JARS v41n4 - David C. Leach Research Station

David C. Leach Research Station

David G. Leach has contributed his research station, including plants, nursery stock and records to the Holden Arboretum. The David C. Leach Research Station will serve as a satellite facility of the arboretum with Dr. Leach continuing to direct the work in progress. An endowment fund has been established which will help support work at the research station.

Well known in the rhododendron world as a hybridizer, geneticist and author, Dr. Leach has specialized in developing superior hybrids for the eastern United States. He has registered over 85 varieties, including 'Golden Gala', named in honor of Holden Arboretum's 50th anniversary.

The recipient of many awards and honors for his work with plants, Dr. Leach began a new avenue of research into the production of haploid rhododendrons last year with two colleagues - Charles Fink, tissue culture laboratory manager at Herman Losely & Son, lnc. (a Perry Ohio nursery), and Wilmer Stowe, biology instructor at Lakeland Community College.

This fall, he will attend a conference on genetics in Europe. In 1988, he plans an expedition to Viet Nam and Kampuchea in search of rhododendrons.

The author of numerous articles, Dr. Leach is perhaps best known for his classic reference work on rhododendrons, Rhododendrons of the World , re-issued last year by Scribner's Sons

Under the direction of David Leach and the auspices of the Holden Arboretum, the David G. Leach Research Station will continue to contribute to advancements in rhododendron breeding. The Holden Arboretum publication "Arboretum Leaves" states as follows:

"The acquisition of a satellite research station specifically involved with the cultivation of rhododendrons and their relatives, will place Holden Arboretum in the same category as the best European institutions which hold that it is their obligation to contribute creatively to the horticulture of the region they serve through the advancement of the basic knowledge of the plants that can be grown. It is envisioned that the efforts of the Holden Arboretum and the David G. Leach Research Station will accelerate the introduction of ornamental plants which will amplify the quality of the urban and suburban environment and add significantly to the many outstanding discoveries which have already been introduced to America's gardeners."