Road closure: The A3 north of RHS Wisley will be closed between M25 Junction 10 and the Painshill junction from 9pm Friday 4 until 6am Monday 7 July. The Junction 10 gyratory and A3 south of Junction 10 will remain open. Please check your route before travelling. Find out more

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Robert Brett announced as new Curator for RHS Garden Wisley

Robert Brett has been appointed to one of the horticultural industry’s most prestigious roles – Curator at RHS Garden Wisley

Robert Brett has worked for over three decades in botanical garden management, plant collections, and landscape development. For the last nine years, as the Curator of RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Robert oversaw the strategic development and management of the 365-acre garden, leading a team of 30 and co-managing a £2.6 million budget. During this time, RHS Hyde Hall has nearly doubled its visitor numbers, becoming the largest visitor attraction garden in the East of England.

Robert Brett, new curator at RHS Garden Wisley
Previously, Robert held key roles at The Eden Project, Cambridge University Botanic Garden, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, specialising in glasshouse collections and temperate landscapes. With a strong commitment to sustainability and future-proofing plant collections against climate change, he has a passion for ‘pushing the boundaries’ of horticulture and engaging and changing traditional horticultural perspectives.

Robert 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.”

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.

Robert Brett, new curator at RHS Garden Wisley
A dedicated advocate for horticultural education, Robert has served as a trustee for PlantNetwork, is President of The Kew Guild, and frequently contributes to media discussions on climate resilience and plant conservation. Having featured on BBC Gardeners’ World, BBC Newsnight and national press, he is a recognised voice in the field.

Holding an MSc in Environmental and Development Education, alongside professional horticultural qualifications from RBG Kew and the Welsh College of Horticulture, Robert continues to champion excellence in horticulture, conservation and public engagement. He takes over from the previous Curator Matthew Pottage.

RHS Garden Wisley
Cared for and owned by the RHS since 1902, RHS Garden Wisley has become the home of world-class horticulture, of gardening science and helps to bring practical expertise and garden inspiration to the UK’s nation of gardeners.

George Fergusson Wilson, a keen grower of fruit and orchids, bought the site in 1878 and established his ‘Oakwood experimental garden’. After Wilson’s death in 1902 Sir Thomas Hanbury, founder of La Mortola garden in Italy, purchased Oakwood and adjoining Gleve Farm and donated it to the Royal Horticultural Society for its perpetual use.

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, and supported by 145 volunteers, it has expanded hugely over the years to its current size of 97ha (240 acres).

Rob’s passion for horticulture, exceptional experience and his true talent for leading people will be incredibly beneficial to this very special garden.

Clare Matterson, RHS Director General
Clare Matterson, Director General said: “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 RHS 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.”

Robert Brett starts his role in March 2025.
 
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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.