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SUZANNE LEWIS <br /> PHOTOGRAPHY <br /> POST OFFICE BOX 2569 <br /> EUGENE, OREGON 97402 <br /> 541/345 -1435 <br /> July 23, 2001 <br /> Dear Mr. Corey: <br /> Since you head Public Works in Eugene, I'm writing to you to express my concerns about the <br /> changes underway in the old rose section of the Owen Rose Garden. As you probably know, this <br /> collection of antique and early 20 century roses is one of the finest on the West Coast. Much of <br /> it is part of the Hennessey gift, adding even more historical importance. This irreplaceable <br /> resource has been expertly cultivated and maintained by Dee Grissell and Paul Heard, who, <br /> between them, possess a wealth of horticultural knowledge and Owen Rose Garden history. <br /> Given all this, it is hard to believe that the City of Eugene and the Rotarians would join forces to <br /> cut a wide swath through this historical beauty. When the pergola (an improbable design for a <br /> graceful old rose garden) was constructed, antique roses were dug up in early May, poor timing <br /> for plants loaded with new growth and flower buds. This was done by non - horticulturists. Gone <br /> are the exceptional beds with the huge shrubs of `Fantin- Latour', `Blanchefleur', `Mme Ernst <br /> Calvat', and others. Gone are the smaller beauties like `Leda', `La Belle Sultane', and `Tour de <br /> Malakoff'. Since so little work has taken place since May, why were those roses rushed into the <br /> holding area? These plants will have to be moved yet again, further stressing them. It remains to <br /> be seen which ones may not survive and which may never be accurately identified now that they <br /> no longer match the Garden's historic plans. <br /> As you may know, Dee and Paul have created a beautiful list of appropriate heirloom ramblers <br /> and climbers to cover the pergola. Now, suddenly, `America' roses, a modern variety totally <br /> unsuited to this section, have been installed. I don't understand why the City of Eugene wasn't <br /> availing itself of its two expert rosarian- horticulturists from the beginning of this "beautification <br /> and development" project and following their professional guidance to preserve and enhance this <br /> public treasure. <br /> Enclosed please find a promotional cover piece for Antique Roses 2002 (Tide -mark Press) <br /> calendar. The cover roses (`Complicata' with `White Moss') and two other months (April and <br /> May) were photographed in the Owen Rose Garden's old rose section. This beautiful garden has <br /> been one of my favorite places to photograph and I am very disappointed by the lack of respect <br /> shown to it and its place in Eugene's history. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> cc: Jim Johnson/City Manager and Dee Grissell & Paul Heard /Owen Rose Garden <br />