JARS 49n3 - An ARS Retrospective: Our Fifth Decade, Part VI, 1984-1987

An ARS Retrospective: Our Fifth Decade, Part VI, 1984-1987
Franklin H. West
Narberth, Pennsylvania

Fresh in the memory of most members of the ARS, this fifth decade of our history may seem more like a review of current events, as recorded in the Journal from summer 1984 through spring 1994.

1984

The rescue of Ghent azaleas at the National Trust Garden at Sheffield Park, Sussex, was described by Archie Skinner. (1984, pp. 106-108) The story of Bill Whitney and his plants is fondly recalled by Anne and Ellie Sather. (1984, pp. 114-117) Good close-up pictures of rhodo pests by Arthur Antonelli. (1984, pp. 118-20) R.L. Ticknor reported that yak parentage protected foliage from root weevil damage. (1984, pp. 123-124)

In 1984 medals were presented by the ARS at the Atlanta annual meeting to John P. Evans, M.D., who was awarded a Gold; a Silver was given to H. Furman Cantrell, Ph.D.; the Bronze by Middle Atlantic to Harry L. Wise, Ken McDonald, and Sandra McDonald, Ph.D.; by North Kitsap to Theodore and Jeanne Peterschmidt; by Philadelphia to Lloyd E. Partain and Philip A. Livingston; by Portland to Ronald E. Burnett and Richard Cavender; by Indiana to Henry, Helen, Steve, and David Schroeder; by Potomac Valley to Sandy and Connie Sanders; by Tualatin Valley to Faith Christensen; by Siuslaw to Galen Baxter; by Midwestern to Don Zuan; by Piedmont to Tracy Lounsbury and Herbert Hechenbleikner; by California to Fred Cummings and Elma Connelly.

Austin Kennell tells how "peoplescence" makes any plant more beautiful (1984, pp. 133-134) and gives tribute to his and all other dragees. (1984, pp. 190-191) The 4th Annual Western Regional Conference met in Richmond B.C. in mid-October 1984.

Death came in 1984 to Spencer E. Sanders, J.D. Bush, M.D., Henry R. Schroeder, M.D., Joseph A. Witt, Mrs. Carl Luenenschloss, Henry F. Skinner, and Arthur W. Headlam. Among our new members in 1984: Alexander and Elizabeth Balfour, Hamish Gunn, Louis Brignola, Henri Goosens, Susan Saarinen, P. and D. Laucks, M.B.E. Puddle, K. and S. Hollowell, Kenichi Nakajima, Andrew Rodrick, Gerhart Struck.

Felice Blake praised her favorite dwarf rhodos in Australia (1984, pp. 166-170, 210-211), and Gwen Bell told of some promising Lem seedlings, including 'Moonwax'. (1984, pp. 171-173) Azaleas were featured in the fall issue: Harold Greer praised the Satsukis (1984, pp. 174-176). Bill Miller discussed the azalea 'Ben Morrison'. Alexander Havis discovered cold acclimation of lower stems of evergreen azaleas takes place more slowly than in deciduous types (1984, pp. 180-181).

A must read is "Giants of the Past" by Ted Van Veen about the early hybridizers in the Northwest. (1984, pp. 182-187) Azaleas grown in full sun had an 80% lacebug infestation, compared to 40% infested when grown in shade, Michael Raup reported. (1984, pp. 189-190) A. Sakai from Corvallis, Ore., reported on freezing resistance of 60 rhododendron species, 24 azalea species and 20 hybrid rhododendrons. Rhododendron arboreum froze all parts at -10°C, while R. yakushimanum froze flower buds at -23°C, and vegetative bud and cortex at -50°C. Rhododendron maximum and R. catawbiense froze other body parts at -60°C, and flower buds at -30°C. (1984, pp. 192-195)

D.M. Benson found Aliette and Subdue offer enhanced protection from phytophthora root rot for container grown 'Hinodegiri'. (1984, pp. 198-199) Warm root temperatures delay cold acclimatization of azalea stems (don't add mulch in fall till the ground is frozen!), Alexander Harris discovered. (1984, pp.201-202)

1985

Garden aspects of rhododendrons were discussed by Felice Blake (1985, pp. 2-4) for foliage effects; the Cecil and Molly Smith garden by Molly Grothaus (1985, p. 6-8). "The Allure of the Species" by Herb Spady (1985, pp. 8-9); and Rosalie Nachman told of designing shady gardens in Virginia. (1985, pp. 10-12)

An International Species Symposium was held at the Rhododendron Species Foundation, Federal Way, Wash., chaired by David Goheen April 29-30. Robert Ticknor reported a low rate of success with azaleodendron crosses (1985, pp. 16-17). He was seeking fragrant hybrids. Carl Adam Lehmann told of Denmark's display garden, 40km south of Copenhagen. (1985, pp. 18-19) Carl S. Hoveland described the rhododendrons in Northern Germany, including Hobbie's, Hachmann's, Bremen Rhododendron Park and Rostrup research station. (1985, pp. 19-21)

New chapters of the ARS were formed at Eureka and North Island (B.C.) as our 52nd and 53rd chapters, Marion Coit and Harry Wright the respective presidents.

Kentaro Tanii showed 12 seed exchange yak hybrids in color. (1985, pp. 22-23) Seedlings grown in your local climate survive better than imports, said H.R. Schroeder in a report on his Indiana hybrids. (1985, pp. 24-26)

Helga Andrews gave a book review of the 17th century monograph on Japanese azaleas called A Brocade Pillow , with introduction and notes by John L. Creech. (1985, p. 28) Forrest Bump, M.D., called attention to rhododendrons with beautiful barks. (1985, pp. 30-31) The Philipsons traced the natural migrations of the different divisions in our genus. Relatively few went beyond Southeast Asia. (1985, pp. 29-30)

A symposium on seed growing (1985, pp. 32-39) by G.W. Clarke, Ed Brown, Gary Webb, Marie Tietjens, Jonathan Shaw, Michael Zimmerman, Jack Cowles, Sandra McDonald and later by the Goodriches. (1985, p. 192) If there is to be research on rhododendrons and azaleas, the ARS must do it, said August Kehr in his report of the Research Foundation. (1985, pp. 40-45)

The 1985 Annual Convention was held in Seattle, Wash. In addition, district meetings were held by districts 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Honors at the convention: the Silver Medal to Dr. E.C. Brockenbrough and another Silver to Robert L. Badger. Janet Binford retired from the presidency, which was assumed by Bill Tietjen. Adele Jones took over editing the Journal from Ed Egan. The Pioneer Award was given to Cecil Smith. In August Paula Cash took over the executive secretary's office from Fran Egan.

Awards of Excellence were given in 1985 to 'Ginny Gee', 'Golden Bee' and 'Patty Bee', all by Warren Berg. Among the Bronze Medalists in 1985: by Valley Forge to Fred and Barbara Winter; by Tappan Zee to Pat Walton; by North Kitsap to W.W. Hill, Sr.; by Great Lakes to Albert Hartman; by New York to James E. Gross; by Azalea to J. and D. Coleman; by Tacoma to J. and J.A. Lejeune and Dr. George Ryan; by Midwest to Don Zuan; by Middle Atlantic to Wm. F. Bedwell and Terry Sheuchenko; by Great Lakes to C. and G. Stroombeek; by Seattle to Ned Brockenbrough, Mae Granston, June Sinclair, Ed Bancroft and David Bledsoe; by Massachusetts to Virginia "Tim" Craig; by Tualatin Valley to Mildred Connelly; by Portland to Ed and Fran Egan; by California to Parker Smith, Ev and Marge Farwell and Maurice and Fran Sumner; by Philadelphia to Ted Stecki.

Among new members in 1985: Peter Ashton, E. and J. Stubbs, Steve and Lori E. Gangsei, Gerald Sauter, John P. Bowles, D. and A. Goodenough, D. Roehrs, C. and R. Rasmussen, Gordon Collier, J.V. Fleming, R. and M. Duffield, Wm. and A. O'Brien, L. and N. Grace, D. and N. Myhre, Kenichi Arisumi, A. and D. Bowersox, Alan Posner, F. VanderHeyden.

'Rhododendron 'Goldbukett' by Hans Hachmann made the spring cover in 1985 with the lead article on Hachmann's hybrids by Jon Valigorsky, M.D., and dazzling color photos (1985, pp. 62-65, 111-112). "Absolutely staggering" was his appraisal of the 2,400 crosses made and one-half million seedlings grown at Barmstedt just northeast of Hamburg, starting in 1952. Propagation was by grafting onto 'Cunningham's White'.

Felice Blake praised the many faces of R. campylogynum (1985, pp. 66-68). Michael McCullough explored Southern California for heat tolerant R. occidentale and found white, pale pink, and pale yellow and pink flowered forms. He crossed brighter Northern California forms onto these in hopes of producing a seedling that might thrive in the East. (1985, pp. 70-74) The best pot is no pot at all for vireyas, Pat Halligan reported. (1985, pp. 75-76)

The 5th Western Regional Conference was announced for Seaside, Ore., and the 1986 Annual Convention was scheduled for Cleveland, Ohio. The 8th Southeast Regional Conference was held in Greenville, S.C.

Death in 1985 came to Peter E. Girard, Sr., Frank P. Knight, John Eichelser, Fred Peste, Newton Edwards, J.R. Pennington, Robert D. Gartrell and Dietrich Hobbie.

Monty Momsees showed surprising rhododendron details thru his macro-lens (1985, 122-124). Pat Halligan invented an in vitro test for winter hardiness (1985, 127-130). Phil Waldman discussed the planting of container grown plants (1985, pp. 130-131).

A symposium on propagation from cuttings was presented by Pete McNees, Marie Tietjens, Jack Ayers, Emil V. Bohnel, and Russell Gilkey; Weldon E. Delp revealed his accelerated method of growing seedling rhododendrons. Gordon Rowley's art and science of show judging gave many good tips. (1985, pp. 102-104)

Authors Ticknor, Hemphill and Flower reported that Portland composted sewage sludge combined with pumice, peat or bark proved to be a satisfactory rhody growth medium. (1985, pp. 107-110) Melva Philipson described the rhododendron subsection Saluenensia (1985, pp. 137-138) Felice Blake praised the elegant cinnabarinums (1985, pp. 150-152). Donald Paden revealed how to tissue culture at home (1985, pp. 153-158). M.J. Harvey of Halifax, Nova Scotia, breeds only for foliage. (1985, pp. 160-163) L. Keith Wade described his trip to China's Omei Shan. (1985, pp. 220-221)

Authors Rosen, Good and Stepponkus at Cornell found frozen soil and high evaporative demand the most important component of winter injury in azaleas.(1985,pp. 188-192) Authors Arisumi, Matsuo, and Sakata at Kagushima University bred for heat resistance. Using R. 'Ruby Hart' x R. metternichii they produced vigorous heat resistant hybrids from the heterosis derived from two geographically and phylogenetically remote parents. (1985, pp. 194-197) Authors Ryan and Wetherington report that if herbicides don't injure stock plants, they don't inhibit the rooting of their cuttings. (1985, pp. 199-201) Polly Hill described her R. nakaharae azalea hybrids. (1985, pp. 203-204)

Thirty-five research proposals were received by the Research Committee in 1985, the largest number in any one year to date, August Kehr reported. Ten were supported by the ARS Research Foundation funds.

1986

Linda Draper described the indomitable Fred Minch and his azalea hybrids. (1986, pp. 2-4) The Whidbey Island Chapter was welcomed as the 54th ARS chapter, Don Milliken, president. Eleanor and Art Stubbs described their azalea hanging basket choices. (1986, pp. 6-8) Felice Blake praised the graceful triflorums. (1986, pp. 10-12)

Jay Murray took over Ed Parker's job as the ARS registrar of plant names.

When rhododendron leaves curl and droop at 30-32°F it helps reduce chlorophyll bleaching and limits water loss. (These movements do not keep the leaves warmer.) Erik Nilsen reported from V.P.I. (1986, pp. 14-15) Barbara Palser's splendid intimate glimpses into the flower with electron microscopic details of pollen grains, pollen tubes, ovaries, stigmas, ovary hair, etc., is fascinating. (1986, pp. 18-21,35-44)

R.C. Cash gives an account of the Exbury azaleas' breeding by Lionel de Rothschild, derived from Waterer Knaphill hybrids. (1986, pp. 22-24) Roderick White said when you see R. aperantum in bloom: "One of the most radiantly lovely things you ever saw. When you see it your mouth just opens and shuts feebly." (1986, p. 25)

The ARS Annual Convention in 1986 was held in Cleveland, Ohio, with tours to David Leach's trial grounds at North Madison and Holden Arboretum among others. President Tietjen gave two good reasons to make the ARS your favorite charity (the two endowment funds). The Chattahoochee Chapter was welcomed, Charles Hiers, president.

Medals in 1986: The Bronze by Indiana to George and Maggie Smith, and Lloyd and Helen Hahn; by Shelton to John and Helen Agoa and Frank Maranville; by Portland to Lansing Bulgin; by Eugene to Ed Siegmund and David Williams; by California to Hadley Osborne and Pete Sullivan; by Philadelphia to Dan and Betts Layman. The Gold Medal was given to Weldon Delp at the Cleveland convention.

Among our new members in 1986: Gary and Sandra Toogood, C. and F. Flaharty, Rolv Hjelmstad, L. and L. Reichart, George Harding, Gilbert M. Grosvenor, Prince and Princess Abkhazi, Vincent Harley, Austin and Brenda Kennell, Margaret Boehm, Ed and Joan Brinton, David and Laurie Stubbs, Lord and Lady Denham, George Woodard, Herbert and Elizabeth Andrews, Elizabeth Hobbie, Revel Freeman, Howard and Sheila Grisham, W.J. Eck, Jack L. Weigle, Ruth and Wallace Mackie, Dick Mauritsen, D.C. Carmichael, Pat and Maria Riggs, Yasuyuki Doi. Death came in 1986 to Donald K. McClure, Mrs. Wm. J. (Chris) Curtis, Sidney V. Burns, Thomas Koenig, Guy Nearing, Bill Hodgson, G. Albert Reid, Milton V. Walker, M.D., William O. Courson, Edmund V. Mezitt, Emil V. Bohnel, and Philip A. Livingston.

Rhododendron macrophyllum made the spring 1986 cover, with a fine article by Dallas Boge on his selections in the wild with Bob Ross. (1986, pp. 62-65) Warren Berg reported on his trip to Western Yunnan (1986, pp. 66-69) and Jerry Coe on his trip to Northern Yunnan and Nashi Kingdom. (1986, pp. 68-69) Felice Blake wrote of Kingdon Ward's 'Pink Baby': R. pumilum . (1986, p. 70) Mark Konrad, M.D., presented his version of rhododendron pediatrics from his 25 years experience in raising seedlings (1986, pp. 73-75) and gave further notes on pricking off seedlings (1987, p.89).

By-laws changes, relating to district formation, and filling of vacancies in office, were proposed for membership approval. Norman Todd proposed the 10 best dwarfs for his Victoria, B.C., rock garden. He singled out 'Rose Elf, 'Patty Bee', R. kiusianum , R. impeditum and R. indicum 'Balsaminiflorum'. (1986, p. 82)

Parker Smith discussed a sampling of the 130 named California rhododendron hybrids. (1986, pp. 86-88) David Mitchell found paradise 9 degrees below the Arctic Circle at Inverewe, Scotland. (1986, pp. 90-93) Authors Gensel and Blazich at North Carolina State University report successful propagation of R. chapmanii (now R. minus var. chapmanii ) from cuttings. (1986, pp. 94-98)

Paula Cash shared her experiences on entering a rhododendron show. (1986,pp. 100-101) Jon M. Valigorsky, M.D., wrote about the 50th anniversary of the Bremen Rhododendron Park, the largest collection of the genus anywhere! (1986, pp. 182-186, 214) Vera Stepankova described her 34-year-old ericaceous garden in Czechoslovakia. (1986, pp. 187-188)

A.W. Smith described his breeding for petaloid deciduous azaleas. Using R. 'Chelsea Reach' as parent, he obtained 30% petaloid F1 plants. (1986, pp. 190-191) Milton Wildfong took a lighthearted look at botanical terminology in "I gnu a guru who..." (1986, pp. 195-198) Authors Pellett, Moe and Mezitt reported flower bud hardiness of 40 azaleas and 40 rhododendrons tested in Minnesota at point of maximum acclimation. Twenty-six azaleas and six rhodies had less than 50% dead flowers at -20°F or greater. (1986, pp. 203-205)

David Leach's review of A Brocade Pillow found it a rare combination; both esoteric and important in substance. (1986, p.209) Lillian Hodgson described the U.B.C. botanical garden in Vancouver. (1986, pp. 210-213) Authors Arisumi, Matsuo, Sakata and Tottoribe at Kagoshima University reported on differences of heat resistance among species and hybrids. (1986, pp. 215-219) Authors Wills and Lamke from V.P.I, reported that benomyl was most effective in controlling dieback caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea . (1986, pp. 220-221)

Rhododendron griersonianum and R. laetum x R. zoelleri made the cover in 1986. The 1986 Western Regional Conference was held at Monterey, Calif., and the Northeast Regional at Danbury, Conn.

August Kehr turned over the reins of the Research Committee to George Ring, after reporting that 31 research proposals had been received; 10 were funded by the Research Foundation. Authors Moe and Pellett reported their breeding cold hardy azaleas in Minnesota, in a new series called the Northern Lights, (1986, pp. 158-161) Ed Spears described the rhododendron garden at Haywood College at Clyde, N.C. (1986, pp. 162-163)

1987

Rhododendron 'Ring of Fire' made the cover of the winter issue of the Journal and R. orbiculare was on the fall cover. Ken Gibson told the remarkable story of creating a garden at Tofino, Vancouver Island, on a miniature mountain. (1987, pp. 2-5, 40) Henrietta Hass praised Bill Guttormsen's Greenwood azaleas (1987, pp. 6-8). Bob Ticknor discussed weed control around rhododendrons with tables showing performance of 19 herbicides on 50 weeds. (1987, pp. 10-14)

Authors Blazich, Giles and Haemmerle at North Carolina State University achieved the tissue culture of R. chapmanii . (1987, pp. 15-18) R. J. Griesbach stated that rhodo flower colors are buffered, hence unaffected by changes in soil pH. (1987, pp. 20-21) David Williams, M.D., described container gardening with rhododendrons in Eugene. (1987, pp. 22-24) The Rhododendron Species Foundation announced a seed distribution program via the ARS seed exchange. (1987, p. 25)

The 1987 Annual Convention was held in Eugene, Ore., with tours to the Oregon Coast and nurseries of Willard Thompson, Greer Gardens, T.E. Bowhans, and the Halls, plus the gardens of the Gerdemanns, the Gosslers, the Hueys, the Williams, and the Wylies. The Hendricks Park rhododendron garden (1987, pp. 90-92) was also featured. Gordon Wylie described his own garden (1987, pp. 34-37).

Bill Tietjen's parting presidential address at Eugene praised the many people who help run the ARS, and singled out Jay Murray, Dick Brooks, Betty Spady, Adele Jones, George Ring, and our retiring long-time treasurer Ted Van Veen for special recognition. Harold Greer became our 14th ARS president at the close of the meeting.

Medals in 1987: the Bronze by Eureka to Frank W. Meyer; by Middle Atlantic to Peter Sheuchenko and George Harding; by Portland to Janet Lindgren; by Valley Forge to Frances H. Raughley, Jr.; by Victoria to Dr. Stuart Holland; by De Anza to Robert E. George; by Eugene to Emma Bowhan and Tom Bowhan and Gordon Wylie; by Noyo to John S. Druecker; by Siuslaw to Marion S. May and C. Vernon May. The Pioneer Award was given to Guy Nearing posthumously. Bronze by Massachusetts to Bruno Falanga and T. Richard Leonard; Portland to Joy Heaney and Linda Rumgay; Tualatin Valley to Robert Ross; Willamette to June Brennan; by Great Lakes to Alda and Howard Ruppender and Ernest Schmidt. The Silver Medal was given to Bruce Briggs in October.

Among our new members in 1987: Fred J. Wooten, Melanie Bussey, A. and K. Hussein, Wm. F. Stepka, C. and D. Westerhoff, Mr. and Mrs. John E. Poindexter, Elinor Norton, E. and S. Fabritius, David Royster, R. and M. and R. and G. Clark, Marylou Pullum, Dr. Daniel B. Veazey, James M.G. Main, R. and I. Hansen, Harold Sweetman, Wm. E. Conger, Jr., Bjorne Peterson, Evelyn Wylie, Wally Mezitt, D. and A. Wing, Dale W. Allcock, Ian J. Young, John Koury, W. and P. VanEyk, Joseph Donahoo, Peter Moulton, Leonard Gosselin, Walter A. McClatchy, Elizabeth Gable Kantruss, Michael Jordan, the Marquess of Landsdowne. W. and A. Howe, Hanns Meltzer, V. and I. Morrison, Jr., Jack Toovey, M. Nakamura.

Dallas Boge and Bob Ross reported their further explorations in R. macrophyllum country. (1987, pp. 62-65, 106) Felice Blake described companion plants for her Australian dwarf rhododendron garden (1987, pp. 66-69, 86) and her 10 best dwarfs (1987, pp. 159-160) Dr. Bill Lechter described the difficulties of rhododendron culture in Placerville, Calif. (1987, pp. 70-74)

John G. Lofthouse described his plant propagating case (1987, pp. 76-78). Laurence Moore reported high tolerance of rhododendrons and azaleas to pollution by ozone, sulfur and nitrogen dioxides, and acid rain. (1987, p. 79) The scent of lepidote leaves comes from essential oils contained in the scales which repel weevils, Robert P. Doss reported. (1987, pp. 80-84)

A. W. Smith explained "The Vineland Connection," describing the breeding program at the Ontario Horticultural Research Institute. (1987, pp. 87-88) Jean Minch praised the lifesaving value of fine misting from micro sprinklers on hot summer days (and for frost control). (1987, pp. 94-95) Fred Knapp summed up the best pruning tips for beginners. (1987, pp. 96-98)

Bill Steele described azaleas in the Philadelphia area, with six pages of lists, including 57 highly rated evergreen and 33 deciduous varieties. (1987, pp. 99-105) Jay Murray told how to register plant names: "If you name it, please, register it." (1987, pp. 107-110) Austin Kennell invited all to the 1988 convention at Williamsburg.

Death came in 1987 to: James F. Caperci and Paul E. Sleezer. Warren Berg explored Tibet for rhododendrons after two years of planning: "This trip topped them all" (1987, pp. 122-125) with a cover picture of R. augustinii by mountain rapids. Bob Carlson's verses spiced his article on northern grown azaleas. (1987, 126-129, 164-165) Polly Hill introduced three new yaks from Martha's Vineyard. (1987, pp. 130-131)

Authors MacKay and Kessell reported cut trusses did much better in tap water than in solutions of Dettol and Phostrogen. (1987, pp. 132-134) Weldon Delp gave his pruning tip to produce bushier plants: cut off any single new shoot 2 inches above its base. (1987, p. 137) The 7th annual Western Regional Conference was held at Ocean Shores, Wash., in early October.

Dr. J. Heursel discussed in depth the inheritance of flower colors in breeding evergreen azaleas. (1987, pp. 141-145) Dick Cavender made the challenge of growing vireyas look easy (1987, p. 146). Hilda Crouch praised R. tuba (1987, p. 147), and R. M. Withers completed John Womersley's notes on the non Malesian vireyas. (1987, pp. 148-153, 166)

Martha Prince's further travels took her to Brodick Castle Gardens and a personal tour with its head gardener for 30 years, John Basford. (1987, pp. 182-185) Bob Badger rated the fall and winter foliage of rhodies and azaleas. Tops were R. zaleucum , R. eximium (now R. falconeri ssp. eximium ), R. fulvum , R. rigidum , R. sulfureum , and 'Sir Charles Lemon'. (1987, pp. 186-189, 222-223)

August Kehr posed the question: "Do metal wires on plant labels cause dieback?" Speculations from 13 respondents ranged from physical, chemical, or thermal injury to dieback ( botryosphaeria ) following such a local trauma. Plastic covered wires were less likely to cause trouble and none at all with the Hall labels. He also reported 43 research grants totaling $55,000 were funded by the Research Foundation in the past eight years. (1987, pp. 209-212)

David Leach gave his research station and an endowment to Holden Arboretum. (1987, p. 197) Felice Blake told why growing the species in the Dandenongs was so easy. (1987, pp. 198-199,224-225) "Move It or Kill It" advises Rosalie Nachman about poorly performing plants.(1987, p.203) Clive Justice discussed landscapes with rhododendrons (1987, pp. 215-217, 226). He strongly advised that plantings be arranged by leaf shape and size, and listed five groupings.

R. L. Ticknor and J. E. Long report a little boron is necessary, but more than that could cause disaster. (1987, pp. 218-219) Geoffrey Wakefield proposed controlling root rot problems in Dixie by grafting rhododendrons on azalea understocks. (1987, pp. 220-221) President Harold Greer offered a challenge to members to help the ARS grow to 10,000 members by 1991. Our newest chapter, Maine, was welcomed, November 1987, Mark Stavish, president, and the Fraser Valley Chapter, Garth Widemire, president.