Lead Garden Designer
McCabe Gardens – Boston, MA

Are you a passionate gardener or floral designer with an eye for design and a love for lush, curated landscapes? Do you thrive in a creative, detail-driven environment and dream of crafting exquisite gardens for discerning clients? Welcome to McCabe Gardens—a boutique horticultural firm bringing artistry and elegance to Boston’s most beautiful residential spaces.

We specialize in high-end garden design, installation, and seasonal container displays for clients in the South End, Chestnut Hill, Brookline, and surrounding neighborhoods. Our work is refined, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in horticultural excellence—and we’re looking for a Lead Garden Designer to help us grow.

🌿 About the Role

As our Lead Garden Designer, you’ll be the heartbeat of our on-site work—working independently or with another team member to bring gardens to life with creativity, precision, and care. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who values beauty, understands the language of plants and flowers, and enjoys connecting with both clients and team members. You'll work closely with our CEO, an industry veteran with 25+ years of design expertise, and be entrusted with some of our most beloved client gardens.

✨ What You’ll Do

  • Work independently or lead a small team in maintaining and enhancing high-end urban and suburban gardens.

  • Create seasonal magic with containers and garden displays using detailed, designer-created plans.

  • Set the tone with a clean, elevated aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail.

  • Engage directly with clients, representing the McCabe Gardens standard of elegance and professionalism.

  • Mentor junior staff, sharing your knowledge and passion for plants.

  • Diagnose and troubleshoot pest, disease, and irrigation issues with confidence and care.

  • Keep clear records of work performed, materials used, and client feedback.

  • Collaborate with the CEO on scheduling, client updates, and project needs.

🌸 Who You Are

  • A plant enthusiast with strong knowledge of New England plant material and seasonal design.

  • A natural leader who takes pride in precision, professionalism, and team success.

  • Experienced in high-end residential gardening, with a sharp eye for design and a commitment to excellence.

  • Have a strong knowledge of seasonal annuals, perennials, small shrubs and trees and their maintenance. 

  • Physically able to work outdoors for 8+ hours a day and lift 50 lbs.

  • Have a valid drivers license and car to travel to and from client sites.

  • Bonus: Experience with irrigation systems.

💼 What We Offer

  • Competitive pay based on experience

  • Mentorship from our CEO, who brings decades of design and horticultural experience

  • A refined, supportive, and creative work culture

  • The opportunity to make an impact on some of Boston’s most beautiful and cherished private gardens

  • Room to grow in a thriving boutique company where your ideas and talent matter

🌱 Schedule & Expectations

  • In-season schedule: ~30 hours/week (daytime only)

    • Freelancers welcome for the upcoming fall and holiday season!

      • Hours can be flexible for the right candidate.

  • Workdays: Monday–Friday

  • Minimum commitment: 3 days/week

🌼 Ready to Grow With Us?

If you're ready to step into a leadership role where horticulture meets artistry, and where every day brings something beautiful, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your resume and a short introduction to: mccabegardens@gmail.com