It is with great regret that PAGS can report the passing on Wednesday (3rd February 2021) of Pelargonium stalwart John Thorpe at the grand age of 94.
John was renowned in the world of Pelargoniums, running a specialist nursery, with his wife, Sheila, from his home in Wokingham, Berkshire during the 1970’s and 80’s obtaining a total of 14 RHS awards at various events throughout the country. He bred many pelargonium cultivars for release at his nursery most notably with the prefix ‘Honeywood’ and was one of the original Accreditation panelists for Pelargonium show Judges.
Following retirement in the early 1990’s John began to exhibit his plants to notably high standards at his local specialist societies in Reading and Farnborough and later became President of Reading Geranium Society.
The PAGS would like to pass on our sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.
Below is a picture of John receiving the May Rushbrook Trophy for services to the family Geraniaceae from Swanland Nursery owner Mary Spink at the PAGS inaugural AGM in March 2009.