The awards dinner was held in Sydney on November 7 and Caitlin received a standing ovation for her speech.

Caitlin applied for the BBM Sir John Pagan Horticulture Award online. It is available to students or graduates of horticulture less than 24 years of age, and competition for the award is stiff.

The award is judged on horticultural merit and the applicant's dedication to studies and the horticultural industry.

Caitlin meets these criteria easily. She is passionate and zealous in her work with horticulture and her commitment to further horticulture in Australia.

And with the pedigree Caitlin has, that is no surprise.

She has been immersed in the horticultural world since she was born, with her mum, Tanya, being a landscape designer and her father preferring the science of horticulture.

She also credits Lynne Butler for teaching her a lot, and says that Lynne is like a second mum.

She is devoted to her grandfather, Ralph. "I used to follow him around like a puppy dog and soak it up," said Caitlin.

Caitlin herself is more interested in the scientific side of horticulture, by way of production and propagation.

She enjoys working to make the best plants possible, and likes the creativity of seeing something come from nothing.

And she really relishes feedback from customers. They often return with photographs to show Caitlin the results of what she has sold them. However, she says "I like it best when they bring food back!"

Caitlin is currently organising her travel to the UK that the funds from the scholarship provides for.

She was given some invaluable contacts by people such as Graham Ross and Don Burke, who she met at the Awards dinner.

In addition to working in the UK, she has also been offered work experience in France, Vienna, Prague and in Kew Gardens and the Chelsea Flower Show in the UK.

There will be no time for shenanigans, as Caitlin is very aware she will be a student ambassador for Australian horticulture. She plans on making the most of every minute of her time abroad.

"I'm not one for taking garden tours," said Caitlin. "I'm not happy unless I've got dirt under my nails".

Caitlin hopes to increase her knowledge and experience in a worldly context. "Hopefully I'll bring something back," she said. "Australian horticulture is not progressing as fast as other countries. We are very far behind."

When she returns, she intends staying put in Wingham and using what she learns overseas here.

Caitlin wants to follow in her father's and grandfather's footsteps. "I've got big boots to fill", she said, her voice filled with deep respect.

Caitlin attended a dinner at Parliament House to accept her award on November 17, and will travel in the first half of next year.