Bob's Biography

Bob Sweet commenced his career as a parks trainee. He studied at Lackham & Brooksby colleges specialising in amenity horticulture and landscaping before moving on to various landscape posts with local authorities in Southern England. In 1981 he was appointed to the post of Parks Manager in Torquay, where he was responsible for managing 2,500 acres of parks and open spaces. During this period he masterminded exhibits for the Chelsea Flower Show achieving 10 consecutive gold medals. Additionally, he organised permanent displays for the Liverpool and Welsh Garden Festivals.

In 1987, Bob was appointed to the position of Director of Arts and Recreation, a post he held for 10 years. During this time he introduced major events into the Torbay area attracting up to 30,000 visitors. His role in Torbay included responsibility for 22 miles of coastline, an exhibition centre, museums and five theatres!

Bob is a Britain in Bloom enthusiast and has been involved for 30 years as a judge, regional chairman and chairman of the UK national judges. He is a fellow of the Institute of Horticulture and of the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management and has carried out duties as a horticultural examiner and assessor.

Currently, Bob is Head of Shows Development at the Royal Horticultural Society where he has worked for 10 years. He has special responsibility for the Chelsea Flower Show and oversees the running of other major shows including Malvern Spring Gardening Show, BBC Gardeners' World Live, Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park.