LILIES - RHS Lily Group

But, now that she is gone, how should we remember her? – As a generous
woman who loved lilies, loved people, and brought them together – a memory
that will be cherished by those who knew her for as long as memory lasts.
She is survived by her son, Anthony Martyn Simmons, and three
grandchildren.
Mrs Daisee Adelaine Martyn Simmons, plantswoman and lily grower
Born 23 October 1912, died 17 November 2004 aged 92
8
★ ★ ★
Colonel Iain Ferguson was Chairman of the Lily Group from
1978 until Mrs Simmons took over in 1982 and
wrote the following tribute.
During the 48 years that Sir Fred led the Lily Group he gathered
around him the leading and most distinguished plantsmen of the
day – even The President of the RHS was on his committee. When
he, and most of his colleagues had gone, the Lily Group lost its very
special position and became vulnerable. Oliver Wyatt, his successor
and a friend of Dee’s, was a grower and hybridiser but no business
man and no match for the RHS “money men”. When he was worn
out the RHS appointed Frances Perry, a gardener and talented garden
writer but too busy to have the Lily Group at the top of her agenda,
particularly at a troubled time. It was Dee who stepped centre stage
and who fired us all up with her infectious enthusiasm and her
determination that the Lily Group would survive and flourish. She
preferred to work from the position of Vice Chairman but there was
never any doubt as to who the boss was. In 1982 she finally agreed
to be Chairman which she should have done many years before. If
Dee had not been there the Lily Group would have died in the mid
1970s. It is for that, and her friendship and advice, that I shall always
treasure her.
Additional reference:
Dee Simmons by David Parsons Lilies and Related Plants 1997-1998, (pp. 88-90).