Lloyd Chapman: The Barbiers and their Roses by Vivienne Bailey
Roses with a capital R have been rosarian, Lloyd Chapman’s life for more than thirty years, but it was the exquisite form of old roses produced by the Barbier family of Orleans, France that ultimately delighted and captured his heart.
His just-released book, The Barbiers and their Roses reveals his love and passion, enthusiasm and immense knowledge of the heritage plants.
Detailing the production of more than 60 roses (from 1900 to 1930) by Albert Barbier and his family, The Barbiers and their Roses is not a ‘once over lightly’ coffee table publication but a serious, important reference work for passionate old rose lovers and gardeners.
The book is charmingly illustrated, possibly even enticing an amateur to grow Barbier roses (which are outside the common run).
It contains still life portraits (photographs) set in context, useful cultivation notes, often drawn from the writer’s own experience and dedication, and clear descriptions of colour and form along with fascinating historical detail (not only derived from comprehensive research but gleaned from Lloyd’s many visits to rose nurseries world-wide, particularly Orleans, the traditional home of heritage roses).
In assessing Barbier’s work Lloyd utilizes the useful star ranking system of rosarian, Jack Harkness (adjacent to each rose).
Although Lloyd is known and recognized internationally for his love, exploration and knowledge of Barbier roses (collecting all the plants produced by the Barbier family), he was a late starter in his career as a rose nurseryman, defying convention and successfully growing roses on their own roots in a no-spray regime, primarily at Trinity Farm, the four-acre property he shared with wife, Ann (his many years at the farm are recorded in The Barbiers and their Roses not only in text but in several evocative photographs).
Lloyd has combined his obsession with these heritage roses with a meticulously investigated, easy-to-read compilation.
The Barbiers and their Roses will be welcomed by the many people who share the writer’s passion and enthusiasm for the qualities (and magic) of the Barbier roses.
It joins his earlier publication, In a Strange Garden: The Life and Times of Truby King (2004).