The Nanaimo Rhododendron Society’s season is about to enter full bloom.
The society, a social club for rhododendron enthusiasts, aims to introduce people to the flower through meetings, shows and garden tours. Chris Southwick, society director and past-president, said the club meets from September until June with a general meeting once a month. Topics range from how to grow rhododendrons, companion plants to bonsai plants or whatever is of interest to members.
“We have a plant sale every year, which is usually the week before Mother’s Day, so the one that’s coming up is May 7 between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and it’s at the Centennial Building at Beban Park and then we also have this year a rhododendron tour, so many of the club members have their gardens on the tour and that’s on Mother’s Day weekend, May 13-14,” said Southwick.
The rhododendron has different species, with over 14,000 hybrids. Most of what is found at garden centres are hybrids, according to Southwick.
“These plants are found all over the place,” Southwick said. “The only continents that don’t have rhododendrons is South America and Africa … many of the species that you see these days, and the hybrids originated in the Himalayas.”
The society is an affiliate of the American Rhododendron Society and Nanaimo’s is one of five clubs on Vancouver Island – Victoria, Duncan, Parksville-Qualicum and North Island, said Southwick.
The American society has membership, not only in the U.S., but across the globe, said Southwick.
Tickets for the garden tour cost $15 and are available at Buckerfields in south Nanaimo, Green Thumb, Little Tree Garden Centre and The Bridal Shop. There are 13 gardens from Nanoose to south Nanaimo.
The club is open to anyone. For more, please visit www.nanaimorhodos.ca.
reporter@nanaimobulletin.com