SRGC Stalwart, and popular nurseryman, Jim Sutherland passes away.

[Maggi Young]

On Wednesday 11th August  2021, a true stalwart of the  Scottish Rock Garden Club, James (Jim) Panton Sutherland died suddenly but peacefully at home, Phopachy, Bunchrew by Inverness.

Jim was a loving husband to Agnes, herself now in poor health, a  much loved father  to Alasdair and the  late  Fiona, dear father in law to Sarah, and devoted papa to Sorcha, Neilleidh, Meig and Angus.

Jim was convenor of the  Inverness SRGC group for many years, nay, decades, and he is regarded as a mentor by many  in that area, including Sandy Leven, who joined the Club and the  Inverness Group in 1969 and who has previously expressed that  without  meeting Jim and  Agnes, his life would have been much emptier.

A former horticultural advisor for the College of Agriculture before founding Ardfearn Nursery at Bunchrew with son Alasdair in 1987, JIm had a passion for alpine and rock  plants and his knowledge and enthusiasm spread wider than the local group. He encouraged the local group show, which latterly has been a full SRGC show, and one which has made a great  addition to the  SRGC Show  circuit.  With a life-long interest in plants ( and piping!) Jim travelled the world collecting seeds from his travels to China, Nepal, Chile, Siberia, Europe and New Zealand. His talks - whether on plants or plant photography - were always well-received.

The list of not only alpine  plant  lovers but also of many "great and good" names from the world of horticulture travelled to the beautiful nursery by the  banks of the  Beauly Firth to see Jim and learn!

Jim and Agnes were almost always in attendance with a sales display at SRGC shows - and  others too, of  course. A large and varied collection of plants, from the  easy to the  most  challenging, would be assembled at  each venue, and it  was  never  long till the experienced growers and general  public alike descended on the feast of plants before them. The advice and cheeky, friendly chat from Jim and Agnes made them very popular.  Jim could be grumpy at times, but Agnes was always sweet and very kindly! In 2012  the pair attended their  last Aberdeen  SRGC Show and, as usual,  sold busily all day and went  home  with very  few leftover  plants. From 2013 Alasdair and Sarah took over the  show  displays and have continued the  great  Ardfearn tradition of support for the SRGC.

It is a comfort indeed that Ardfearn Nursery will continue  in good hands - but Jim will still be sorely missed and Phopachy will be the  quieter  without  him.

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Jim on a mountain

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Jim and Agnes at their  stall in Aberdeen 2011 - photo Maggi Young


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Jim and Alasdair Sutherland at  home  - photo by Alan Gardner, 2016

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Jim with Sandy Leven at the  Highland (Inverness) SRGC Show 2017

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Agnes with Alasdair, at the  Highland (Inverness) SRGC Show 2017 - photo Sandy Leven

[Maggi Young]

From  Ardfearn Nursery:

Alasdair, Sarah and family would like to thank everyone for the cards, letters and support following the unexpected passing of our dear Jim. We've been overwhelmed with all the messages, memories and stories about our much loved husband, father, papa and plantsman from around the world.
All friends are warmly invited to Inverness Crematorium on Friday 27 Aug at 12midday to join us for Jim's funeral. The service will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend.
(NB: unfortunately, due to continued illness, our dear Agnes will not be able to join us on Friday.)
The nursery shall remain closed until Monday 30th August.
Many thanks again from all at Ardfearn ❤


The link for the live-stream will be available from WIlliam T Frasers' website, approx 10 mins before start of service. https://williamtfraserandson.co.uk/

[Maggi Young]

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The ever charming Agnes Sutherland, famous to so many alpine plant lovers as having the biggest smile has passed away, only a few months after her dear husband Jim, of Ardfearn Nursery.
Agnes , the kindest and most thoughtful of people, was beloved by a great many people and will be sorely missed. Our fond condolences to Alasdair, Sarah and all the Family.

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Agnes' funeral notice:
 AGNES SUTHERLAND
BUNCHREW
28.09.1931 - 12.03.2022

Peacefully in the loving care of Highview House Care Home, with her family present, Agnes Mary Sutherland née Stevenson, Phopachy, Bunchrew, aged 90 years. Retired English teacher, Millburn Academy. Most loving wife of the late Jim (Ardfearn Nursery), much loved mum of Alasdair and the late Fiona, dear mother-in-law of Sarah, devoted granny of Sorcha, Neillidh, Meig and Angus, dear sister of Janet and life-long friend of Essie. Funeral service on Monday 28th March at 12 noon in Inverness Crematorium. All friends respectfully invited. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu are welcome at the service for Alzheimer Scotland.

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We will miss you, Agnes!

[Maggi Young]

Agnes at the nursery ....

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 Agnes and Jim with a huge "vegetable sheep" in New Zealand....
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That Raoulia is almost bigger than the two of them!