Rhododendron and
Azalea News

Ideas for Chapters

Chapter's mission statement

Here's something for each ARS chapter to think about.  There are about 72 chapters in the Society, each producing wonderful newsletters on a regular basis.  In reviewing each of these publications, it has been a pure delight for the past six years.  Am now aware of something special coming out of the Siuslaw Chapter.  And, your chapter may wish to have yours, too!

What is special?  The Chapter clearly states somewhere in their newsletter their Mission Statement. Here is what they declare:

The Mission of the Siuslaw Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is to promote the genus Rhododendron by:

• Creating enthusiasm for the genus Rhododendron through meetings, shows, publications, and social activities that provide the opportunities for members to share experiences and build friendships.

• Providing educational opportunities to successfully grow and enjoy these wonderful plants.

• Encouraging propagation and hybridizing of species and hybrid rhododendrons.

• Furthering the planting and use of rhododendrons and azaleas in home, business, and public landscapes.

• Advocating the conservation and preservation of superior plants of our native Rhododendrons and their habitat along the Oregon coast.

• Advancing and supporting the mission of the American Rhododendron Society.

Your chapter, too, may want to start to include a similar statement. Something to think about!

Name tags

Many of the chapters have beautiful name tags...permanent ones...to be used meeting after meeting.  Have seen some of them and they are indeed...handsome!

Chapter presidents are encouraging members to wear them at meetings.  A two-fold purpose...it gives the member the feeling of belonging to a very special group, and it identifies you to all the new members...you are bringing!

Wear them with pride!  And, the chapters who do not have "permanent" names tags, you may want to consider getting some.  One chapter has theirs made out of the wood of rhododendron stumps!  Now, that is really something...wearing a dead rhododendron on your lapel!

Websites and more...

Paul Wilson, webmaster for the Siuslaw Chapter, had an interesting note for the chapter members...and for others interested in websites...listen.

The chapter now has a chapter photo web gallery.  At this point, Paul has placed two photo albums with about 10 photos each on the site.  First, are photos from their 100th anniversary flower show.  Second, are photos showing how to use pots to show off your flowers and/or rhododendrons.

Yes, you can add your digital photos to these albums...or...download photos to your computer, if you like.  Note the "help" directions.  If you plan to click on the movie, you should have a high-speed Internet connection.  If you have a dial-up modem, you could find the movie very slow to download.  Click the very small "help" button in the lower right-hand corner of the window to learn how to use everything.

Here's the web address: http://gallery.mac.com/siuslawaares#gallery

Good luck...and enjoy!

To have a friend...be a friend

All of the American Rhododendron Society’s chapters are seeking ways to encourage more friends and neighbors to join.  The Eugene Chapter has placed...right on the front page of their newsletter in a box that one could hardly miss this...

Seek out newcomers, smile,
Make them feel a welcome part of the group!
Yes, we're busy, but so are they!
Get their names, addresses, and phone numbers;
They'll get two free newsletters & a plant.
If you e-mail or phone addresses to the editor.
Call them; remind them we were glad to see new faces.
Take a minute to visit with frail and elderly members.
Call them, if they've missed a meeting or two!
"What goes around comes around."

Sounds like some are doing their homework and putting it into practice.  All of us have a need to be wanted and missed.  Simple little steps taken to show friendliness, may produce new members...but more than that...new friends!

Are you a gardener?

I'm a gardener and I'm OK
I sleep all night and I plant all day!
I dress in grubby clothing and hang around with slugs,
Oh, I'm happy in the garden
With dirt and plants and bugs...

-- New York Chapter's Newsletter