Arizona, United States

I was born in Zimbabwe (formally Rhodesia) of British Parents. My father grew roses but as a young adult, my interest was elsewhere!
Sue, my wife, & I met, got married and left Africa to travel and see the world. During our 5 ½ years in England we purchased a house that had 20 Rose bushes in the front garden that looked after themselves.
We moved to Tempe Arizona in December 1980 and purchased a house where we planted 20 rose bushes the first year – 18 died! In 1993 we built a home and, as an engineer, I designed the landscaping around growing roses. By 1997 we had 56 bushes, all with no name tags!
We visited a Home & Garden show and came across the Mesa East Valley Rose Society (MEVRS). I was talked into joining the society and attended a rose arrangement workshop and then exhibited my first rose and won a blue ribbon. I was hooked. Today I grow roses more for putting in arrangements than trying to get the perfect bloom.
I became a Consulting Rosarian in 2001 and started trying to propagate roses in 2003.
I do Rose growing seminars with any group willing to listen.
Today our garden has about 150 rose bushes. I have my own Fortuniana grafted rose bushes but still no luck with hybridizing. I continue to try.
I also grow 30 different fruiting trees from Bananas & Papaya to Figs and Mulberry which can be a challenge in the low desert!

Very experienced (44 years)

Society member, Show exhibitor, Volunteer or Staff (non-commercial)

Last visit: More than a year ago