JARS v62n2 - From the Executive Directord

From the Executive Director
Laura Grant
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The spring has arrived in the northern hemisphere, and as many nurseries get filled with wonderful plants there will be a lot of colorful azaleas and rhododendrons among them. Most will be grown and sold in containers. Be sure the staff of these nurseries are well informed about the cultural requirements and proper planting of these wonderful shrubs.

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, so long as they are properly sited and planted. Please contact our office early for your supply this spring.

Vireyas are temperate rhododendrons that can be grown year-round in a cool greenhouse in cold climates. Parts of California, Florida, Hawaii, New Zealand and other temperate regions of the world can enjoy them outdoors. They are very colorful, most are fragrant, and they come in variety of sizes. The "Guide to Planting and Care of Vireyas" has been printed and distributed through a generous donation by Fred and Ann Whitney.

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.

Your local nursery can help in bringing new members to your chapter as well. One such nursery that took the lead is Rhodo Land of Niagara on the Lake. Jack and Jackie Looye, the owners of Rhodo Land, are donating a rhododendron plant to all new 2008 ARS members of their local chapter. This kind of partnership is for the mutual benefit and deserves a mention.