JARS 42n3 - 1988 Southeastern Regional Meeting

1988 Southeastern Regional Meeting
Edith Davis, Decatur, Georgia

The Azalea Chapter will serve as host chapter of the 1988 Southeastern Regional Meeting to be held at the Holiday Inn at Roswell Summit on November 4, 5, and 6. The general theme of the meeting will be perfecting our skills in selecting, growing, and showing the best!
A number of very well-qualified speakers will develop our theme, beginning with Fred Galle talking about selecting the best native species forms. With his extraordinary background in hybridizing, Dr. August Kehr will give us a deep look at evergreen azaleas. As one of the organizers of the Southeastern Chapter's Species Study Group, Russell Gilkey will speak on choosing species for our area that not only survive but actually thrive. We have called on Dr. Don Kellam to examine the favored Dexter hybrids, both old and new introductions, as well as report on the national news as District 10 Director.
From Alabama, noted flower show judge, Pete McNees, will speak on developing a critical eye, especially in selecting show entries. Nationally noted for her flair with flowers, Mrs. Beck Sims will develop the theme, "If it looks good outside, bring it in," showing us how to enjoy our flowers inside as well as outside. A number of unique specialty topics will also be extensively covered. Roy Wyatt of the Atlanta Journal will speak on garden writing, encouraging members to write more, not only for newspapers but also for our local and national publications. Dick Clapp will delve into outstanding photography. David Dean will discuss the Southeastern Chapter's search for outstanding clones of our natives and their propagation for the national meeting which is coming to Asheville. Willis Harden, noted for his talent in growing West Coast rhododendrons in our difficult climate, will speak on "And they told you it was too tender? Don't believe it!". Special programs will also cover the choicest companion plants, culture fundamentals, nurserymen's symposium, preparing flower show entries, etc.
Our program will begin Friday night, extend through Saturday, and end on Sunday at noon. A special opportunity will come on Saturday afternoon when a tailgate plant sale will be held that is open to all individuals, chapters, or commercial nurseries at a nominal rental fee of $10. Raymond Goza, as plant sale chairman, encourages anyone with excess plants of quality to bring them down and help spread the best. If you can't sell $10 worth, you're not trying! A great help would be sending a list of your plants (azaleas, rhodies, companions, etc.) so that it can be included in the registration packet.
For those interested in registration, please contact: Marshall Asher, Registrar, Atlanta, GA. Registration is $10 per person. Lunch is on your own and there will be a tremendous buffet dinner Saturday night, cost $23. Payment is to the Azalea Chapter.
The Holiday Inn at Roswell Summit is located at 1075 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA, only a quarter of a mile toward Roswell from Georgia Highway 400, just above Atlanta's perimeter I-285. A special room rate of $49 a night has been made available for our meeting so please mention you will be attending our meeting when making your reservations at this fine facility.
For those with a special interest in photography, a photo contest will be organized. If you have taken some special pictures this spring, please bring them along for all to see.