The collection at KOLZ Begonia Research Center has continued to grow thanks to the generosity of its friends and supporters. Some donations have been facilitated by changes, such as health issues, moving to another home or sadly death. I thank you for remembering KOLZ when these events take place knowing that the materials are housed at KOLZ or shared to help further study of Begonias and other shade plants with plant lovers such as yourself.
It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of KOLZ’s initial benefactor, Carrie Karegeannes in August 2013. Thelma O'Reilly brought Carrie over to visit me and my garden back in 2001 and we had a delightful lunch and visit. It was the only time I got to meet Carrie and following that was when I received the letter from her asking if I would like her library and research. That letter truly changed my life and started in motion the rise of KOLZ Begonia Research Center. Carrie was a treasure to Begoniaceae and the American Begonia Society.
Thank you to Ann Salisbury for your donation and my prayers are with you as you deal with the difficult time of having to live without Gene. I'm greater for knowing him and his lost will be felt for a longtime to come.
Ed and Phyllis Bates’ move required them to down size and KOLZ grew richer from their wealth of material. Years as growers, researchers and editors of The Begonian and LAIFS journal lead to a treasure showing their love for begonias, ferns and other plants. Ed passed away in January 2014. Ed's health had kept them from our San Diego branch meetings, where we missed their insightful, expert knowledge and monthly ‘friendly contact’. Though Ed will not join us again we look forward to when Phyllis will.
My eternal gratitude to the namesakes of the KOLZ Begonia Research Center, Carrie Karegeannes, Thelma O’Reilly, and Rudy Ziesenhenne who passed the torch of this labor of love to me. Their trust for choosing me as the custodian of their life work is overwhelming and life changing. I pray that I do it justice.
THANK YOU! To my financial supporters, you make it possible to house, preserve and improve the collection and share it with others. Because of you I�m able to improve the KOLZ experience, pay for hosting of this website and other outreach projects.
Thank you for joining me in my dream, my labor of love that you've made possible and are supporting. My mission is to preserve the materials entrusted to me, continue to keep it current and make the Center a valuable resource stimulating and promoting others in their study of begoniaceae and other shade plants.
