The Horticultural Trades Association has appointed Raoul Curtis-Machin as its new Head of Horticulture.
His appointment comes following the departure of Tim Briercliffe who has left the HTA to become Secretary General of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).
Raoul has been selected for the role from a very strong shortlist. Raoul has most recently worked for the National Trust as a Garden and Parks Adviser, advising on strategic garden development re-designing the training programmes for the 400+ gardeners. Most recently Raoul became a Commercial Development Consultant with the National Trust, advising them on large commercial projects, creating a new gardening brand and developing a new range of genuine peat-free plants.
He has also been gardening and countryside correspondent for many Scottish publications and has appeared on Scottish national television as a gardening pundit. He also co-wrote the book Garden Plants for Scotland, published by Frances Lincoln, which was Times Gardening Book of the Year, and shortlisted for a Garden Media Guild award.
Raoul will take up his new role in August. His earlier career included positions as a Head Gardener, owner of his own garden design and construction business, Estate Manager and Lecturer in Garden Design.
