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Conifer Lion Loss

last year

last modified: last year

I am admittedly late to the world of conifers. It’s a bit unfortunate since I am getting to the point in life where my interest in growing them, which is considerable, is challenged daily by my body to meet that desire.

One thing I have sincerely enjoyed over these past several years is to read the observations and opinions of those who have dedicated much of their life to conifers. One of those is Tom Cox. I didn’t know him and never met him. I recently spent some time in the south and had arranged a visit to his garden. I was ecstatic! Unfortunately, before I could visit he passed away.

I’m sure, or at least hope, there are some on this forum who had the opportunity to spend time with him. My understanding is he had an amazing collection of conifers.

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alley_cat_gw_7b

last year

Here's a good book with similar stories of some great plantsman...written by Bob Fincham

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Comments (10)

bengz6westmd
last year
last modified: last year
Sorry to hear that -- didn't know. Tom was in the "Advanced collector" group (trees) that I belong to on Facebook. He posted occasionally, usually about conifers. I'd remarked in some of his posts, but had never messaged him.
BillMN-z-2-3-4
last year
I didn't know him personally but had watched some videos of his that were available as an ACS member. He was a true Trailblazer in the plant world.

Here's one I was thinking of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrCYXLr9R1E
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Another four plus inches of rain in the last 48-hours. Our local FD weather station has recorded over 21" this month - it's just incredible. There hasn't really been a single dry day all month and most days are just drenched with heavy rains for hours on end. I've lived in the PNW for a long time and this is the wettest month I can remember. I'll have to pray the giant doug-firs behind my house hold on tight - a few of them are 100'+ and would go through my house like a knife to warm butter. Tom, no freezing here yet, many of the trees still have leaves - some are even green still as these warm storms bring 50 degree days on a regular basis. Coldest temp my weather station has recorded this fall is 35 degrees.
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bengz6westmd
last year
Here's another video w/a personal interview.

https://youtu.be/Jj5z-u_wzm4
conifer50
last year
Tom was quite the collector, I had not seen the video beng provided!

I gave the Golden Pinus pungens to Tom when It was a small seedling.

Conifer50
tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
last year
Sad news. Thanks for letting us know.

tj
DeanW45
last year
I did get to meet him. I emailed him one day a few years ago, and he graciously offered to give me a personal tour of the grounds. It was wonderful. I had not heard that he had died.
bengz6westmd
last year
last modified: last year
conifer50, Tom showcased his/your Golden P. pungens on the Facebook group a couple yrs ago.
Embothrium
last year
Thomas Wilson "Tom" Cox Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information (darbyfuneralhome.com)
davidrt28 (zone 7)
last year
last modified: last year
Wow, that's sad. Just 3 weeks ago when I was at Camellia Forest, David Parks mentioned that he was in poor health. I sure hope the garden is preserved. They usually aren't in these situations but perhaps this will be an exception.

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