After training and working in a number of local authority parks departments, Roy Cheek was senior lecturer and curator of gardens at Somerset College of Agriculture and Horticulture from 1970 to 1990.
From 1968 he was horticultural adviser on the restoration of the Jekyll planting in the Formal Garden at Hestercombe in Somerset, which began in 1973. Mr Cheek remained involved on this project until 1994.
Mr Cheek is now a horticultural consultant to many notable gardens and leads garden tours around the world. He is vice-chair of two RHS floral committees and a judge for Chelsea and other international flower shows. He has written many articles and books.