Royal Horticultural Society award for Writtle lecturer
Christine Lavelle receives an Associate of Honour at RHS People Awards 2026
Christine Lavelle receiving her award from Keith Weed, President of the Royal Horticultural Society
ARU Writtle lecturer Christine Lavelle has been awarded an Associate of Honour award by the Royal Horticultural Society, celebrating an exceptional career dedicated to horticultural education, sustainability and community engagement.
Christine received the award at the RHS People Awards 2026, held at RHS Lindley Hall in London. The Associate of Honour is awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to horticulture through professional excellence, leadership and influence. Only 100 individuals can hold this award at any one time, and fewer than 25 women have ever received this prestigious award.
Christine’s career in horticulture spans more than 40 years, including senior roles across gardens, garden centres and further and higher education.
Her work at ARU Writtle and Writtle College, where has she taught practical horticulture for over 25 years, has helped to shape generations of horticultural professionals. She has been a pioneer in embedding sustainability and biodiversity into horticultural education, inspiring countless gardeners and students to adopt sustainable practices.
In addition to her work at ARU, Christine is a garden design tutor at Beth Chatto Gardens and has extended her teaching through workshops at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and RHS Hyde Hall in Essex.
The 2026 RHS People Awards celebrated 28 individuals in total, acknowledging excellence across garden design, plant science, ecology, education and community horticulture.
“It was such a lovely day and I’m still grinning from ear to ear at receiving such an honour. It was wonderful to meet so many people who have also dedicated their professional lives to horticulture
“Writtle College has proudly served as an exceptional platform for educating over 2,000 horticulture students, fostering knowledge and growth, over the last 25 years.”
Christine, who lives in Colchester and is originally from Grangemouth in Scotland
“A huge congratulations to all recipients of this year’s RHS People Awards, each of whom has made an invaluable impact on horticulture through their passionate dedication and expertise.
“From the creation of world-class gardens and research centres to wildlife gardening and horticulture for health and wellbeing, this year’s recipients have broadened access to horticulture and strengthened education and sustainable practice across the sector.”
Tim Upson, RHS Director of Gardens and Horticulture