Rhododendron and
Azalea News

Anya Averill
Portland Chapter

With enthusiasm, energy and leadership, Anya Averill, you have served as chairwoman of the Smith Garden for three years.

You have devoted countless hours doing the many duties of this office that include: writing thank you notes, taking telephone calls from the public as well as members, writing newsletters, brochures, and handling much of the accounting.  You have also graciously taken part in the special volunteer workdays by providing hot soups and other delicious food.

For your many outstanding accomplishments on behalf of the Smith Garden, the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, is pleased to present the Bronze Medal to you.

Karel Bernady
Greater Philadelphia Chapter

The Bronze Medal of the American Rhododendron Society is awarded to Karel F. Bernardy for exceptional service to the Greater Philadelphia Chapter and the wider American Rhododendron Society.

As board member and president, he recognized ways to upgrade this chapter's operations and efficiently saw to implementing them, bringing wisdom, experience and ideas from his service in other chapters.  His hands-on-leadership with the chapter's propagation program and plant sales has been vital.

As a zealous traveler and a devotee of American species, he has enriched our knowledge of the genus, and he has strengthened our connections with the rhododendron world beyond our region.

For helping us become better than we were, we are honored to salute him with our highest award, the Bronze Medal.

Penny and Tony D'Alessandro
Valley Forge Chapter

For many years, Penny and Tony D'Alessandro, you have been active, devoted, and involved members of the Valley Forge Chapter.  You have worked as a team in various major activities of the chapter during that time as board members, each taking on different responsibilities.  Together you conducted the advance plant sale for several years.

In recent annual plant sales you, Penny, have assisted with the perennials and also provided lunch for the volunteers while Tony has helped with the pickup and trucking of the purchased plants, in addition to his duties as chapter treasurer which entailed correlating and banking the sales receipts.

Penny has recently been organizing the annual banquet and, Tony, in your capacity as chapter treasure, organized, computerized and simplified the chapter budget process.  You have both been instrumental in introducing the planting of native azaleas in your hometown park in Strasburg, PA.

It is, therefore, with great pleasure that this Bronze Medal is awarded this 12^th day of November, 2006.

Janet and David Gardner
Cowichan Valley Chapter

In recognition of their many contributions, the Cowichan Valley Chapter has presented the American Rhododendron Society's Bronze Medal to Janet and David Gardner for their many contributions to our chapter.

Janet is a leader in every aspect of the chapter's activities.  She was president when the highly-successful Western Regional Conference was held in the Cowichan Valley in 2000, and is always ready to step into any position in need of a willing worker, from secretary in recent years, to librarian, and in 2007 as second vice president.

David has the same spirit of joining in to make chapter functions pleasurable for everyone, whether setting up the annual spring plant sale, the June picnic, or the Christmas party.

We are honored to present this Bronze Medal to you.

Mutsuko Higashi
Tacoma Chapter

The board of directors is honored to award Mutsuko Higashi the American Rhododendron Society's Bronze Medal in recognition of your service to the Tacoma Chapter.

Over the past several years, your generous donation to the plant auctions, with outstanding plant specimens, has led to the Tacoma Chapter's ability to continue with the renovation of the Point Defiance Rhododendron Garden.  The plant auction is our only fundraiser and it is always a great success...thanks to your support.  Your continued support of the annual Truss and Plant Show with a hundred or more trusses and high-quality plants is also greatly appreciated.

It is with great enthusiasm that the Tacoma Chapter presents our highest honor, the Bronze Medal, this 15th day of November, 2006.

Dale Howe
Lehigh Valley Chapter

Dale has worked diligently for our chapter for many years in a very generous fashion.  He has been a dedicated and an enthusiastic supporter, donating his time to our plant sale, annual dinner, yearly picnic, planning of trips, propagation of plants, and other chapter activities.  He is also our past president, and continues to serve on our executive committee.

John Marshall
Whidbey Island Chapter

The Whidbey Island Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society present this Bronze Medal to John Marshall.

Without hesitation, John has stepped forward to serve three consecutive terms as president of our chapter.  As president he set a hands-on example for the membership...always helping out at plant sales, auctions, picnics, and parties.  Under his guidance, chapter and board meetings were kept on track and on time!

To expose us all to a variety of rhododendrons, he pulled together an annual truss show at Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens were we could spend an enjoyable afternoon picking our favorite rhodies.  Another educational venture was the addition of a ten-minute Q&A before each meeting so members and guests could find answers to their rhododendron and companion plant questions.

There is more to being a member of the American Rhododendron Society than the sharing of rhododendron knowledge; one can also serve as a leader. In appreciation of his leadership this chapter is pleased to award John the Bronze Medal.

Art Pearson
Fraser Valley Chapter

We present to Art Pearson the American Rhododendron Society's Bronze Medal for his special contributions to the Fraser Valley Chapter.

Art has served on the executive committee in all capacities, including president, and sometimes several positions at the same time.  His kind and gentle attitude brings an atmosphere of relaxation to our meetings and events.  He is a considerate, efficient, and helpful individual.  Art has always been an enthusiastic organizer and participant at social events, especially the annual turkey dinner...which he initiated.  Art and Bruce's garden has often been the site of chapter year-end picnics and their home has hosted numerous executive meetings.

With sincere appreciation, we are pleased to present to Art Pearson, the American Rhododendron Society's Bronze Medal...our highest award.  You have been a capable leader guiding us over the last decade.  You continue to provide us with much needed leadership and for this we are most indebted.  A job well done, Art.

Anne and Roger Slaby
Cowichan Valley Chapter

The Cowichan Valley Chapter gives recognition to Anne and Roger Slaby for being the founding members of our chapter.  Their names appear on the first membership list of 1988...and since then they have given constant, unceasing service to the chapter in various executive capacities.

Anne is the first to offer for any job that needs doing...currently convening the annual garden tours, for example...and Roger, as a rhododendron nurseryman with a background in teaching, keeps up to the minute on the latest developments in rhodo culture and keeps others informed.

It gives us such pleasure in presenting the Bronze Medal to these two wonderful people.

Kathy Van Veen
Portland Chapter

Kathy Van Veen, we appreciate your friendly, enthusiastic leadership.  You have generously given your time and energy to serve as chapter president, vice president, and chairperson of the Friends of Crystal Springs Garden.  Your long-standing commitment to classify rhododendron flowers for the Mother's Day Show has helped make this event a wonderful success.  For many years, you have also made your efforts to display hundreds of flowers at this show.  Your entries have been an integral part of this event.

You have graciously hosted the board of directors' meetings at your nursery and have also led the study group meetings.  You have shared your knowledge and expertise by speaking at many ARS meetings throughout the country.  You have always made yourself available to answer rhododendron questions to all who seek to learn.  Our members recognize that you are a tremendous asset to our chapter.

In appreciation of your many contributions, the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is proud to award the Bronze Medal to Kathy Van Veen. Presentation made: May 17, 2007.

Dianne Vernon
Fraser Valley Chapter

We present to Dianne Vernon the American Rhododendron Society's Bronze Medal for her special contributions to the Fraser Valley Chapter.

Although Dianne prefers to stay out of the limelight, our chapter appreciates her unwavering support and reliability.  As hostess, she creates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for our meetings.  With energy and dedication, Dianne does not hesitate to get involved in working at our shows and plant sales.  As well, she is a major contributor to the success of our annual Christmas dinner.  Her gourmet turkey preparation is appreciated by all.  As a passionate and accomplished gardener, she is a member of several garden associations.  Dianne is a collector of fuchsias, begonias and, of course, rhododendrons.  She is a member of the Van Dusen Master Gardeners program.

With sincere appreciation, we are pleased to present Dianne, the American Rhododendron Society's Bronze Medal...our highest award.  We appreciate you...and all that you do for us.

Keith White
Willamette Chapter

The Willamette Chapter presented the Bronze Medal...the chapter's highest medal...to Keith White for his many contributions to our chapter.  His having been a great and humorous secretary for many years will be missed.  For his generous hosting of the study group and also opening his home to out-of-town guests and speakers.

Also for Keith's willing and wittingly sharing of his vast knowledge as an author and speaker.  His contributions as a board member of the Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden, and his plant collecting trips to remote parts of Asia and visits to Europe, and for his promoting interest in the Society...as well as the genus Rhododendron.

The Bronze Medal is the highest award an ARS chapter can bestow on a chapter member.  And, it is not easy to get one of these.  Like, you don't get a Bronze Medal for being suckered into being chapter secretary when you have been a member less than a year.  No...this seriously is like knighthood in the rhododendron world.  You have to have really put in time, effort, and a love of both the flower and your fellow rhododendron enthusiast.

Congratulations, Keith.

Special recognition at 2007 S. F. convention to supporters of rhododendrons and azaleas

It is the pleasure of the officers of the American Rhododendron Society to give recognition to certain people for their outstanding contributions to promote rhododendrons and azaleas.  Such was the case at this year’s convention in San Francisco...home to the world-famous Golden Gate Park...larger than New York’s Central Park...with 1,013 acres, a million trees, the Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers and Strybing Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

The Park was started in the 1870s by John McLaren, a brazen Scotsman and ardent nature lover.  By the 1890 he had established grass, trees, and numerous plants in an environment most thought too barren for lush foliage.  Before starting the job, one of his stipulations was there will be no 'Keep off the Grass' signs.  Mr. McLaren lived in the Park until his death in 1943 at age 96, and it is reported rhododendrons were his first love.

Because of Golden Gate Park and its contributions to the city of San Francisco, it seemed most appropriate to recognize two individuals who have made invaluable contributions for promoting interest in and disseminating knowledge about rhododendrons and azaleas.  Paul Anderson, Director 5 Director, gave written presentations of appreciation on behalf of the American Rhododendron Society to these persons for their contributions.  The letter of appreciation state:

To Joe Giammattei who has been responsible for the following accomplishments in promoting rhododendrons:

• In his more than 40 years of service at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, he helped make the Park a premier national attraction.  He has organized the replanting of the Rhododendron Island which had been devastated by a windstorm.  He obtained the services of a non-profit organization, One Brick, which put in 3,000 hours of volunteer labor by 600 volunteers over three years of time...and volunteers continue to return and maintain the area.  The San Francisco Mayor's office proclaimed October 23, 2004, "One Brick Day" in honor of the project to replant the Rhododendron Island in Golden Gate Park.
• For obtaining a gift of approximately 300 rhododendrons for the Rhododendron Island from Paul Molinari of Enjoy Rhododendron Nursery.
• For establishing a rhododendron garden at the entrance to Angler's Lodge in Golden Gate Park.
• For his use of rhododendrons in replanting the area around Lloyd Lake in Golden Gate Park.
• For planting the large container rhododendrons that had been used in the past for display throughout San Francisco to permanent locations in Golden Gate Park.

To Eric Andersen, supervisor of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, Section 2, which includes the Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the Rhododendron Dell. 

Mr. McLaren's favorite plants were rhododendrons and a Rhododendron Dell was established at Golden Gate Park in his honor.  Unfortunately, the Del was devastated in a windstorm some years ago and needs extensive restoration.  Eric has been a member of the American Rhododendron Society in the past and recognizes the need to replant the Rhododendron Dell to bring it back to being one of the treasures of Golden Gate Park.  It is a pleasure to recognize the excellent goal of Eric Andersen in planning to restore the Rhododendron Dell at Golden Gate Park, and have it again promote the pleasure and beauty of rhododendrons in the Park.

A standing ovation was given to the awardees, showing the Society's appreciation.

Peter Schick honored at Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden

Yes, Peter Schick is a very special guy!  Not only did he receive a Gold Medal Award at the 2007 Convention in San Francisco...but the gold carpet was rolled out for him at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden in Fort Bragg, CA.

Here are a few thoughts on Peter.

Peter Schick...for decades...did practical, dedicated research, including voluminous correspondence on an international scale concerning the genus Rhododendron, and more specifically, the species Vireya.  He developed an extraordinary personal library detailing his work with rhododendrons that he generously shares with all those of similar interests.

Peter has tirelessly given of himself in helping with the development of the Mendocino Garden.  He is totally responsible for the extensive tender species collection of rhododendrons found there.  His vision, unselfish attitude, and vast knowledge have made him a valuable contributor to the preservation of the species and education of rhododendron enthusiasts worldwide.

Peter grew up in rural Saskatchewan.  He married and raised a family of five children in Canada where he farmed grain as well as worked another day job.  In 1960 he moved to Berkeley where he was introduced to rhododendrons.  A little less than 30 years ago he moved to the Mendocino coast and quickly turned his interest to the then emerging Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden.  He was quick to recognize the global significance of its unique micro-climate.  He realized that the Garden presented an opportunity to grow and preserve plants that existed only in a few areas of the world.  Peter has worked tirelessly ever since to make a showplace for the plants that he holds so dear.  He has given not only his time, money, and expertise, but physically he has worked on many projects.  He has donated over a thousand plants, including many tender species rhododendrons, big leaf rhododendrons, magnolias, and conifers.

He has traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad. He has shared his knowledge, seeds, and plant material as far away as New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and, of course, Canada and the U.S.

Peter's vision was...and is...to preserve the natural habitat and to protect the environment so that the original and native species will always have a place to thrive.  We have all benefited from Peter's prolific work.

An enormous redwood stump was carefully selected to bear the plaque with this inscription:

The Tender Species
Rhododendron Garden

Dedicated to
Peter A. Schick
on April 17, 2007
for his efforts to
conserve this species

A delightful reception by the ladies of the Garden greeted the guests and Peter as he drove in on his garden cart!  Peter is 91 and soon to be 92!  How lucky we are!  Thanks, Peter, we love you.

-- Terry Giomi, Fort Bragg Chapter

Deaths

Merl Audra Aitken
Mid-Atlantic Chapter

In addition to his ARS membership, he belonged to the North American Heather Society, St. Andrews Society, Boy Scouts of America scout master and commissioner of the Buckskin Council, co-founder of the Charleston Civic Chorus, Kanawha State Forest Foundation board member, former president of the Recreation Board of South Charleston, and the International Club of Charleston.

Jeanne Hammer describes Merl as warm-hearted and upbeat, and remembers the story about Merl encouraging his son to ask someone to the prom, saying there were lots of girls waiting for someone to ask them.  The son dutifully did so...taking the easy route and asking the girl next door...and ended up marrying her.

Harry Davidson
Cascade Chapter

Harry Davidson, friend and member of the Cascade Chapter, was an avid grower of the genus Rhododendron and a valuable part of the chapter.  Harry was always there to give a helping hand a willing back in setting up and tearing down our show and sale materials

Harry and his wife, Ann, both enjoyed attending our chapter meetings and sharing their beautiful large garden in Bellevue for member tours.  They joined our chapter from the very start...the year was 1993...while Harry was still a member of the Seattle chapter.  As is often the case as we all grow older, the trip over the bridges to Seattle at night became difficult, so in 1996 Harry switched his membership to Cascade, which was our gain.

Harry died on February 4, 2007, of a stroke.  He will surely be missed.

-- Bob George

Christopher Fairweather
Scottish Chapter

Chris's interest in rhododendrons began in the early 1950s when he spent two years at Exbury Estate in Hampshire.  After a three-year contract planting tea in Kenya, Chris returned to Hampshire and opened his first garden center in the Hampshire in the village of Beaulieu.  This was followed by a second outlet in Lymington, which was run by his wife, Aline.  In 1968 he rejoined Exbury Estate as horticultural manager, where he had numerous opportunities to develop his knowledge of rhododendrons.

Chris left Exbury in 1974 to develop his own business and began to acquire land next to his home on the edge of the New Forest.  Here he started his own wholesale nursery which initially produced plants for his two garden centers.  Today the nursery is a major producer, selling 1.5 million plants per year.

Chris and Aline traveled extensively searching for plants.  They visited Asia, South America, and Australia, as well as nearer home in Europe and the Middle East.  He loved adventure and traveled without frills...often camping and trekking independently in search of wild flowers.

He loved sharing his experiences through his writings and radio and TV broadcasts, and developed a passion for photography.  He was a regular contributor on "Topsoil", Radio Solent's gardening show.  Nicola Murray, producer of "Topsoil" said, "I found Chris to be one of the most gentle and lovely people I have ever met.  He was an absolute pleasure to work with."

Chris will, indeed, be missed.

-- John Hammond, Scottish Chapter

Ernest K. Egan
Maine Chapter

Ernest Eagan was born in 1912 and died in 2006.  Anyone who met Ernie will remember this wonderful outgoing, modest man for his ever-encouraging advice on growing rhododendrons.  One time he was asked what to do with a rhododendron that did not bloom.  His answer has resonated in the Maine Chapter for years: "Dig it up, give it a shake, and place it in another planting hole."  In this challenging environment it works!

Ernie was a member of the American Rhododendron Society for over 50 years, first in the Connecticut Chapter, then the Maine Chapter.  His family owned the Hillcrest Gardens Nursery in Woodbridge, Conn.  He and his brother took over the business and ran it until 1987 when he moved to Maine.  There he continued to raise and sell rhododendrons at his Little River Nursery in east Boothbay.

In 2001 Ernie decided to donate his extensive collection to the Costal Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay, and over the next few years CMBG staff and volunteers accomplished the move "across town."

Polly Hill
Greater Philadelphia Chapter

Mrs. Julian (Polly) Hill, a remarkable figure in rhododendrons and horticulture, has died. She was a longtime member of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter since the early 1960s, and had just celebrated her 100th birthday on January 30.  She was a speaker on several occasions at chapter meetings.

At the age of 50, she started what is known as the Polly Hill Arboretum...from seed!  Mrs. Hill donated her 40+ acre estate on Martha's Vineyard to the state of Massachusetts.  She would spend her summers at the Arboretum and winters at her home in Hockession, Delaware.  Mrs. Hill was a believer in propagating by seed because you never knew what the results would be.  She introduced many new plants and cultivars listed on the Arboretum website.

In the 1960s she started growing azaleas from seed and cuttings sent to her by a friend, Dr. T. Rokujo, who lived in Tokyo, Japan, from azalea crosses he made or seed he collected in Japan and Korea.  Some are from R. nakahari, notably the North Tisbury hybrids, a series of low-growing, late-blooming azaleas.  Information on these azaleas can be found in Fred Galle's book Azaleas.

Mrs. Hill was a recipient of the American Rhododendron Society's Gold Medal.

A memorial service was held Saturday, May 5, in Hockessin, Delaware.  She will be missed by a host of friends around the world.

--Ted Stecki

Events

2007 Western Regional Conference
Newport, Oregon
September 21 - 23

Here is a wonderful opportunity to hear outstanding speakers, visit with friends, and enjoy the Oregon coast in September.  The conference hotel is the Best Western Agate Beach Inn where the 2005 conference was held and enjoyed by all. And, rates are the same as in 2005!  Identify yourself as an ARS member.  Call Mike Stewart at 503-668-3522 for more information.  See you there!

2008 ARS Annual Convention, Tulsa, Oklahoma, April 16 to 20

ARS 2008 Convention. April 16-20, 2008
Double Tree Hotel, Warren Place, 6110 South Yale Ave., Tulsa, OK

Schedule of Events
April 16
ARS Board of Directors meeting -  9 am to 4:30 pm
Registration - 8 am to 6 pm
Board of Directors Lunch - noon
Hooting (Social Hour) - 6 pm to 7 pm
Round-Up - 7 pm Barry Fugatt - Northeast Oklahoma Gardens
Plant Sale - After Round-Up till 11 pm
Over forty varieties of very rare heat tolerant rhododendrons plus new maple introductions

April 17
Registration - 8 am to 5 pm
Plant Sale - 8 am to 5 pm
Gilcrease Museum and Garden and Philbrook Museum and Garden tours -  9:30 am to 5 pm
Hooting - 6 pm to 7 pm
Round-Up - 7 pm - 9 pm
Oral Roberts Singers & speaker Tijs Huisman, Dutch hybridizer, "New Rhododendrons from the Old Country"
Plant Sale After Round-Up till 11 pm

April 18
Lendonwood and Elk Ridge Garden tours - 7:30 am to 5 pm, lunch included
Hooting  - 6:30 to 7:00 Western Dress
Chuck Wagon Barbecue - 7 pm to 8 pm
Entertainers Larry Dushane, native American flute player, and country comedian Willa Mae and Friends  - 8 pm
Speaker Steve Krebs Hybridizing for Disease Resistances  - 9 pm
Plant Sale after dinner till 11 pm

April 19
Linnaeus Garden, private gardens of Sara and Jim Bailey and Breniss and Daniel O'Neal   -  9 am - 3:00 pm, box lunch
Hooting  - 6 pm to 7 pm
Okkie Banquet & Awards and Annual Meeting ARS -  7 pm to 8 pm,
Entertainer Jana Jae and speaker Keith Johansson and Friends - 8:30pm
Plant Sale - 8 am till 5 pm - and after dinner till 11:00pm

April 20
Laura Grant talks ARS  - 8 am till 9 am
Hybridizer’s Round Table - 9 am till 11 am
Post Convention Trip - Willa Mae

2008 International Rhododendron Conference at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Scotland, May 7-11, 2008

David Stark, president of the Scottish Chapter, sends a special invitation in the ARS Journal for all to come and celebrate the Silver Jubilee in 2008.  Because not all receive the Journal, it is to extend this invitation now that David writes...

Join us to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Scottish Rhododendron Society at an International Rhododendron Conference to be held at the Royal Botanic Garden in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, in the Spring of 2008.  If you love rhododendrons and azaleas, are enthralled by interesting speakers, and magnificent gardens, and enjoy a friendly social atmosphere, then, this is an event for you!

Jointly hosted by the Scottish Rhododendron Society and the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Rhododendron 2008: 50 Years of Modern Day Exploration, Hybridisation & Conservation will predominantly cover the post-World War II period through a wide-ranging program of lectures, garden tours, a rhododendron show, exhibitions, and social events in the evenings.

International speakers will entertain you with a schedule of contemporary exploration, hybridization and breeding, cultivation and propagation, historical, science and taxonomy, and conservation lectures.  To cater for all tastes there will be an opportunity to attend an alternative set of lectures when the science and taxonomy sessions are programmed.

Two full days of tours are being planned to a variety of gardens that will complement the theme of the Conference.  A specially arranged full-day sight-seeing tour is planned.  Also under consideration is a four-day Pre-Conference Tour with a wide-ranging itinerary of private gardens located in a completely different area than those visited on conference tours in 1996 and 2002.

This is a wake-up call to put the date on your diary, plan ahead and come to Scotland in 2008.  Further details will be available in early 2006.  You will find more details on their web site: http://www.scottishrhodos.co.uk

Thought for summer from Noni Godfrey
North Island Chapter newsletter editor

A garden proverb:

The kiss of the sun for pardon
The song of the birds for mirth
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth