JARS v64n2 - From the President

From the President
Ted Stecki
Vorhees, New Jersey

The winter has not been treating most of us gardeners favorably. From the west coast to the east coast, many of us have had cold temperatures, floods, ice, heavy rains and snow. As a result many of our rhododendrons and azaleas have been damaged, with broken branches, leaf damage and likely other damage that won't show up until spring arrives with warming temperatures. Although the winter has been rough on our gardens, there have been some things to take our minds off of the weather such as flower shows, upcoming chapter plant sales, seed exchanges, ARS and chapter meetings and chapter banquets. One of the flower shows that I am involved with is the Philadelphia Flower Show, which has been sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in Philadelphia for over 180 years. The show starts my blood racing, as I see new plants of all types. The Greater Philadelphia Chapter has had an exhibit in the show since the 1960s, featuring various varieties of rhododendrons, azaleas and companion plants. Over 250,000 people visit the show and many stop by the rhody exhibit and discuss problems they have growing these plants. The biggest problem most gardeners seem to have is "deer eating and destroying many, if not all, the plants in their garden."

A big question that many gardeners have is asking what varieties of rhododendron will grow best in their garden. The layperson in many cases doesn't fully understand "hardiness rating" or where to purchase quality plants. They will select a plant for color and price at a "box store," and in many cases the plant will subsequently die because it's not hardy to the area or planted incorrectly, leaving the person who bought the plant thinking that rhododendron's are an "annual" plant. Many chapters have plant sales and advertise them. Chapter members provide regional information on what varieties grow well, hardiness, and cultivation techniques to help a gardener. This in many cases leads to a new member joining the chapter. In conclusion, get over the winter depression, support chapter plant sales and buy new plants for those that were damaged beyond repair. You can always find room for another plant or two. Gardening is fun and relaxing! To all, have a happy spring.