Ken Harbutt

A TRIBUTE BY SUE WOOSTER

I was sad to hear that Ken Harbutt of Rougham Hall Nurseries died on 29 July. To everyone who knew Ken, and to those who came across him in the world of horticulture and garden plants, his passing will be a huge loss.

Ken held National Collections of both Delphiniums and Ribes (gooseberries), which are both sited at the nursery at Rougham. A few years ago, as a student at Otley College, I worked for the Harbutt family where I learnt so much from Ken and his wife
Audrey: how to take Irishman's cuttings of Delphiniums out in the field and grow them on, what to do to cut flowers to prepare them for all the wonderful displays they staged at the RHS shows, and in particular, as far as Ken was concerned, that regular tea breaks and a roll up were a crucial part of the nursery worker's day.
More recently it was always good to see Ken at the NCCPG plant sales and catch up on how he, Audrey and their family were getting on. He was fantastic company to all the exhibitors at Hampton Court last year (and very willing tea boy!) and this year a cheer went up when he arrived at the Plant Heritage marquee to stage his
Delphinium display.

Ken was a lovely man, with a great sense of humour and always willing to share his vast knowledge of plants and life. I am sure all friends and NCCPG members will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy and sincere best wishes to all the Harbutt family.