It is with sadness that we report that Derrick Donnison-Morgan died on 16 February 2017.
Derrick fell in love with Narcissus some 30 odd years ago and over time changed career and lifestyle in his quest to discover and learn all he could about narcissus species and the flora of Iberica. He lived in Spain for a number of years and developed a unique knowledge of narcissus species, their habitats and locations.
Derrick Donnison-Morgan
He was a sought after speaker, spreading the word to horticultural societies and specialist groups. He was an enthusiastic plant hunter, the author of a number of papers and articles, and collaborated with botanists and enthusiasts alike,
I first met Derek as a founder member of the Daffodil Society: Wessex group. He was a fine exhibitor of standard daffodils in those days and his flowers were always well grown and immaculately groomed and presented. But specie daffodils became his great love.
Latterly his expertise could be found in his work at Sparsholt college and shared through his Simply Species seed business. Some of his collections of narcissus are being put into permanent display in RHS gardens and a plaque will keep his name alive for all who visit.
Our sincere condolences to his widow Marilyn. He will be missed by many.
What a shock this morning to hear of the death of Derrick. James was in touch with him recently but we were not aware that he was ill. My own vivid memory is of a visit we made some years ago, when he was living on a mountain in south east Spain and growing some olives. His location took some finding (pre Sat Nav) but involved crossing a stream and driving up a slippery track (I remember I got out and walked up the worst bit). Apparently Marilyn drove down and up this track every day as she went to her work. Derrick was always meticulous in giving precise directions to daffodil sites, he described them in detail because he knew them so well and was generous in his desire that you might find them. What a sad day.