Author Topic: Remembering Michael Wickenden of Cally Gardens (Read 10468 times)

Maggi Young · « **on:** October 26, 2016, 12:53:26 PM »

Sad news came from Burma and the death is announced of Michael Wickenden, the powerhouse of Cally Gardens - a planthunter and grower of considerable renown.

Remembering Michael Wickenden of Cally Gardens

Michael Wickenden 1955- 2016
From the Cally Gardens Website :

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Michael Wickenden of Cally Gardens, Scotland. Michael died on the 11th October 2016, whilst trekking in northern Myanmar (Burma). He was 61.
A great gardener, plantsman, explorer, photographer, teacher and friend; an inspiration to so many. He will be hugely missed.
A funeral will be held close to his family in Sussex. A celebration of his life will be held in Scotland at a later date. Further announcements will be posted on this website.
Cally Gardens continues, and will remain closed as normal through the winter months.
http://www.callygardens.co.uk

Alan_b · « **Reply #1 on:** October 26, 2016, 01:04:13 PM »

I cannot help being reminded of Jamie Taggart who died on a plant hunting trip to Vietnam just a few years ago. It seems that plant hunting remains a dangerous occupation.

ChrisB · « **Reply #2 on:** October 26, 2016, 01:19:27 PM »

I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. Michael was a real character, but well respected for his plant knowledge. He's irreplaceable!

Maggi Young · « **Reply #3 on:** October 26, 2016, 01:34:35 PM »

Awful news isn't it? I believe MW fell ill rather than falling or some other accident.
To be honest I'm surprised we do not get such bad news more often - it's a dangerous world all round.

Maggi Young · « **Reply #4 on:** October 26, 2016, 02:32:30 PM »

From Lisa and Andrew of Growild Nursery

"We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear this morning that Micheal Wickenden from Cally Gardens has passed away whilst trekking in northern Myanmar (Burma).

A passionate plantsman, keen to share his wonderful introductions and knowledge and also one of the main inspirations for us starting our nursery. Three of our all time favourite plants are Michael's introductions, which we share here. Thank you Michael."

Begonia sikkimensis (U614)

Persicaria 'Indian Summer'

Fagopyrum dibotrys 'Cally Form' - htese are all Michael Wickenden introductions.

Photos from Lisa Wesley and Andrew Blackwood

http://www.growildnursery.co.uk/

johnralphcarpenter · « **Reply #5 on:** October 26, 2016, 04:25:18 PM »

Very sad news. I have bought many good plants from him over the years since he settled at Cally Gardens, and two years ago we visited the gardens and met him. A great plantsman.

Maggi Young · « **Reply #6 on:** October 26, 2016, 08:34:46 PM »

Some comments from SRGC folks on Facebook:

Christine Boulby: This is awful, two amazing plantsmen in to days. We are going to Cally again next year. Michael was a real character, but so well respected for his plant knowledge. He will be missed!
Rob Edwards: Bit of a shock. Only went there the once, but I had bought mail-order regularly for some years. A voice against Nagoya and similar wolf-in-sheep's-clothing legislation that will privatise the natural world if we aren't careful.To the gain of agricultural seed/agro-chemicals companies, but to our detriment. A sad loss indeed.

Sue Simpson: Sad, sad news

Ian Christie :Very sad to read this news we have lost a very special plantsman.

Aaron Floden: Extremely sad to hear this.

Christine Savegh: I am so sorry!!

Jim Jermyn: Very upsetting news indeed

Billy Carruthers: I am so saddened by this news. I first met Michael when he started at Cally 30 years ago and have been friends ever since. He was actually the main inspiration behind me starting Binny Plants after I left my home near Gatehouse. I just can't get my head round this.

Robbie Blackhall-Miles: A man whom I have both argued and shared Jokes with. :-(

Lindsay Morrison: Shocked to hear this sad news. Have shopped at Cally for many, many years.

Margaret Clark: So sad, plantsman through and through- and stood up for what he believed in.

P. Kohn · « **Reply #7 on:** October 29, 2016, 01:07:53 PM »

A real shock. Had a long discussion with him back in June about the failings of the Nagoya convention and came away with one or two of his own introductions which will now be treasured even more. Does anyone know what the future of Cally Gardens will be ?

Maggi Young · « **Reply #8 on:** October 29, 2016, 04:50:26 PM »

As the original Cally Gardens announcement said - " Cally Gardens continues though, and will remain closed as normal through the winter months" so we must hope that will be the case.

FrazerHenderson · « **Reply #9 on:** October 29, 2016, 05:29:33 PM »

Sad to hear this news. Michael was one of life's characters in an increasingly anodyne world. He was a genuine enthusiast and plantsman, whom I always found generous with his time and knowledge.

Maggi Young · « **Reply #10 on:** August 01, 2017, 06:38:13 PM »

A Memorial for Michael Wickenden will be held on Saturday 12th August 2017 at 12 noon in
Gatehouse of Fleet Parish Church and afterwards at The Mill on the Fleet

R.S.V.P.

If you will be attending, please let us know to assist us with catering arrangements.

Please contact info@callygardens.co.uk to advise or for further details.

Please note that Cally Gardens will be closed to the public on this day.

Maggi Young · « **Reply #11 on:** April 05, 2018, 05:01:13 PM »

Now comes good news about Cally Gardens and its future . .....
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=16050.0
It is to be run by Kevin Hughes!

Maggi Young · « **Reply #12 on:** May 02, 2018, 05:55:02 PM »

Logan Botanic Garden recently hosted an exhibition - A celebration of Michael Wickenden - we hope soon to be able to show some photos from the exhibition.