Dear All,
Daffodil growers from all over the world will join with me in congratulating Dr Peter Ramsay of Matangi, Hamilton, New Zealand in being the 2013 winner of the Peter Barr Cup, an honour which I am sure is very much appreciated by him and dear to his heart.
Peter was introduced to daffodils by his father Jim and this lifelong love of daffodils has seen his commitment to every facet of daffodil growing and showing. As a breeder of superb and highly desirable daffodils, Peter has experienced great success on the show benches. Over 100 varieties appear in the RHS register of Daffodil cultivars. When I think of Peter’s introductions his many “Cameo” prefixed varieties come to mind, Cameo Joy, Cameo Flush, Cameo Marie, Cameo Mist, Cameo Frost – there is very rarely a premier lineup without a “Cameo” in some division! Also the beautiful double daffodils which have been a real advance in this division, e.g. Cameo Magic, Blossom Lady, Pina Colada etc.etc.
It was not just for his breeding of daffodils that Peter was awarded the Barr Cup the citation being “in recognition of the major contributions he has made to the advancement and enjoyment of daffodils as a hybridizer, exhibitor and writer”. Peter must have spent many hours working on articles for various publications, all thoughtfully written and informative. I would also like to add that Peters other skills include “as a general ambassador for the daffodil”. Peter and his wife Lesley have been great ambassadors for the daffodil both in New Zealand at their home and overseas. They have welcomed daffodil folk to their home outside Hamilton from far and wide. In 2008 they organised a once – in – a – lifetime trip to the Northern Hemisphere to the 2008 World Daffodil Convention for a bunch of Kiwis and a group of ‘honorary Kiwis’ picked up along the way. All on that trip knew they were in good hands and it was down to the organisational skills of Peter and Lesley who showed us the best of the daffodil world, indeed a trip to reminisce about and remember for ever.
Peter and Lesley will be visiting the UK in April to receive the trophy from the Royal Horticultural Society, also catch up with their many friends in that part of the world.
So congratulations Peter on a very well deserved award, and many thanks to you and to Lesley for your work in and dedication to the daffodil over many years.
Kind regards to all,
Denise
(Secretary, National Daffodil Society of New Zealand Inc.)
Peter and Lesley,
Richly deserved for your superior flowers as well as for all the work you both do on behalf of “Mistress Daffodil”.
Sincerest and heartfelt congratulations to you both.
Steve
Dear Peter:
Congratulations. The RHS made an excellent judgement! Well deserved.
Harold and Steve
congratulations to Peter Ramsey – an honor well deserved!
Peter and Lesley,
Warmest congratulations and well deserved! You are both true daffodil ambassadors!
Nancy
Peter, a most deserved honor. Your daffodils are fabulous show flowers, but as Denise pointed out, there’s so much more–your writing for and about the daffodil, and daffodils in New zealand, and your world-wide connections, but traveling abroad, and with Lesley, hosting a wonderful tour with two national conventions much appreciated by all the overseas visitors.
Loyce McKenzie
Congratulations to Peter as well as Leslie. A great Kiwi team in the world of daffodils.
Congratulations, Peter, and how wonderful that you and Lesley will be able to travel to the UK to receive the honor–a well deserved one, for sure!
Hearty congratulations to a wonderful friend!! This honor is richly deserved and it is wonderful that you and Les can go receive the award in person!!
Many hugs,
Phyllis
Peter and Lesley,
I congratulate you for this most prestigious award. Your desire for everything to be “just right” has made you superstars in the daffodil world.
All my best, Ben