Early Life and Education:
Arthur Kilpin Bulley was born on July 31, 1861, in Dingle, Liverpool, England. From an early age, he displayed a keen interest in plants and horticulture, often spending time in his family's garden, cultivating various species. His passion for plants led him to pursue formal education in botany and horticulture.
Career Beginnings: After completing his education, Bulley embarked on a career in horticulture, quickly establishing himself as a knowledgeable and innovative figure in the field. In 1898, he founded the Bees Nursery in Cheshire, England, which would become the center of his lifelong endeavors in plant breeding and collection.
Plant Collection Expeditions: Bulley's curiosity and adventurous spirit drove him to embark on numerous plant collection expeditions to remote regions across the globe. His expeditions took him to areas such as China, Tibet, and the Himalayas, where he sought out rare and exotic plant species.
Contributions to Horticulture: Bulley's expeditions yielded a treasure trove of plant specimens, many of which had never been seen in Western gardens before. He introduced numerous new species to horticulture, greatly enriching the diversity of plants available to gardeners in Europe and beyond.
One of Bulley's most significant contributions was his introduction of the Rhododendron collection from China and the Himalayas. These plants thrived in the British climate and became popular additions to gardens across the country, earning him widespread recognition among horticulturists.
Bulley died in 1942. Six years later, his house and garden at Ness were given to Liverpool University as a Botanic Garden. It was endowed by his daughter, Miss A.L. Bulley, under the condition that the the public would have continued access. The botanical gardens are still open today, renamed in 1950, as Ness Gardens.
Legacy and Impact: Arthur Kilpin Bulley's legacy extends far beyond his own lifetime. His pioneering efforts in plant collection and introduction significantly enriched botanical gardens and private collections worldwide. The plants he brought back from his expeditions continue to be cherished by gardeners and horticulturists, serving as a living testament to his passion and dedication.
References:
- Cox, Peter. The Plant Hunters: The Adventures of the World's Greatest Botanical Explorers. Thames & Hudson, 2014.
- Taylor, Patrick. "Bulley, Arthur Kilpin (1861–1942), Horticulturist and Plant Collector." In Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, edited by H. C. G. Matthew and Brian Harrison. Oxford University Press, 2004.
- "Arthur Kilpin Bulley." Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk.
Hadfield, Miles, Robert Harling and Leonine Highton, British Gardeners: A Biographical Dictionary (London: A. Zwemmer Ltd., 1980), pp. 51-52.
University of Liverpool, 'A History of Ness Gardens' < http://www.liv.ac.uk/nessgarde... > [accessed 21 November 2008]