I was delighted and privileged to be invited to speak to the distinguished members of Hortus, a group of professionals in the world of horticulture who become members by invitation only. I am pictured with my friend, John Gwynne, who invited me and Dr. David Andrews. John is an internationally renowned landscape architect and designer of zoo habitats, including his work for the Bronx Zoo; he and his partner Mikel Folcarelli have their own marvelous garden in Sakonnet, Rhode Island which has become a major garden event destination for the annual program held there in recent years. Dr. Andrews is a superb plantsman and all the others present were equally outstanding. I was happy to see some dear friends and to meet many new ones. This was one of their monthly dinners which are all held at The National Arts Club on Gramercy Park, itself an historic building with a magnificent interior. I spoke after dinner on Tuesday evening, February 19th, right after the three day President’s Weekend. Happily the weather wasn’t too much of a deterrent. Only a light rain fell. Despite having to speak after the audience had enjoyed cocktails and wine at dinner, they were lively and engaged, asking wonderful questions and sharing some of their own memories of Rosemary Verey. 
