Barbara Hulme has passed away aged 90

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Barbara and Ken Hulme
This photo was taken at Ken’s graduation when he received an ex officio degree from the University of Liverpool.

We are sorry to report that Barbara Hulme, wife of Ken Hulme has recently died aged 90 in Cornwall. Barbara is survived by their three children, Jan, John and Kathy and their families. Barbara met Ken Hulme, Director of Ness Botanic Gardens from 1957 to 1989, in 1953 at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, whilst Ken was training in horticulture and Barbara was carrying out research for her PhD in Botany.

The couple married in 1955, and when Ken became Director of Ness Botanic Gardens they lived on site, raising their family here.

Barbara had been an honorary Member of Ness Botanic Gardens for some years and we have been pleased to stay in touch with the family over the years as the Hulme’s contribution to the history and development of Ness Botanic Gardens is integral to the beauty of today’s gardens. 

We have only recently had contact with one of Barbara’s daughters, who expressed how connecting with our posts on social media and reading the Gentian brings back many happy memories of growing up in the gardens.