|
The Rhododendron world has lost a truly great and innovative plantsman, Jens Christian Birck of Copenhagen, Denmark. My sincere condolences to his wife Kari and his family, and to his dear friends Svend Hansen and his wife Birgit. Both Jens and Svend grew the most well-grown rhododendrons I have ever seen; his own garden was pure perfection. In the early 1990s I reached out to Jens with great trepidation, in awe of such a giant of the Rhododendron world. We had a long chat and within days my request for the elusive pollen of R. proteoides R.151 pollen arrived in the mail.
Our friendship developed through countless emails, letters, visits and travel together. We declared several months ago and re-affirmed two weeks ago that we were mutual and absolute dependable best friends. He and I had prepared for this day for several years. Nevertheless the news comes as a devastating shock to me and all who knew him. Just last night I posted his 'Spider Dane' on the internet which is but the tip of the iceberg of his legacy to the rhododendron world, the immensity of which will take years to be discovered.
Popular world-wide lecturer for his insightful observations and innovations in the Genus Rhododendron. Plant Hunter in China with Svend and later with Warren Berg and June Sinclair. ARS Gold Medal Winner. Founding father in 1973 of The Danish Chapter, one of the Founding Fathers of the Swedish Chapter, ARHS Honorary Life Member. Renowned Hybridiser whose selections can be found at Baumschule Hachmann. The world has lost a wonderful and generous human being.
John Weagle
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada
|
Jens Birck with Captain Dick Steele
Photo by John Weagle
|
