PEONIES

The John Simkins Memorial Hybridizer Award for 2024

Bill Wegman

Congratulations to Bill Wegman, as the first recipient of the John Simkins Memorial Hybridizer Award.

As you may know, Bill was the former seed sale lead for the Canadian Peony Society, collecting and recording thousands of peony seeds for dispersal to peony enthusiasts globally. He held this position for many years, with a dedicated passion to ensuring the society was true to its mission of establishing distinctively Canadian Hybrids.

His work as a hybridizer is legendary. His work ethic has continued to strengthen the livelihood of Canadian bred peonies. His seeds offer purchasers the opportunity to grow unique seedlings that have the potential to be very interesting plants. Bill uses excellent parents, and seeds from hand pollinated crosses that are not usually available anywhere else.

His generosity of donating his offsprings to local gardens, in plants, seeds or root forms is incredibly humbling to witness. His unassuming manner of accomplishing so much, and willingness to share information with those interested, is truly stellar. His work will not go unnoticed for future generations, a tribute to his research, and keen interest in producing Canadian peonies for us to enjoy.

This recognition is well deserved, and proudly presented by the Board of Directors of the Canadian Peony Society.