Growing more than just gardens: Dan’s career at Southern Cross Care

For Daniel Johnson, the Grounds and Environmental Operations Manager at Southern Cross Care, a career in horticulture has been about constant growth. 

Daniel started his journey with work experience in a nursery and left school in Year 12 to complete a certificate in horticulture. 

Since then, he has spent decades honing his craft, including 32 years working across university campuses and sports fields, and eventually became a mentor to others.

Daniel joined Southern Cross Care because he saw an opportunity to use his extensive skills to make a difference. 

He believes that in this industry, you never stop learning. 

This passion for learning is what keeps him engaged every day.

In his current role, Daniel does much more than just oversee maintenance of gardens. 

He gets to be creative by designing gardens and often works closely with residents to co-design spaces that they will truly enjoy and benefit from. 

For example, he helped transform the community garden at Pooraka Retirement Living from an empty patch of dirt into a vibrant and productive space. 

He also added colour and new levels to the gardens at Carmelite to make them more enjoyable.

“I use everything I’ve learnt throughout my career to come here and supply gardens that are user friendly, beautiful, seasonal - water friendly if I can - and appropriate to the site," Daniel said. 

His work involves everything from tree management and risk assessment to working with budgets and setting up new irrigation systems. 

He even works alongside landscape architects to ensure the plants chosen for new developments are appropriate and sustainable.

One of the reasons Daniel finds his career at Southern Cross Care so satisfying is the support he receives. 

He describes his manager as an enabler who trusts him to get the job done to a high standard, and always backs him to take on new projects, providing support when he needs it.

Starting at a large organisation can be a big change, but Daniel found the transition easy.

"Everywhere I went, if I asked a question, there was someone happy to help," he said. 

“That’s our motto as a team in property, ‘how can we help’, and that’s one thing I liked.

“I didn’t ever feel thrown in the deep end there was always someone I could ask for help.”

At Southern Cross Care, we value our people and develop their skills to help build their careers. 

Daniel’s story is a great example of how you can take a lifetime of experience and continue to find new passions and ideas in a supportive environment. 

When you work for Southern Cross Care, you work better for life.

To find out more visit our Careers page.