Last-minute stay of execution for the Robinson-Lowery Collection
3 Jan 2012
In early December 2011, Gregg Lowery was given 17 days' notice of foreclosure auction of the land on which he and Phillip Lowery had amassed what must be the most significant collection of heritage roses in a private garden, anywhere in the world. Many of their roses are not obtainable from other sources.
The financial situation in the US had reduced rose sales from Vintage Gardens so much, that the collection could not be maintained adequately. However, assistance from donors and a helpful lawyer persuaded the bank to call off the auction, the day before it was due to happen. Two friends of the Garden have subsequently bought the property. It is not yet clear whether Vintage Gardens can continue as a nursery.
Now donors are being sought for a not-for-profit organisation to preserve the Robinson-Lowery (or Lowery-Robinson) collection, both in the current garden and via replicating 2300-2500 roses into tubs to allow transfer to other sites.
The Heritage Rose Foundation is collecting funds: see http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=suzm4ocab&v=001qSI1yol4mYt9NA-uInmOYPbY_UgBD-a-nYoWF2FLNuYHyEMZ-Fu_Cz8BSyRRi95b9AfjxEzQao6vR_o9Dqg7NvFmsJYLBe7au9MBgV7PpMI5FlSsXFBKAw%3D%3D or http://www.heritagerosefoundation.org/onlinecommerce/onlinecommerce.htm#FoVR or www.vintagegardens.com if you want to assist.
Gregg & Phillip were keynote speakers at the HRIAI Conference in Busselton, WA in 2006.