QBARS - v29n1 Seth L. Kelsey Memorial Garden

Seth L. Kelsey Memorial Garden
Edward J. Duda, Associate Prof., Univ. of Connecticut

Since the death of Seth L. Kelsey in December, 1972, the Bartlett Arboretum has received a number of requests regarding appropriate ways of honoring his memory, particularly from those who recognize Seth's outstanding contributions to horticulture and related fields. We are delighted to announce that a section of the ericaceous plant area now under development at the Bartlett Arboretum has been designated to become the Seth Low Kelsey Rhododendron and Azalea Species Garden.

The concept of a species garden at the Arboretum was conceived by Seth before he died with the following specific objectives: to provide as complete as possible a labeled and documented collection for study and enjoyment; to evaluate the species for landscape value and potential as parents in hybridization; to encourage the increased production of the better kinds by commercial growers and to make propagating material available to them for this purpose-to provide pollen for use of competent breeders as an aid to the development of better hybrids; and to study cultural requirements of the different kinds and publish reliable information thereon.

The Kelsey family has approved of the plan. They, and all who knew and worked with Seth, concur that this would be a most fitting tribute because of his admiration and knowledge of rhododendrons and azaleas, the great contribution he was able to make to the Arboretum's development in the time he was here, and the fact that his whole life was devoted to plants and their wise use in making this world a better place to live.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut is accepting gifts of rhododendron and/or azalea plant species for the area. Correspondence about contributions to the garden may be addressed to Edward J. Duda, Associate Professor in charge at the college in Storrs, Connecticut.