There are two phrases I always associate with Mr. Moore. Paraphrasing they are; "I can't retire. I just have new seedlings coming along and I won't know how good they are for a few more years". The other is "I want to make sure others can pick up where I leave off."

The first to me defines the spirit of Mr. Moore and was uttered to me at the start of a magical day when I had the honor of visiting him at Sequoia Nursery. Mr. Moore was 88 at the time. He was always looking to the future, to what could be done with roses not back on what he had done. Even though what he had accomplished was more than most ever will.

Mr. Moore's imagination and vision when it came to roses ranged beyond what most of us can only dream of. When I mentioned to Mr. Moore I loved the Bourbon roses he showed me a line of miniature Bourbon roses he was working on. The graceful arching growth habit, the swirled cupped blooms and the rich scent were just like that of the larger bourbons, but they were miniature. Perhaps 18" in height. A combination of playfulness and genius I've never forgotten.

The second defines to me the generosity and greatness of Mr. Moore. He shared his hybridizing knowledge with many talented young rose breeders. He told me he did so because he wanted to make sure that they, when he did stop breeding roses, could continue his work from where he left off and not have to start all over again. In this day of closely guarded "corporate secrets" that speaks volumes. He realized that his work was even larger than he was and that is truly a Great Man.

The rose world is truly a better place because of Mr. Moore. I wish him Godspeed and look forward someday to seeing that those miniature bourbons blooming outside St. Peter's Gates.


Paul F. Zimmerman
Owner/CEO
Ashdown Roses Ltd