Fontain in the Country Garden, RHS Garden Wisley, © Joanna Kossak
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has made several new appointments to two of its prestigious gardens – RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Yorkshire and RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey.
Fiona Slight has been appointed to the role of Curator at RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate. Elwyn Owen has been appointed to the role of Head of Site at RHS Garden Wisley, and 3 new Garden Managers, Alex Hankey, Paul Kettell, and Mark Tuson, will take up their roles also at RHS Garden Wisley.
Fiona will take over from Paul Cook this summer, who became Curator in 2013 and is leaving the role after twelve years to pursue personal endeavours. Head of RHS Garden Harlow Carr Liz Thwaite, said: “Fiona’s passion for horticulture and vision for RHS Garden Harlow Carr left us in no doubt she is the best person to take on the role. Paul will be missed by all and leaves an impressive legacy. We wish him all the very best and are delighted Paul is handing over the mantle to Fiona, with whom he has worked for 3 years and who herself has had a remarkable career and shares his bold vision for our beloved Yorkshire garden.”
Elwyn Owen has been appointed Head of Site for RHS Garden Wisley after a period of secondment to the role. Elwyn will lead a team of site managers, taking on the responsibility of estate management, operational developments and delivering an excellent visitor experience through imaginative interpretation, events and engagement.
Elwyn Owen said: “RHS Wisley welcomes more than a million visitors each year and inspires many more about the benefits and joy of gardening. We have many new and exciting events planned for this year and I’m relishing the challenge of maintaining the very high standards that RHS Wisley is renowned for.”
Alex Hankey, Paul Kettell and Mark Tuson, already part of RHS Wisley’s Curatorial team, have been appointed as Garden Managers, taking the responsibilities of the Estate and Garden Services, Edibles, Seed and Wellbeing and Hardy Ornamental respectively.
Commenting on their appointment, Robert Brett, Curator at RHS Garden Wisley, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointments of 3 new Garden Managers, Alex Hankey, Paul Kettell and Mark Tuson, to the Curatorial team at RHS Garden Wisley. As existing team members, their successful appointment comes after a period of secondment and showcases the strength and importance of nurturing existing internal talent. Having proven their ability to deliver, provide great stewardship and leadership, I along with the team are excited and very much looking forward, to working with them in the years to come.”
Commenting on the appointments, Richard Green Director of Visitor Experience & Estates, said: “The appointment of Fiona, Elwyn, Alex, Mark and Paul showcases the strength and importance of nurturing our existing internal talent. We are thrilled to be able to recognise and celebrate the amazing talents of our colleagues across the RHS. We thank Fiona, Elwyn Alex, Mark and Paul for embracing these opportunities and we are excited to see how they will continue to develop in their new roles.”
