And coming soon in the next issue of Rosa Mundi, Faith Bell of Bell's Books pays tribute to Barbara, and Barbara herself tells us about her favorite gardens ....

Thank you.

Jeri Jennings

Thank You Barbara and Happy Four Score!

I was twenty eight when I first met you, still just starting my love affair with roses, plants, gardens and the writers and gardeners that create them. Now, nearly thirty years later, I look back and know that the journey would never have been so much fun had I not known you.

You brought Ruth Knopf to my garden, as well as Charles Walker-their passion for roses inspired me to love the lost and to protect the found.

You made each gathering of Heritage Roses Group a joyful and convivial occasion, full of new ideas, new plant pleasures and new purposes. It was impossible to miss a meeting because I knew that you would always be there, sharing new books, introducing me to new people and encouraging me in any way you could to be in love with life, roses and friends!

You convinced me that making a giant garden of roses was a very worthwhile thing, because each time you came to visit it your pleasure was so complete. You convinced me that sharing these old beauties through a nursery was one of the best things I could ever do with my time, and you made me feel, year after year, that it was still worthy. You convinced me never to forget the special beauty of the once-blooming roses, and they are the greatest treasures of my garden today.

You encourage me still with your cheerful outlook on life. You make me look forward to fourscore.

So, a very happy birthday to you, Barbara, and here's looking forward to another score of them!

Your friend,

Gregg Lowery

Dear Barbara,


Wishing you all the best on your 80th birthday!

with lots of roses,

Stephen Scanniello

Liesbeth Cooper