Sad News

Not many of my Carolina gardening friends also visit over in the Iris Forum.

In case y'all didn't hear the news, Dr. Roy Epperson, current president of the American Iris Society, a resident Greensboro, NC, passed away over the weekend.

A very great loss to the iris world, and a very great loss to the gardening world here in the Carolinas. Though I only met him a few times, he was a very gentle man, a very thoughtful man, a great listener. And, as I understand it, a great plantsman.

I heard him speak many, many years ago. You are correct, he was a great plantsman.

Very sad. I was hoping to meet him.

He grew great Hostas besides Iris. He had a beautiful yard.

I know it's supposed to be incredibly lovely garden all around. In N.C., that means part of it is in the shade. most of our state is heavily forested with oaks and pines. I sat next to him at lunch at our last meeting at Bob Pries' home, and he mentioned the hostas. Think I already wrote his garden was supposed to be on tour for Spring Conference.

I'd better volunteer up - Ruth's going to need help with that conference. They were co-chairs.

Oh Bonnie how sad. I met him at tthe Candle Light Dinner for the arborutem back in 1995. He was a great guy and he did several talks to the Hemoca society that meets 1st a month in Raleigh.
Bob Lyons introduced him to me.

((((hugs)))))

Lavina Who is unhappy because I wanted to see you all.