Hello,
I wanted to share some interesting and uplifting news from our Plant Pathology Department’s past that has greatly impacted the world of elms into the future. I was contacted by David Shreeve, author and Executive Director of the Conservation Foundation and Environmental Adviser to the Archbishop’s Council in London. Please see his messages regarding the history and book availability, below. I’ll soon add this Kew Gardens book to our PP584 Library Collection! More here on Emeritus Professor Eugene Smalley and his work on elms: https://ecals.cals.wisc.edu/2017/05/22/a-noble-fight-to-save-an-american-icon/
Regards,
Amanda Gevens
Chair, Professor & Extension Specialist
Administrative Director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program
Fritz Friday Chair for Vegetable Production Research
Plant Pathology Department
“Dear Amanda, I have been given your contact details as I have been trying to make contact with the University of Wisconsin to explain its role in the creation of an elm programme that I started here over forty years ago. I have recounted the Wisconsin link in a book which has just been published by Kew Gardens and will be in published in the States next year.
The story begins at the time when the UK was experiencing the worst effects of Dutch elm disease and how I found Prof Eugene Smalley and his Sapporo Autumn Gold elms – many of which continue to thrive including one in front of the State Apartments of Windsor Castle planted by Prince Philip. He has passed on his enthusiasm for elms to our King who is a great fan of elms, and his forester has contributed a section of the book.
Prof Smalley’s first visit here was to bring some Wisconsin elms for the then US Ambassador, Hon Kingman Brewster, to plant when he made a visit to an American company with a UK HQ in Harlow, Essex.
Whilst much will have changed at Wisconsin and many of those involved in Prof Smalley’s day are no more, it would be great to let those around in Wisconsin today know what a major part Wisconsin has played in elm research and development here and how grateful we are to Prof Smalley and his colleagues.
The book also includes a chapter on how our Government’s own Plant Health Team in the Department of the Environment is actively involved in elm research.
I do hope you find this of interest and hopefully you will find a way not only to help spread the word but celebrate Wisconsin University’s major part in our story.
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“Early distribution problems have been sorted, and copies are now in bookshops and on-line. Booksellers can arrange their own discounts and so prices do vary.
Congratulations to Sam Ford whose travels throughout the country and brilliant pictures helped Great British Elms to be selected by Geographical Magazine as one of the year’s top photography books!
And more great news! we have just heard that Great British Elms has been shortlisted for the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries (CBHL) awards for outstanding contributions to the literature of horticulture or botany.
There have been some very positive reviews and comments from far and wide including:
- ‘If you want cheering up, I strongly recommend Great British Elms. Assembling a scholarly collection of essays that give a holistic view – brought to life by beautiful photographs – it is something of a re-education to be reminded how important elms were and will be again’. Jamie Blackett, Country Life
- ‘A highly illustrated survey. A pleasing upbeat message that the elm still thrives. A reminder of the tussled look of the elm. We used to love it for that – with the help of this book, perhaps we will again’. Tim Richardson, Literary Review
- ‘Delivered with such a lightness of touch you don’t even realise how educational it is – Great British Elms is a truly lovely book.’ Bridget Osborne The Chiswick Calendar
- ‘A wonderful book’ Toby Buckland, BBC Radio Devon
- ‘A very positive future for the godfather of tree pest disasters, the Elm.’ Horticulture Weekly
- ‘How the elm tree defies extinction.’ Geographical Magazine photographic feature
- ‘Positive about the future prospects of these wonderful trees – I see this kind of approach as being important for our mental health as much as for elms and the planet’. Max Coleman, Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh
- ‘It’s a triumph’ Matthew Burt, Elm lover
- ‘The book is fantastic, and the photos are amazing. I keep it on my desk for reference.’ Mohammad Vatanparast, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.
- ‘An excellent book, that brings all the latest UK knowledge together in one place. I wish such a book had existed back in 2014, when I first dipped my toe into the elm world!’ Paul Selby, Elm lover
- ‘You have done a venerable friend – not me, but the Elms – a huge favour!’ Peter Waine former chair, The Tree Council and CPRE.
Thanks to all those who were able to attend the events in Chiswick and the House of Lords. Hopefully we will have more events during 2025 to meet up and spread the word.
Mark, Sam and I welcome any ideas you may have to help promote the book to additional readers and enthusiasts.
All the best
David.”
David Shreeve MBE MA
Director
T +44 (0) 207368 3313
M +44 (0) 7831 387745
Vicarage House
58-60 Kensington Church Street
London, W8 4DB
@conservationfdn
www.conservationfoundation.co.uk