Page 4 - Landscape-Issue152

FEATURE

TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL WISE

14 February 1963 – 19 July 2025

ith heavy hearts, the SA Nursery his life. Even in his final days, through
Association announced the constant pain, Mike kept his spirits high. He
Wpassing of Michael Wise, cracked jokes, offered encouragement to
affectionately known as Mike. He passed co-workers and remained positive, showing
away peacefully on 19 July 2025 after a incredible strength and grace.
courageous battle with mouth cancer. Outside of work, Mike found peace in
Mike was the production manager at nature. Fly fishing was his retreat, the river
Vrone Nurseries, where he worked with banks his sanctuary. Few things brought
dedication and quiet strength for nearly him more joy than a quiet morning with rod
two decades. Plants weren’t just part of in hand, surrounded by trees and birdsong.
his job – they were his lifelong passion. Above all, Mike adored Bella – the love of
Whether cultivating rare species or his life. Their bond was deep – a quiet love
encouraging young staff, Mike brought that spoke volumes in glances, laughter
calm wisdom and a patient hand to and shared silences.
everything he touched. Mike was loved by all who knew him, and
Soft spoken and kind, he had a presence his absence leaves a deep void. The team at
that made others feel at ease. His colleagues Vrone Nurseries will especially miss his calm
remember him as steady, generous and leadership, his quick wit and the quiet way
endlessly supportive – a man who never he made everyone feel seen and valued.
raised his voice but whose words always May the river run clear for you always,
carried weight. He remained on the job Mike. You will be missed.
until a week before his passing, showing the
same resilience and humour that defined The South African Nursery Association

TRIBUTE TO KAY MONTGOMERY

4 August 1961 – 24 July 2025

he South African gardening industry SANA’s highest honour, the Gold Medal,
mourns the sudden loss of Kay was inaugurated in 1970 and awarded to
TMontgomery, a journalist who loyal members who have made valuable
influenced South African gardeners and contributions to the green industry. In 2006,
helped shape the green industry into what SANA created the Honours Roll and Kay was
it is today. Through her role as editor of the second recipient of this, honoured for
The saturday star’s gardening column and leading gardening media changes, creating
later as editor for sA Gardening, Kay played South Africa’s first speciality gardening
a pivotal role in bringing horticultural magazine and supporting government-
knowledge to the public. She was a trusted backed public education. Kay served as
voice across print, radio and public media. the SAGIC chairperson while holding the
A significant contribution was her role SANA Biodiversity portfolio, solidifying her
as the first administrator of the Life is a reputation as a South African authority on
Garden campaign. Kay coined this phrase biodiversity.
herself, and it remains a widely recognised Her untimely passing made it too late
message, serving as the official marketing for the SANA Gold Medal to be presented
platform for SANA. She helped shape the to her, as planned. This award honoured
campaign into a cornerstone of garden her lifetime of service and leadership in
industry communication. advancing South Africa’s green industry.
Kay had long been at the forefront Kay was a role model of service and
of industry involvement, using her dedication. Her contribution to the
communication expertise and passion industry is immeasurable and her legacy
for the environment to lead biodiversity will continue to inspire current and future
and sustainability. She helped lay the In addition to SANA, Kay was active green professionals.
groundwork for what is now one of the within SALI, SAGIC and the United Nations We mourn the loss of a legend whose
most effective green initiatives globally. in Africa, highlighting her commitment ideas and dedicated service reshaped
She also took on the Natural Resources to the industry and the environment. She industry perception. Kay is survived by
portfolio on SANA’s Executive Council and received the SANA Service Award in 2002 her mother Corrie, husband Arthur, sister
for two decades, attended government and the President’s Cup in 2013. She also Linda, daughters Ashley and Chelsea and
meetings advocating on biodiversity, water volunteered on SANA’s Executive Council their spouses, and grandson Harrison. Our
management and policy, ensuring that the and the SAGIC Exco, dedicating many years thoughts are with them.
green industry’s voice was heard at the of time and energy, including working with
highest levels. Rand Water to support the industry. The South African Nursery Association

2 Landscape SA • Issue 152 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za