Partake of our Hospitality At the Eastern Regional Conference
George Keen McLellan
Gloucester, Virginia

Rhododendron devotees should plan to attend a unique Eastern Regional Conference on November 5 though 7, 1999, hosted by the Middle Atlantic Chapter ARS in Williamsburg, Va. An entertaining and enlightening agenda has been arranged to please both the old pro and the novice, an agenda that will encompass our many unique growing conditions and the wonderful diversity of the genus Rhododendron . On Friday, Hank Schannen, chair of the ARS Research Foundation, will give the opening talk on the "Future of Rhododendrons." The Saturday program includes George Ring of Potomac Valley, who recently moved his rhododendron collection to a mountain top in Virginia, speaking on cold hardiness; George McLellan, of the Middle Atlantic Chapter's Species Study Group, speaking about native azalea hybrid swarms; artist and photography teacher David Sauer talking about the new Kurumes; Dr. John Thornton, hybridizer and nursery owner from Franklinton, La., speaking on heat tolerant rhododendrons; Paul James, grower of the largest collection of Delp hybrids, speaking about the Delp and Haag Rhododendrons; Sonja Nelson, author and ARS Journal editor, speaking on "Landscaping with Rhododendrons"; and Don Hyatt, award winning computer teacher, speaking on computers and the garden. The banquet speaker is Tony Avent of Plant Delights Nursery, who will present a humorous and informative program about "Plants on the Cutting Edge" showing use of new and unusual companion plants. Sunday morning will feature a program on the Eastern native azaleas by the MAC Species Study Group and the Hybridizers Roundtable with azalea and rhododendron hybridizer Dr. Sandra McDonald moderating a panel of experts.

There will be many other tempting attractions, including tours, a wonderful plant sale, book sale, foliage show, photo contest and, of course, the best of all, the prospect of seeing old friends and making new friends. Enjoy a shot of Southern hospitality by joining us for a marvelous weekend in Williamsburg.