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The RHS celebrates its first Lifetime Volunteer

92-year-old Rachel McHug thinks of RHS Harlow Carr as her own garden after 35 years of volunteering

After 35 years of continuous on-site service at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Rachel McHug, 92, has been honoured with the inaugural RHS Lifetime Volunteer award, a title created specifically to recognise this extraordinary milestone – the first of its kind achieved by an RHS volunteer.

Rachel was there when the RHS took over the garden in 2001, witnessing its transformation and growth over the years. Her story is deeply intertwined with the history of Harlow Carr, and the two will forever be part of each other.

Coral wedding anniversary with the RHS

In September 1989, Rachel started working part-time at RHS Harlow Carr. As part of a government scheme, she joined the Study Centre, now known as the Bath House, in a varied role that we would today describe as graphic design.

“I used to create artwork for shows and displays, along with illustrations and drawings,” Rachel explained. “One of them became the logo for the garden. It was a Meconopsis, the blue Himalayan poppy, and it was used for a decade on leaflets and products sold in the garden’s shop, until the RHS took over in 2001. I still have the original drawings, which were eventually framed and given back to me.”

Rachel in 1990, one year after she started volunteering with the RHS
She has more recently been part of the tour guide team at RHS Halow Carr
At the same time, Rachel began taking on additional volunteer work at the garden, helping with tasks such as weeding the rockeries, delivering hanging basket courses and running children’s workshops. A few years ago, she gave some talks to local church groups and, more recently, has become part of the tour guide team.

As I only have a small garden at home, I like to think of RHS Harlow Carr as if it was my own

Rachel McHug, first RHS Lifetime Volunteer

“No two days are the same, there is always something different happening,” said the outstanding volunteer. “I love meeting new people and being outdoors. Since I only have a small garden at home, I like to think of RHS Harlow Carr almost as if it was my own. After 35 years, this garden is part of me.”

Rachel’s favourite area is the Foliage Garden, a little haven of sunshine and peace. And her favourite memory? “It’s hard to pick just one, but I did once shake hands with Prince Harry after meeting him at The Patron’s Lunch in London, in 2016.” Rachel was invited to the exceptional event as a representative of the RHS, and she still keeps the photographs of that day in a folder.

A lifelong commitment

From left to right: Diana Waters, Volunteer Development Manager; Carole Goldsmith, Director of People; Liz Thwaite, Head of Site at RHS Harlow Carr and RHS Bridgewater; Rachel McHug, RHS Lifetime Volunteer; Paul Cook, Curator; Tom Butler, Visitor Services Manager at RHS Harlow Carr
Over her 35 years at Harlow Carr, Rachel has witnessed many changes in the garden. “Everything has changed since the RHS arrived, although you don’t always notice it in your daily life. Harlow Carr has grown so much, from six gardeners to the nearly 40 we have now, and the improvement has been incredible. However, one thing has remained the same: the employees and volunteers have always worked together with a shared goal of keeping the garden an amazing place to be.”

In 35 years, one thing has not changed: the commitment to keeping the garden an amazing place to be

Rachel McHug, first RHS Lifetime Volunteer
Today, the RHS Lifetime Volunteer remains as committed as ever, continuing to share her love for Harlow Carr with visitors and people in the wider community. Highlighting the therapeutic benefits of gardening for both body and mind – especially for those without green spaces at home – the 92-year-old encourages everyone to consider becoming an RHS volunteer. “If you love gardens, have some free time and enjoy being around other people, just give it a try.”

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About the author - Marica Flore

RHS Editorial Assistant Marica is a cross-platform journalist and urban gardener who combines her love of nature with her passion for writing. She is interested in discovering stories about how gardening can make the world a more inclusive and sustainable place. 

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