Kew appoints new director of gardens

Curtis-Machin previously held positions at the National Trust, Historic Environment Scotland, and the Horticultural Trades Association.

Most recently, he has been working as director of horticulture at Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.

In his new role, he will be helping to expand RBG Kew’s work in plant conservation, improving its living collections, education, and horticultural stewardship, both at Kew Gardens in London and Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex.

As well as overseeing the charity’s future developments, including its upcoming project which will see Kew’s Palm House and Waterlily House into the world’s first net zero Victorian glasshouses.

Curtis-Machin comments on his appointment:

“I am thrilled to be joining RBG Kew at such a vital time for conserving the world’s biodiversity. Horticulture skills will play an increasingly critical hands-on role in growing and understanding threatened plant species, as well as nurturing new uses for plants in nature-based solutions. The gardens at Kew are amongst the best in the world, and offer people the chance to see plant conservation in action.”

Curtis-Machin will succeed Richard Barley – the current director of gardens – later in summer this year. Richard Deverell, director of RBG Kew comments on Barley’s departure: “We thank Richard Barley for his years of dedication to Kew, his unwavering efforts will have a legacy at Kew and wish him well for his return to Australia.’