Ystumllyn

In 2021, a rose the colour of fresh butter was named after a gardener. Plants being named for gardeners is of course not unusual, but the gardener this rose was named after, John Ystumllyn, was quite unique in his time because he was one of the first recorded black people in Wales. 

From inauspicious beginnings as an enslaved person, he rose to become an expert plantsman, gardener and florist. He spoke English and Welsh, married a local girl, had a family, and died in comfort in 1786 as the owner of a cottage gifted to him by his employers for his dilligence. 

It wasn't always easy for him though. While John didn't face an enormous amount of predjudice, he lost his position as gardener at the Ystumllyn estate (the place he gained his surname from) because he got married without the permission of his employers. In time, however, all was forgiven and his position at Ystumllyn was restored. 

In most places that sell them, you can get your own 'John Ystumllyn' rose for around £30.00. That's a small price to pay for an attractive rose that commemorates such an interesting person. That's all for today's minute, and hwyl am y tro!