A New Rhododendron Society in New Zealand
Mrs. P. Warren, Dunedin, New Zealand
In 1970 a few enthusiasts in Dunedin decided to form the Dunedin Rhododendron Group. Quite a number of our members (including most of the present executives) belong also to the New Zealand Rhododendron Association; but that Association is, as you know, based in the North Island, and many of us felt that Dunedin is too far away from the center of activity to enjoy the full advantages of membership. As yet, our total population in New Zealand is not big enough to make a system of Chapters practicable, as you have in the U.S.A., but we have every hope that our local group will serve a similar purpose.
This year the Dunedin Rhododendron Group produced its first Bulletin. We also hope that our first Bulletin will help to bring the American Rhododendron Society up to date with the rhododendron scene in Dunedin and surrounding districts today, since the article on "Rhododendron Growing in New Zealand" which appeared in the ARS Quarterly Bulletin in July, 1972, made no mention of the present and increasing enthusiasm for rhododendrons in this area, where we believe, a wider variety of species and hybrids can be successfully grown than in most other parts of New Zealand. The Group's first Bulletin will give some idea of the range of plants being propagated here, and grown in Dunedin gardens.
We should also like to take this opportunity of extending an invitation to any of your members who may come to Dunedin, to contact the President or committee members of the Rhododendron Group, when we will be happy to show them as many as possible of our local gardens.