Dear All, and especially to those, and friends around the world that know me, Firstly I would like to say I am OK and in great spirits, and I apologise for not contributing of late but the last few years have not been good, and a few of you, members of the PBS or IBS will know this, probably more, as I know how word of mouth spreads in confined circles. However, this mail is to let everyone know what my circumstances are exactly and to dispel any rumour. Those who do not know me may be aware of my website "The African Garden", http://www.theafricangarden.com/, and here I must state that the site will continue to provide information and images on/of South African Bulbs; but in the future will be sponsored by Trecanna Nurseries (Cornwall, UK), http://www.trecanna.co.uk/, who specialise in Crocosmia and Eucomis; and by Cameron and Rhoda McMaster, http://www.africanbulbs.com/, and I consider to be privileged to be their webmaster and web designer. My arrangement with these people is not one of profit but a way of keeping the site on the web for the continuing provision of information. However, it will sadly and no longer be dedicated to my garden; but dedicated to the culture, the photography and the marketing of South African Bulbs in general. Hence, where to obtain them, how to grow them, and how to see them growing in the wild, and I'd think you'd all agree that this will be of benefit to you all. Obviously the nature of the site will change but the site will continue to provide both accurate images and information in a somewhat basic and honest style some of you have come to expect from me. Sadly I am now able to publicly state that I have had to give up all 5 of my NCCPG National Plant Collections of South African Bulbs in recent months. For those of you who do not know me or are unfamiliar with my name the genera I collected include, Crocosmia with Chasmanthe, Tulbaghia, Amaryllis (genus and intergeneric hybrids), Eucomis with Galtonia and Freesia (Anomatheca Group). The reason for giving up these collections is due to arthritis as I have it in both my knees and my hands. My doctor has stated this is primarily due to my career as I have been a professional horticulturalist for over 25 years, I am now 42. Yes, it was a hard decision to make but you kind of know when you physically have to make a change for the better in the UK climate, and it was taken with a lot of thought for my future health and yes, health has to come first. I'm afraid it is the cultivation aspects of keeping the collections that hinder me, but of course you don't give up being am ambassador for South African Bulbs that easily, and like I have always done, I will continue to advise those with a similar interest, and businesses, in our pursuit and continue to be an ambassador for our hobby, which to some, like me, has become / became somewhat of an obsession. Very sadly I must also add that my wife Colleen and I are in the process of divorce and I will, in the next few weeks be moving away, and to a house where there is little garden, but I am not worried about this, it is kind of a refreshing change. I must add, this happened after my decision to give up my collections, our relationship had not been good for a number of years. I must also add that all my important bulbs have been given very good homes and will continue to increase the diversity of bulbs held in cultivation through the NCCPG Plant Cultivation Scheme here in the UK, although I must add the Tulbaghia collection has been sold in its entirety, to a commercial nursery in Holland, but this nursery will continue both research and the development of this up and coming genus. I must also add that the Amaryllis collection has been sold in its entirety to Andrew Houghton, UK collection holder of the genus Hippeastrum, and I am absolutely sure it cannot be in better hands (Bill W., if your reading this, I am keeping one of your bulbs though). This only leaves me to thanks all those who have helped me develop my bulb collections and be mentors over the years, the list of people is obviously endless but if I could be permitted to name a few I would add the following and I am truly very sorry if your name is not included. Jim Lykos, Dirk Wallace, Dash and Rob (Australia); Bill and David (NZ); Rhoda and Cameron McMaster, Rod and Rachel Saunders, Jaco and Dawie (South Africa); Dr. John Grimshaw, Dr. Marion Wood, Diane Rowe, Harry Hay, Dick Fulcher and especially Pete Wallin and Bill Simpson (UK); Dr. Canio Vosa (Italy), Lindsay Bolden (Barbados); John Bryan, Karl King, Bill the Bulb Barron of Carmel, Roy Sachs, Mary Sue Ittner, Cathy and Diane, and because he's as mad as myself Tony Avent, and because I also want several tee-shirts from him and I like his style (USA); and to, in my opinion the best commercial bulb grower in Europe, perhaps the world, (Lauw de Jager of France), for producing some of the best bulbs I have ever seen. But with great sadness I have to add Les Hannibal, Dr. Jack Elliott and Terry Jones of Zeal Monochorum, and my dad to this list. I'll be around in the background but I just wanted to update you all on what's happening and to formally thank certain individuals for their help. Thank you. Dave Fenwick David Fenwick Snr. The African Garden 96 Wasdale Gardens, Estover, Plymouth, Devon. England. PL6 8TW Tel: 44 (0)1752 301402 Websites The African Garden http://www.theafricangarden.com/ Wildflowers of the Devon and Cornwall Peninsula http://www.aphotoflora.com/ Wildlife of the Devon and Cornwall Peninsula http://www.aphotofauna.com/ Fungi of the Devon and Cornwall Peninsula http://www.aphotofungi.com/ Johnson's Creek - Manor Park http://www.johnsonscreek.co.uk/