The Des Riach Botanical Book Collection
Tuesday, 12 - Saturday, 23 November 2024

We are proud to present the Des Riach Botanical Library for auction. With over a thousand books covering a huge range of botanical subjects, topics, techniques, and more. This collection is an exceptional opportunity to find rare and interesting texts. The auction also features numeous select entries of rare and interesting books. Desmond (Des) Douglas Riach, Kew Dip, NDH (Hons), FRIH : The collection begins at lot 43 25 Dec 1930 – 22 Feb 2021 Des Riach had a lifetime in the botanical world. He was one of only two commonwealth students to be selected to do his apprenticeship at Kew gardens in London in 1953 where he achieved the Kew Diploma. Des completed his National Diploma in Horticulture with a Thesis on “Small bulbs for the Rock Garden”. In 1955 upon his return to New Zealand, Des was appointed as propagator at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. In 1958 he was became the Superintendent of Parks and Reserves for the Masterton Borough Council. In 1962 Des returned to Christchurch and bought Campana Nursery in Tomes Road which specialised in perennials and rock garden plants. Continuing his career alongside the nursery he was appointed as Superintendent of Grounds for the North Canterbury Hospital Board in 1974 which encompassed: Christchurch, Burwood, Princess Margaret, Sunnyside, Rangiora, Kaikoura , Hanmer Springs, Leeston, Akaroa and the Chatham Islands until his retirement in the late 80’s. Des was a member of the NZ Alpine Garden Society, the Canterbury Horticultural Society, the Christchurch Beautifying Society, and the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture (RNZIH). A major hobby for Des was orchids, which he collected from around the world. This book collection is a reflection of Des’ passion for all things botanical and includes many diverse and interesting plant species. Note: All books are sold as is and have not all been checked for writing or condition of spine or pages, we have done our best to give accurate representations.