About Torfela
Our story, values and commitment to London's gardens
Our History
Torfela Horticultural Services Limited was established in 2011 by James Hawthorne, a qualified horticulturist with a background in landscape management and urban greening projects across the south-east of England. What began as a small operation serving residential gardens in Southwark has evolved into a well-regarded company employing fifteen skilled professionals and maintaining hundreds of active client relationships throughout London. The name Torfela reflects our early specialisation in soil improvement and turf management — torf being an old English word for peat-rich earth, combined with a suffix suggesting cultivation and care. From the outset, James envisioned a gardening company that would combine technical competence with genuine respect for clients and their outdoor spaces. Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, Torfela grew organically through referrals, word-of-mouth recommendations and the visible quality of work seen by neighbours and passers-by. By 2016, we had secured our first commercial maintenance contracts with local restaurants and property management firms, broadening our expertise in access-restricted sites, early-morning scheduling and discreet, efficient service delivery. The move to our current operational base at 103 Stamford St in 2019 provided a central location from which to coordinate teams, store equipment and host client consultations. Throughout the challenges of recent years, including supply chain disruptions and changing weather patterns, Torfela adapted by investing in drought-tolerant planting knowledge, enhanced scheduling software and expanded staff training programmes. Today in 2026, we continue to honour the founding principles of reliability, transparency and horticultural excellence that have defined our company for over a decade.
Who We Are
Torfela is a team of dedicated gardeners, designers and arborists who share a common passion for creating and maintaining beautiful, healthy outdoor environments. We are not a faceless national franchise — we are a locally rooted company that knows London's streets, soil types and planting challenges intimately. Every member of our team undergoes rigorous onboarding, including health and safety certification, customer service training and practical assessments before working independently on client sites. We foster a culture of continuous learning, with monthly team meetings where staff share techniques, discuss difficult cases and review seasonal priorities. Our designers collaborate closely with field teams to ensure that planting plans are not only aesthetically pleasing on paper but practically achievable and maintainable in real London conditions. We believe in fair employment practices, paying above the London Living Wage and providing equipment, uniforms and transport support where needed. Environmental responsibility is embedded in our operations: we minimise chemical use, recycle green waste through licensed partners, and advise clients on sustainable garden practices that reduce long-term maintenance burdens. Torfela serves a diverse client base including busy professionals who need dependable maintenance, retirees who want to enjoy their gardens without physical strain, landlords managing rental properties, and businesses seeking presentable outdoor spaces for staff and customers. Whatever your situation, we approach each property with fresh eyes, listening carefully to your goals before recommending a course of action. Our company registration number is 94728106, and we operate in full compliance with UK employment, health and safety, and environmental regulations.
Our Mission & Values
Our mission at Torfela is to enhance the quality of life for London residents and businesses by delivering professional, sustainable gardening services that transform outdoor spaces into sources of beauty, relaxation and ecological value. We exist because we believe that access to well-maintained green spaces should not be limited to those with time, knowledge and physical capacity to manage gardens themselves. By providing expert, affordable and reliable horticultural care, we enable our clients to enjoy the benefits of nature right outside their doors — improved mental wellbeing, cleaner air, habitat for wildlife and increased property appeal. Our values guide every decision we make, from how we treat our employees to how we select plants and dispose of waste. Integrity means we quote honestly, communicate clearly and never recommend unnecessary work. Quality means we take pride in every cut, every planted bulb and every swept pathway. Sustainability means we consider the long-term health of soil, plants and local ecosystems in everything we do. Community means we contribute to the green fabric of London, one garden at a time, and support local suppliers and training initiatives wherever possible. These principles are not marketing slogans — they are the standards against which we measure our performance in 2026 and beyond.
Client-Focused Service
We listen before we act. Every project begins with understanding your priorities, budget and lifestyle so our recommendations genuinely serve your needs rather than maximising our revenue.
Horticultural Excellence
Our team pursues ongoing professional development, staying current with RHS guidance, pest and disease research, and best practices in sustainable urban gardening.
Environmental Stewardship
We reduce chemical inputs, promote biodiversity through thoughtful planting, and manage waste responsibly to minimise our ecological footprint across London.
Transparent Operations
Clear pricing, written quotes, documented aftercare notes and open communication channels ensure you always know what to expect from Torfela.