JARS v64n3 - From the Executive Director

From the Executive Director
Laura Grant
Toronto, Ontario
Canada

In the month of May a couple of rhododendron events took place on either side of the Atlantic Ocean. The first was our annual Convention on Long Island, NY. The Board meeting marked a changing of the guard for a couple of our District Directors. Mary Parker stepped into the shoes of Director for District 1. We also welcomed Shirley Rock as a new Director of District 2 and Carol Torset as Alternate.

The membership incentive program sponsored by the Briggs Nursery, last year, will end in September. The Board wanted to give the opportunity to Chapters to attract new members during the spring shows and plant sales.

The Convention lectures and garden tours were outstanding. One of the highlights was a lavish luncheon, with selection of local wines, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Howard Phipps on the terrace of their magnificent estate for all attendees.

Our post Convention took place across the Atlantic in Bremen, Germany. The ARS members were invited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the German Rhododendron Society. The rhododendron enthusiasts from 16 countries were received everywhere with pomp and ceremonies. The celebration included speakers from Canada, United States, Germany, England, Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand. There was also a Gala reception at the City Hall; dinners in notable historic dining establishments; tours of well known large producers of rhododendrons; visits to some famous gardens; a visit to the Westerstede Rhododendron Festival, held once every four years; and finally a boat tour of the second largest cargo port in Europe, Hamburg.

Membership in the ARS offers such a wonderful opportunity to meet friends who love plants from all over the world. Why not give a gift membership to a friend gardener?