a bonus
• Tickets for machinery, spraying, or chainsaw work are welcome

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What You’ll Get in Return

• A supportive team environment
• Training opportunities to develop your skills
• Performance bonuses
• Pension scheme (for employed roles)
• Health and wellbeing support
• Access to a range of interesting and high-end projects
• Opportunities to work on award-winning landscapes with some of the UK’s best designers

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This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to be proud of what they build.

Whether you're a seasoned landscaper or a skilled tradesperson with a passion for the outdoors, get in touch.

📩 Apply via email to ben@uniqueprojectsdevon.co.uk
📍 Based near Exeter, with projects across the South and South West

Unique Projects, renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and holistic approach, has consistently excelled in delivering highly confidential projects across various sectors, maintaining discretion, while working closely with clients, designers and project managers.

Exemplary Design & Execution

For over 15 years, Unique Projects has partnered with some of the most discerning clients and talented design teams to bring ambitious visions to life, often surpassing expectations set by seemingly impossible criteria. Whether it's a private garden or a large-scale commercial landscape, each project is met with the same level of professionalism and precision.

A Commitment To Confidential Collaboration

Unique Projects prides itself on its ability to manage sensitive projects. This dedication to discretion ensures that every aspect of a project, from the initial consultations to the final touch, is handled with the utmost confidentiality. This approach has solidified Unique Projects as a trusted partner in the industry, capable of managing high-profile projects without compromising the privacy or expectations of its clients.

Our Approach Remains Consistent

No matter the scale or scope, Unique Projects approaches each project with unwavering diligence and a commitment to excellence. The team’s ability to adapt to each project's unique demands, while maintaining consistent quality and confidentiality, sets them amongst the best in the field of landscape construction.

A Legacy of Trust and Excellence

This commitment to discretion and quality has not only earned the trust of our clients, but has also cemented Unique Projects’ reputation as a leader in delivering complex and sensitive schemes. The team’s expertise and discreet service ensure that every project is not just completed, but masterfully executed and true to the vision of each client and the brief.

Unique Projects Devon is a dynamic and exciting business providing high quality bespoke landscaping and garden care services throughout the Westcountry.

Due to our success and continual growth, we are now seeking a Head Gardener to work with our maintenance team to manage and further grow this very valuable and important arm to our business.  

Function & Purpose of Role

To manage the grounds and gardens on various sites along with assistance of our Master Gardeners team . The Head Gardener will be experienced in horticultural practices, able to operate a variety of equipment and has a comprehensive horticultural knowledge.

Must have a documented track record of capability to manage large & small gardens alike to a high standard and be able to support the Directors in the growth and development of the maintenance portfolio and the expansion of the team.  Testimonials and references from past clients will be desirable.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

Lead soft landscaping projects and maintenance, including-

• Tree, shrub and hedge planting
• Preparing ground and laying turf
• Preparing ground and sowing seed
• Ecology and wildlife projects
• Lawn Care, hedge care, plant care, pruning and tree care

Planting design & planning-

• New borders to be planted
• Redesigning & refreshing old borders
• Making constructive suggestions to clients and advise where necessary

Health and safety-

• Complies with own and Employer’s legal responsibilities for Health & Safety practices
• Understands the importance of risk assessment; completes required paperwork and ensures team compliance with measures to reduce risk and limit hazards
• Uses all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as issued
• Ensure safe working practice and use of PPE within own team
• Aware of requirements of the company’s Health & Safety policy

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Essential-

• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Horticulture or RHS equivalent
• 3 years minimum of horticultural/soft landscaping experience and knowledge of leading contracts
• Experience in managing and motivating small teams of staff
• Good communication skills
• Motivated, organised and efficient
• Punctual, good time management
• Ability to work unsupervised or as part of a team.
• Experience of using hand and power tools, equipment and machinery
• A desire to learn new skills.
• Full driving licence holder
• Able to complete records for team management accurately and in a timely manner
• Take care and maintain power tools, equipment and machinery

Desirable:

• Chainsaw licence holder
• Spraying certificate holder
• Experience or Specialist knowledge in [Garden design, raising plants from cuttings, experience in market gardening]
• Experience of tractor or rough terrain forklift driving
• Experience of towing trailers

Key Competencies-

Leadership, Management and Direction of Others-

• Briefs and informs team members to ensure clear understanding of requirements
• Delegates tasks effectively to capable team members
• Ensures a good work ethic and provides a role model for all team members
• Ensures teams produce high standard and quality workmanship
• Ensures equipment care, efficient use of resources made available to teams
• Values the contribution of team members by showing appreciation, support and loyalty
• Ensures safe working practices are followed by within teams

Planning and Preparation-

• Ensures a thorough understanding of landscaping/horticultural projects and tasks before commencement
• Plans ahead and ensures correct tools, equipment and machinery are available
• Foresees problems and hold-ups, plans action to resolve issues
• Calculates materials requirement, sourcing and delivery schedules

Customer Care-

• Establishes rapport and dialogue channels with customers
• Keeps customers informed of activities, problems and timescales
• Considers and interprets customers’ requests and requirements
• Makes efforts to promote new and repeat work with existing and potential customers

Organisation and Initiative-

• Makes practical workable suggestions for improvements
• Sees when something needs to be done and acts.  
• Is able to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Recognises deficiencies and seeks help when appropriate
• Handles multiple activities simultaneously
• Adapts plans as events change

Co-operation with Line Manager & Teams-

• Maintains a positive relationship with Directors and team members
• Is prepared to lead or participate in a team when appropriate and always supports and assists his/her line manager
• Is loyal and committed and always participates to accomplish a task is completed
• Is prepared to help another team leader or team member who might need it
• Builds long-term relationships of trust with all internal and external contacts

Coaching and Training-

• Takes active steps towards continued professional development
• Takes active steps to train, coach and develop the skills of new and less experienced team members
• Promotes learning and good practice in team members
• Will not tolerate poor standards of workmanship or quality

Communication and Passage of Information-

• Produces accurate and concise written information for his/her line manager
• Briefs team members clearly on work requirements or tasks adequately
• Listens actively and effectively
• Communicates well with customers, understanding requirements and requests

Contract/Quality Management-

• Consistently produces high quality outcomes as agreed with line manager within agreed timescales
• Promotes and encourages high quality standards with team leaders and team members
• Understands the financial and customer implications of over-run timescales and poor planning
• Assesses materials requirements and organises timely deliveries of equipment and materials
• Consistently plans work schedules to make best uses of manpower and resources
• Minimises waste of materials, time and effort

Planning and Preparation-

• Ensures a thorough understanding of tasks before commencement
• Ensures correct tools, equipment and machinery are available for work
• Foresees problems and hold-ups, informs team leaders and line manger
• Adapts quickly as work situations change

Reliability and Dependability-

• Takes responsibility to see the job through as directed or under own initiative
• Can be counted on to assist in solving problems
• Produces consistent performance
• Is accountable for own actions
• Adaptable when things need to be changed
• Takes responsibility for the care of company tools, equipment, machinery and vehicles

Attitudes and Behaviour-

• Offers assistance willingly
• Makes a positive contribution to morale
• Shows sensitivity and consideration to others
• Accepts constructive criticism
• Takes pride in work
• Is even tempered, consistent and fair

Punctuality and Timekeeping-

• Prompt at the start of the day
• Recognises and adheres to formal work breaks
• Makes effective use of available time
• Sets a good example to others

The Environment-

• Is aware of the company environmental policy
• Is aware of wider environmental issues
• Disposes of waste materials ethically
• Reduces excessive use of energy, resources and materials
• Makes effective use of recycling

Remuneration and benefits

For the right candidate we are willing to offer the following:

• Bonus as a percentage of profits within our Master Gardener’s division.
• Use of a company vehicle
• Pension contribution
• Private healthcare package
• Accident insurance
• Salary from £40,000 per annum - by negotiation

Unique Projects, in collaboration with Moore Outdoors, has proudly completed an innovative rooftop garden for the prestigious French luxury fashion house Longchamp, located at their New Bond Street boutique in the heart of Mayfair, London.

Introduction 

The brief was to create a breakout space for the Longchamp team, their influencers and for customer experience events.  The aim was to transform a tired grey drab area into one rich in colour that reflects the brand, softened with planting offering a dynamic space.  A new relaxing calm visual oasis of colour, disconnected from the hectic Mayfair environment in which it exists. 

Working with Longchamp

Longchamp, renowned for its luxury leather goods and distinctive French craftsmanship, was founded in Paris in 1948 and remains family-owned and managed. 

We had the pleasure to work with the uber professional, personable and enthusiastic great-grandson of the founder of Longchamp.  He has taken on the role of UK General Manager, a position that has brought him into the family business for the first time.  He had already made a significant reputation for operating large retail operations for retail chains in Europe.

Project Execution

Charles Moore, Moore Outdoors, contacted us to collaborate on this fantastic challenge.  He had designed a layout and planting scheme, which had to consider the existing features such as a fire escape, fire hatch, rooflight and evacuation fittings.  Charles focused on the soft landscape scheme, whilst Unique Projects took on the challenge of delivering the complex hardscape package, which involved precision logistics managed by Arbour Landscape Solutions.

Given the logistical challenges of Central London, materials had to be transported through the boutique outside of opening hours, ensuring no disruption to Longchamp’s daily operations. The installation featured lightweight Millboard Duaspan subframes and Coppered Oak Enhanced Grain decking, which had to be carefully installed and scribed around all the existing features. 

Overcoming Challenges

The project required careful consideration of the rooftop's load-bearing capacity. The team worked with the original architectural design team to ensure that the installation was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also sympathetic to the building. It could not be a liability to its functionality or be in danger of overloading the structure. Everything had to be calculated and ultimately we actually reduced the roof load and stress on the building through delivering our specification.

Invisible Excellence

Throughout the installation the teams had to work efficiently and quietly and with impeccable site cleanliness and all the while be invisible to the Longchamp clients on the floors below at all times.

Complex logistics came as no surprise as we were already well versed in this practice following our successful Burberry Barge project for the Queens Superbloom Jubilee celebrations.

This rooftop transformation at Longchamp’s historic New Bond Street location is was testament to Unique Projects' and Moore Outdoors' expertise in delivering complex bespoke outdoor spaces and challenging landscape architecture. 

For more information on this project, click here to see the full case study.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Charles Moore, Moore Outdoors | @moore.outdoors.uk

Richard Bickler, Arbour Landscape Solutions | @arbourlandsol

About Unique Projects

Unique Projects are award-winning landscape architects and have a reputation for delivering complex and challenging schemes throughout the UK and abroad. 

The scale and scope of any project varies, but the approach does not, they tackle any project with the same diligence, professionalism, and holistic approach. 

Unique Projects are proud to be accredited members of The Association of Professional Landscapers and The Horticultural Trades Association.

Unique Projects are talented landscape professionals and horticulturists focused on transforming and maintaining gardens to become exemplar schemes. They achieve this through their diligence, professionalism, and holistic approach, no matter the size of the project. 

The Vision

Our clients and their designers come to us with dreams of unique outdoor spaces, and it's our passion to bring these to life.  With a keen understanding of our clients' aspirations and brief, we embark on a build that compliments creativity with functionality.  Our approach is simple: listen, understand and create.  

Delivering Dreams

At Unique Projects, the design phase is where the magic begins to take shape.  We work closely with the designers and their teams to ensure the reality and methods of construction meet the brief and the budget.  Using our expertise to blend the natural with the architectural.  Through a collaborative process, we refine these ideas, ensuring every curve, colour, material and chosen plant species resonates with the client's vision and the surroundings.

Bringing to Life

The creation phase is where our team truly excels. With a blend of meticulous planning and bespoke craftsmanship, we transform simple plans into unique garden spaces. Our use of high-quality materials, combined with an unmatched attention to detail, ensures that each project is a unique masterpiece. From the gentle cascade of a custom water feature to the vibrant hues of meticulously selected planting schemes, every element is a stroke of our team's passion and precision.

A Partnership for Perfection

The key to our success is the partnership we forge with our clients and their designers or Landscape Architects.  

Their dreams fuel our creativity; their satisfaction is our ultimate reward.  

We believe in transparent communication, shared goals, and mutual respect throughout the project's lifecycle.  This collaboration is the cornerstone of our bespoke service, ensuring that the final garden exceeds expectations, both aesthetically and functionally.

As accredited members of The Association of Professional Landscapers, we always follow best practice and professional ethics throughout the process.

We invite you to explore the possibilities for your own bespoke garden, a unique landscape installation crafted with integrity, discretion, and excellence.

About Unique Projects

Unique Projects, based in the South West, have been working with clients, Project Managers, Designers, and Landscape Architects for 15 years to deliver exemplar schemes, often against what many thought were impossible criteria.

The scale and scope of any project varies, but our approach does not, we tackle any project with the same diligence, professionalism, and holistic approach. Unique Projects are proud to be accredited members of The Association of Professional Landscapers and The Horticultural Trades Association.