In the world of roses, few names carry the weight and legacy of Meilland. For 44 years, Jean Dyens has been an integral part of the French rose breeding institution, Meilland. His remarkable journey, deeply intertwined with the art of roses, will soon come to a close as he retires at the end of September. Jean Dyens’ illustrious career has left an indelible mark on the world of horticulture, and his retirement marks the passing of the baton to a new leader, Rowan Godfrey. In this article, we pay tribute to Jean Dyens and welcome Rowan Godfrey as he takes the reins of this esteemed rose breeding house.
Jean Dyens: Born with Roses in His Blood
Bruno Etavard, speaking of Jean Dyens, notes, “Jean was almost born in a rose!” His family’s connection to roses runs deep, with his grandfather being one of the first producers of the globally renowned roses Sonia Meilland® and Baccara® in the 1960s, just a stone’s throw away from the Meilland property in Antibes. Jean’s aunt also contributed to this floral lineage as one of Marseille’s most celebrated florist retailers.
Jean Dyens, fueled by boundless energy and unwavering enthusiasm, emerged as a pioneer in the world of roses on behalf of the House of Meilland. His journey took him across continents, spreading the beauty and artistry of roses to diverse corners of the world:
Israel: He initiated the production of cuttings for the pot roses Meillandina®/Sunblaze®.
Zimbabwe: He was among the first breeders to produce and export 12-month-old cut rose bushes from Spain.
India: He ventured into India at the dawn of the cut flower industry, leaving an indelible mark.
China: In the 1990s, he provided technical assistance in China during a crucial period of rose cultivation.
South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya: He tirelessly promoted and developed Meilland roses, leaving a lasting impact in East Africa.
Rowan Godfrey: The Torchbearer
As Jean Dyens takes his well-deserved retirement, Rowan Godfrey, aged 35, steps into the role of successor. Rowan is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the cut flower industry. His expertise spans both the technical and commercial aspects of this intricate field. Rowan is proud to become a part of the esteemed ‘House of Meilland’ and is poised to continue the legacy crafted by Jean Dyens. His dedication and passion for roses will be a driving force in further developing Meilland varieties in East Africa.
Continuing the Legacy
The paths of Jean Dyens and Rowan Godfrey will intersect briefly as they both attend the Naivasha Horticultural Fair in Kenya on September 22 and 23. This meeting symbolizes the passing of the torch from one rose enthusiast to another. It’s a moment where the legacy of Jean Dyens, the rose pioneer, seamlessly transitions to Rowan Godfrey, who is eager to carry the torch forward. Their presence at the International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) in the Netherlands from November 8-10 will further solidify this transition.
In the world of roses, where beauty and passion entwine, Jean Dyens’ retirement marks the end of an era, while Rowan Godfrey’s appointment signals the dawn of a new one. The House of Meilland, with its rich history and dedication to the art of roses, continues to flourish under the guidance of passionate individuals like Jean and Rowan, ensuring that the world remains adorned with the splendor of Meilland roses for generations to come.