Rob Brett - New Curator at RHS Garden Wisley © (landscape) RHS
The Royal Horticultural Society has appointed Rob Brett to one of the most prestigious roles in the horticultural industry – Curator at RHS Garden Wisley.
The role oversees the team at the world-renowned RHS Garden Wisley, which was created and designed to bring horticultural excellence, scientific research, practical expertise, and garden inspiration to the UK’s nation of gardeners.
Rob Brett brings a wealth of horticultural experience from his current role at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, where he has been Curator for the past 9 years. His previous roles include Horticultural Manager at The Sainsbury Laboratory – University of Cambridge, Curator of Temperate Collections at The Eden Project, Glasshouses Supervisor at Cambridge University Botanic Garden and managing the orchid collections at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Rob has been a trustee of Plant Network, continues to be President of The Kew Guild and works as an External Examiner for Cambridge Botanic Garden.
Cared for and owned by the RHS since 1902, RHS Garden Wisley has become the home of world-class horticulture and gardening science and an inspiration to millions of annual visitors. As the first of the RHS gardens, Wisley has established itself as one of the UK’s most visited and best-loved gardens. With more than 100 horticultural staff, students and apprentices, supported by 145 volunteers, the team helped to make a day at Wisley a fantastic experience for all its visitors.
Rob Brett said: “I’m both excited and honoured to take on the role of Curator at RHS Garden Wisley. It marks the beginning of an exciting new journey, that fills me with enthusiasm. Importantly, this transition allows me to remain within the RHS, surrounded by exceptional plants and talented people. I continue to be part of the RHS’ network of gardens, where we have the privilege of driving innovation, influencing the future of horticulture and showcasing the very best our industry has to offer. I look forward with great excitement to playing my part in helping RHS Wisley to flourish.”
Clare Matterson, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society: “At the RHS we pride ourselves on nurturing and developing horticultural talent and I’m so pleased that after an extensive search from potential candidates across the UK, Europe and North America Rob stood out as the best person for the role. His passion for horticulture, exceptional experience and his true talent for leading people will be incredibly beneficial to this amazing role and very special garden. The Curator at Wisley has ultimate responsibility for caring for this historic and beautiful garden, as well as nurturing our talented gardeners, informing our understanding of the science, art and practice of horticulture whilst adapting to new knowledge, the changing environment and inspiring all those who visit to grow.”
Rob Brett will start his role at RHS Garden Wisley in March 2025.
