Another Galanthophile Lost to us

[Ding Dong]

Very sad to report this news, and post a copy of an email that we received (for anyone that hasn't seen it)



MICHAEL LOFTUS
1948-2012



It is with great sadness that we have to announce Michael's death at the age of 63.

You will all know him as a great plantsman, for us he was a beloved husband, father, brother and boss

 

Woottens Plants, his most remarkable creation will continue.

Michael had assembled a dedicated team led by Luci Skinner, who will run the business in the same spirit as before. We are proud of this wonderful nursery and shall honour Michael's memory as we continue to cherish our plants and our customers, our friends.

 

Kind regards

 

 

Michael's family,
Luci Skinner and the Team
Woottens Plants
Blackheath Rd
Wenhaston
Halesworth
Suffolk
IP19 9HD
U.K.

I know he loved many plants and was a very keen Galanthophile

[Maggi Young]

Dear me, this is sad news but thank you, Maxine, for letting us know.

The name of Michael Loftus is well known to lots of people, I am sure,  for the range of plants offered by Michael and his team at http://www.woottensplants.com/index.html

“I drove for seven hours through a monumental cloudburst; the journey was worth it. Woottens is a beautiful nursery.”  quote by Anna Pavord

Woottens Plants, Blackheath Rd, Wenhaston, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 9HD

We send our condolences to Michael's family and colleagues.

[Alan_b]

 I could not get Maggi's link to work; try this http://www.woottensplants.com/index.html

[Brian Ellis]

Sadly I have to report that I heard today of the passing of Simon Savage.

Simon introduced quite a lot of lovely snowdrops including 'Morgana', 'Grim Reaper', 'Lazybones' and one that I would have loved to find 'Shropshire Queen'.  He spoke at the 2008 Gala on his selections and some of you will remember him from that.

Thomas Seiler shows us 'Shades of Green' and 'St Boniface' here:

http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=8695.msg237570#msg237570

[Maggi Young]

More sad news.  2012 is a notable year for all the wrong reasons.

[steve owen]

Shropshire Queen grown here, also St Boniface.  I wasn't aware of the others Brian  mentioned.

[Brian Ellis]

I believe that he also distributed 'Ippikin', 'Igraine' and 'Minnie Winnie' to close friends Steve.

[steve owen]

I also have Igraine and Minnie Whinnie, but again wasn't aware of their provenance - so thanks for the information.

[Brian Ellis]

These are the ones he mentioned at the Gala Steve, just in case you need to know:
Mordred, Shropshire Queen, Orleton, Pagoda, Mr Spoons, Josephine, Morgana.

[mark smyth]

Joe has Shropshire Queen on his list. What does it look like?

[Brian Ellis]

If you have Freda Cox's book it is on page 63