Remembering Garry Burges

We were sorry to hear that Garry Burges, Plant research leader, Plant and Food Research NZ, died earlier this year. The leader of the begonia breeding program passed away in June after a short illness.

Garry was a highly valued and respected friend, colleague and mentor to many. His gentle humour, courage, humility and humanity will be missed by many.

It was in ornamental crop research that Garry was probably most prominent. He quickly learned that the best looking plant might not be an instant industry success and there are many steps between the breeder and the consumer. Garry worked on several research programmes delivering novel technologies and new ornamental plants with fashionable forms and colours.

These plants included Leptospermums, and others such as Begonia ‘Bonfire’ and Limonium ‘Chorus magenta’ which won awards at international garden shows. Garry was proud of the begonia breeding program from which new varieties will continue to be released for years to come.

(Begonia Bonfire)

Phillip townshend of Tesselaar said ‘Garry has contributed to the resurgence in popularity of Begonia with gardeners through his work with NZ Plant & Food on the development of the Bonfire Begonia series. The dedication that Garry put into the breeding behind this highly successful Bonfire and new found popularity of Begonia as a genus with gardeners is because of Bonfires unique characteristics and versatility e.g. its ability to perform in full sun. The renewed interest in Begonia will hopefully be a fitting tribute to Garry’s contribution to the Bonfire breeding programme’.

You can find out more about Garry at http://www.ipps.org.nz/news/burge.htm

www.tesselaar.com