JARS v61n2 - From the Executive Director

From the Executive Director
Laura Grant
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The year 2007 marks the 50th anniversary of two of American Rhododendron Society chapters. On March 13, 1957, the Southeastern Chapter of ARS was formed with its first president, J.R. Brooks. In the same year, November 11th, the Greater Philadelphia Chapter was organized by Mrs. W. A. Kelius as president. On behalf of the ARS Board I would like to extend to these two chapters sincere congratulations.

Looking back to 1957, the American Rhododendron Society included seven chapters, and the annual membership subscription was only five dollars. We have certainly come a long way since and it is our goal to maintain the vibrancy of our great Society.

People who love gardening are a generally friendly, generous bunch. Why not give a gift membership in the American Rhododendron Society to all your gardening friends and your local libraries. At this time of the year, all new members will receive an 18-month membership for the price of one year. This is a very attractive offer in promoting our Society during the upcoming flower shows and plant sales as well.

Our educational brochure "Rhododendrons & Azaleas, A Guide To Planting & Care" should be distributed to all local nurseries that sell rhododendrons and azaleas. We are all responsible for public education on properly planting and caring of these newly purchased plants. As we all know, the rhododendrons and azaleas are long-lived and low maintenance plants with year-round interest, as long as they are properly sited and planted. Please contact our office early for your supply this spring.