Yesterday the plantsman Henry Taylor passed away.
There can be few people in the world of alpine plants who do not know the names of Henry and Margaret Taylor. This quiet married couple, from Invergowrie, by Dundee, are rightly famous for their plantsmanship in many spheres, their abilities as travellers, plant collectors, tour leaders, authors, speakers, exhibitors and much more. They introduced many plants to cultivation, notably many Himalayan Androsaces, and raised numerous garden worthy hybrids. No-one who has ever attended one of their talks could possible forget the level of knowledge imparted or the couple’s infinite generosity in providing masses of plants for gifts or raffles at the events.
They shared their knowledge and skill in propagation very widely, and SRGC and AGS members have been among the recipients of that bounty. Henry and Margaret were equally generous in sharing information around the world to other plant lovers, for example to help with trips to see plants in the wild. Their help to Mat Topsfield as he prepared his ‘narcissus trip’ to Spain in the footsteps of John Blanchard, comes to mind and I am aware of many others assisted by the Taylors.
Many people have had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful compact garden that Henry and Margaret made – and some also had the pleasure of the kind hosts sharing wonderful meals with them. Henry was a vegetarian – but dear Margaret always also catered for the meat eaters who visited – just a small example of the attention to detail that was evident in everything the couple did.
Their association with SRGC goes back a long, long way – it feels as if the whole alpine world is diminished by the death of Henry. It is hard to think of Margaret without Henry beside her. This is a sad time indeed.
We can only imagine the degree of loss to Margaret, their daughters and wider family. We can however state our sorrow and regret at Henry’s passing and express our sincerest condolences.
Henry’s funeral will be private and Margaret Taylor asks that she NOT be contacted, especially by phone, at this time.
Rest in peace, Henry.
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Margaret and Henry in 2010 - photo Ian Christie
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SRGC Discussion Weekend 2018 Margaret & Henry Taylor received the AGS Ulster Group Quaich, a travelling award which went to the best foliage plant - the grey leaved Senecio leucophyllus. photo by Stan da Prato
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The cover of the Taylor's book for AGS
