Anglia Ruskin University's Honorary Graduate Site

Search for an Honorary

Anglia Ruskin News and Events

Launch of Anglia Ruskin MedTech Campus
A groundbreaking partnership to drive growth and innovation in the UK medi... more

High carbon investments threaten UK pensions
The pensions of British workers are being jeopardised by the City's over r... more

Get a taste of university life at Uni4U day
Over 350 schoolchildren from across Essex will visit Anglia Ruskin Univers... more

Honorary Doctor of Science, 2009
Bio | Citation

Beth Chatto OBE is the queen of gardening.

The now world-famous Beth Chatto Gardens at Colchester garden began in 1960, on wasteland at the back of her late husband, Andrew Chatto's fruit farm, where many problem areas have been transformed into advantages by his life-long research into the natural homes of garden plants.

Plants-woman, designer and winner of ten Gold Medals at Chelsea, she also holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Victoria Medal of Honour and an honorary doctorate from Essex University for her services to horticulture. She is the author of a host of gardening classics and is also co-author of Dear Friend and Gardener, written with her long-standing friend and fellow gardener, Christopher Lloyd.

Beth Chatto was awarded the honour of an OBE for her services to horticulture in 2002. A keen advocate of organic gardening, she has lectured worldwide. Welcoming travellers from across the globe to her garden and mentoring the new generation of celebrity gardeners, she is much loved and admired by all.

Areas Of Interest: Agriculture
Faculty: Science & Technology
Citation:

"Vice Chancellor, it is my pleasure to read the citation for Beth Chatto OBE for the award of Honorary Doctor of Science.

Beth Chatto OBE is the queen of gardening.

It has variously been said that she has entered the realm of national treasuredom; a gardening gem who is blessed with an effortless elegance and a style all of her own.

The now world-famous Beth Chatto Gardens at Colchester garden began in 1960, on wasteland at the back of her late husband, Andrew Chatto's fruit farm, where many problem areas have been transformed into advantages by his life-long research into the natural homes of garden plants.

The stunning gardens demonstrate her horticultural prowess. They are not ecological gardens, but are based on ecological principles using plants adapted by nature to difficult conditions. The comprehensive nursery which bears Beth Chatto's name is based on the same principles.

Plants-woman, designer and winner of ten Gold Medals at Chelsea, she also holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Victoria Medal of Honour and an honorary doctorate from Essex University for her services to horticulture. She is the author of a host of gardening classics and is also co-author of Dear Friend and Gardener, written with her long-standing friend and fellow gardener, Christopher Lloyd.

The books of Beth Chatto have become well-loved classics. Her first book, The Dry Garden was published in 1978. In 1998, some 20 years and many titles later, Beth Chatto was awarded the Garden Writers Guild Lifetime Achievement Award for her work.

Inspired by her husband, who devoted much of his life to research into plant habitats, she has introduced UK gardening enthusiasts to a world of unusual plants, helping people to understand the needs of plants, and to choose plants that will thrive in extreme conditions. Her overriding philosophy on gardening is choosing the 'right plant for the right place'.

Beth Chatto was awarded the honour of an OBE for her services to horticulture in 2002. A keen advocate of organic gardening, she has lectured worldwide.

Welcoming travellers from across the globe to her garden and mentoring the new generation of celebrity gardeners, she is much loved and admired by all. Beth Chatto has gained the respect of gardeners worldwide. She deserves every honour she has collected and the limelight she now enjoys.

We at Anglia Ruskin are delighted that she is accepting our very own award for horticultural excellence as she continues with her mission to inspire others to be creative while developing their love of plants and gardens. Vice Chancellor, it is my pleasure to present Beth Chatto OBE for the award of Honorary Doctor of Arts, honoris causa."

A photograph of Dr Dame Karlene Davis DBE with text below that reads Feature on Dr Dame Karlene Davis DBE

Dame Karlene Davis DBE served as General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) from January 1997, following her appointment as Deputy General Secretary in 1994...

Read this feature

A photograph of Lord hattersley with text below that reads Feature on Lord Hattersley

Roy Hattersley is a distinguished politician, historian and broadcaster. For over fifty years, Roy Hattersley has had an active and highly significant career at the heart of British politics...

Read this feature

A photograph from an Anglia Ruskin Honorary Graduate ceremony with text below that reads Future ceremony dates

2012 Graduation Ceremony dates confirmed

2012 ceremony dates