John Main, Ex Head of Horticulture at the RBGE, passed away on the February 26 aged 83 and is survived by his wife Marisa, sons Iain and Graeme and their families. The funeral service will be held at Guildford Crematorium, on Thursday, April 4, at 2.15 pm with donations in his memory to Perennial being greatly appreciated.
Much of John's career was closely intertwined with the SRGC, and the story of his life is shared on the RBGE by David Knott, click here to read the article:
https://stories.rbge.org.uk/archives/38700?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=socialnetworkPart of David Knott's article reads: " In 1962, he (John Main) started what would be his long association with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh becoming a student gardener studying whilst working in the Garden gaining the Edinburgh Diploma in Horticulture [DHE] in 1965. In 1964, he became engaged to Marisa Melville a member of staff in the Herbarium.
In 1965 John was appointed supervisor in the Herbaceous Section at RBGE under the expert tutelage of the late Alfred Evans. His time in Edinburgh also triggered what would be a long-term interest in Alpine Plants including cultivating in his own private garden alpine plants to peak perfection that were awarded Forrest and Farrer Medals the premier awards at Scottish Rock Garden and Alpine Garden Society Shows. For many years, he was the Joint Seed Manager of the Scottish Rock Garden Club, preparing seed for distribution to members, and in addition, he was a long-term member of the Scottish Rock Garden Club Expedition Committee."
John was an esteemed member of the Club and we send our condolences to Marisa and their family.
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John Main, courtesy of RBGE.
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John Main on Yu Shan – Taiwan 1993. Photo courtesy of Marisa Main.
Photos from the RBGE article.
John MAIN Obituary -Published by The Scotsman on Mar. 15, 2024.
MAIN John D. MHort, (RHS) FCIHORT, DHE, SHM
(Elstead, Godalming, Surrey)
Passed away peacefully, on February 26, 2024, aged 83 years at The Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford. Much loved by wife Marisa, sons Iain and Graeme and their wives Tracy and Mandy, grandchildren David, Christopher, Charlotte and Joshua and great-grandchildren Amelia and Harry.
The funeral service, to which all are welcome, will be held at Guildford Crematorium, on Thursday, April 4, at 2.15 pm. No flowers please, but donations in his memory to Perennial would be greatly appreciated.
John had a lifelong interest in horticulture, beginning with a short time at Carlisle Parks Department, followed as a student at Askham Bryan, York, then as a student at The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. He remained in the Garden as a foreman in the Alpine Department until 1975, moving to the Northern Horticulture Society at Harlow Carr, Harrogate until 1980.
He moved then to become Curator of the Royal Horticultural Society's Garden at Wisley until 1988 when he returned to the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh as Director of Horticulture until he retired in 2000. Was a great friend and colleague to many and will be much missed by those whose lives were touched by him.
