Senior Horticulturist in London

Clients receive outstanding service and proactively engage in additional services.

About Botanically

Botanically is a South East London–based gardening company specialising in eco-friendly, sustainable garden maintenance and planting. We are committed to reducing environmental impact through the exclusive use of hand and electric tools, fully electric vans, and organic, non-toxic gardening methods. Physical pest and weed control is favoured, and sustainable materials are used wherever possible. Founded by RHS-trained horticulturist Ryan, Botanically combines high-level horticultural expertise with modern, environmentally responsible practices. Our services include garden maintenance and planting design and installation. We are a growing, close-knit team of knowledgeable, professional gardeners who care deeply about gardens, people, and the environment.

The Role

The Senior Horticulturist plays a key leadership role within Botanically, taking full ownership of a portfolio of complex gardens and contributing to the development of both the maintenance service and the wider business. This is a senior, hands‐on role combining advanced horticulture, client relationship management, design input, mentoring, and project oversight — while championing sustainable gardening practices throughout.

Key Responsibilities

• Full responsibility for the maintenance, development, and long‐term improvement of allocated gardens
• Deliver high‐quality, eco‐friendly garden maintenance with year‐round interest
• Design and implement small planting schemes
• Create, plan, and supervise seasonal planting, including bulbs and seasonal bedding, with sustainability at the forefront
• Specify and install standard irrigation systems
• Specify and install standard garden wiring systems
• Implement new and existing sustainable gardening practices

Client & Design Communication

• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients
• Clearly articulate design ideas, planting concepts, and horticultural decisions to clients and senior management
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and suppliers as required
• Identify opportunities to upsell additional services and seasonal offers

Project, Budget & Resource Management

• Monitor and manage budgets and resources for gardening projects
• Ensure projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and to Botanically's standards
• Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations at all times

Leadership & Team Development

• Line management and mentoring of junior staff and assistants
• Propose relevant training courses for yourself and junior team members
• Support the optimisation, development, and potential growth of the maintenance team
• Promote and role‐model Botanically's values through professionalism, presentation, and communication

Operational Responsibilities

• Collection and delivery of plants and materials
• Responsibility for a Botanically electric van (charging, cleanliness, and care)
• Responsibility for tools and equipment stored in the van and lock‐up

What Success Looks Like

• You take full ownership of your gardens and are seen by clients as a trusted horticultural expert
• Gardens under your care thrive, improve year on year, and reflect Botanically's sustainability values
• Clients receive outstanding service and proactively engage in additional services
• Junior staff feel supported, developed, and well‐trained
• Projects are well planned, cost‐aware, safe, and professionally delivered

Requirements & Experience

• Minimum 2–3 years' professional gardening / horticulture experience
• Strong plant identification and practical horticultural knowledge
• Proven leadership or mentoring experience
• Ability to manage gardens independently and proactively
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Full, clean UK driving licence
• Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture preferred (or equivalent experience)

Salary & Benefits

• £32,000 – £36,000 per annum (DOE)
• 25 days holiday per year + bank holidays
• Vitality private healthcare
• Bupa Wellbeing cash plan
• Employer pension contribution: 4% (minimum employee contribution 4%)
• Fully electric company van (kept with the horticulturist)
• 3-month probationary period
• Start date: ASAP

Career Progression

Botanically has clear ambitions to grow both the maintenance and design sides of the business. As the company evolves, this role is expected to progress into a Maintenance Manager position, with full responsibility for maintenance teams and strategy.

If this role sounds like the perfect fit for you, we would love to hear from you.