Rhododendron and
Azalea News

Ideas for Chapters

Volunteers...volunteers...from Home Depot

Wow!  Wow!  This is a beautiful story from the Portland Chapter!  Wait until you read and you will want to go out and do the same.

A year ago on Wednesday, September 7, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden (CSRG) received a real shot in the arm from a large crew of Home Depot employees engaged in one of their corporate service projects.

These people are truly volunteers...as they do these projects on their own time.  Outfitted with orange Home Depot shirts...and fortified by breakfast and lunch provided by the company...somewhere between 60 and 70 people came to help care for the Garden that day.

They were joined by a group of about 10 workers and horticulturists from Portland parks and recreation...as well as the regular CSRG volunteers.  The Home Depot folks cleared and hauled brush, pulled weeds, and spread large amounts of mulch.  They did a number of more difficult jobs, too...replaced some railroad ties and added asphalt to the path leading to the Jane Martin Garden, pressure-washed the low bridge, re-graveled a few areas, and repaired the edge of the duck-feeding area which was crumbling into the lake.  They did a great a job of removing intractable weeds from the hill on the far side of the Flower Garden.

Volunteers were from eight stores: Vancouver, E. Vancouver, Routdale, Jantzen Beach, Clackamas, North Beaverton, Tigard, and Mall 205.  They were a wonderful group...energetic and eager to work.  Please thank them if you chance to be shopping at one of these sites.

Home Depot also gave us a substantial gift credit card to be used to obtain tools and equipment for the project at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.

Seems to me...someone had a vision to ask for help...and volunteers came.  Everyone benefited.  Catch a vision!  Contact!  And, it shall be given you!  It may be that your chapter could benefit from such an experience, too.  My guess is, let's do it again.  And, it will be done!

A new name for the North Island newsletter

Hats are off to the North Island Chapter for giving their newsletter a new name: The Rhodoteller.  Very, very appropriate for all of the rhododendrons and azaleas they can grow in their area.  News editor, Noni Godfrey, should rightfully be proud as well as all of the others involved in the transformation.  It is always a delight to read their newsletter.

Some other chapters may wish to follow suite and give their newsletter a name rather than using the name of the chapter.  Think about it.

The word is: Nematode

Bruce Palmer writes in the Eureka Chapter's newsletter...

The word is nematode, which is from the Greek nematos, meaning thread.  The word came up because Paula Trinoskey of their chapter confessed that she and her husband, Vern, were attempting to control root weevils with nematodes.

Root or vine weevils are those insects that chew nice round holes in the edges of your rhododendron leaves so you cannot enter them in the show.  The phylum Nematoda is probably the largest in the animal kingdom.  It is estimated that there are more species of nematodes than any other animal and their collective weight may exceed the total weight of all other animals on earth.

Nematodes are the most primitive animals with a straight-through digestive system; more primitive animals must eat and get rid of waste through your mouths.  Most nematodes are really bad actors...causing in humans such things as Elephantiasis, roundworm infections in little kids, and hookworms.

In plants they cause serious galls on roots that can set plants back...and even kill them.  Their parasitic tendencies can be taken advantage of...though...and this is where Paula's use comes in.

You can buy the eggs, mix them in warm water, and apply.  The nematodes attack the weevil larvae and control their numbers.  Whether the method works well in cool climate is an open question.  If you want more information on this biological control method, a recent source is Kenneth Cox's 1998 book on Rhododendrons, a Care Manual.

An appeal for writers...Pulitzer Prize?

Al Campbell from the Cowichan Chapter wrote a classic appeal for members to write about happenings in their own backyard!  It has such an appeal that it is worth telling you, too!

Something I would like to see take place...all members submitting a short article to our newsletter.  Just a small piece telling others what it is about your garden that is special to you.  Describe your garden, how long you have been gardening in your present location...and what drew you to rhodos.

I do not expect...nor should anyone expect...this article to be a Pulitzer Prize writing.  If you talk about your garden...then it should only be a small step to write about it!  View it as akin to something we have all had to do since grad school: What I Did on My Summer Vacation...or...in this case...What I Enjoy About My Garden.

Thanks, Al, for reminding us of things we did years ago, and how it is applicable to today!  May presidents of chapters take the hint and encourage their members to write.  Their newsletters will become sources of communication between each other.  It is a grand idea.  Hope you will follow it.

A bargain table

Who doesn't like a bargain?  Whether we are buying a car, stove, airline ticket, summer cruise...whatever...we love a bargain.  Have you set up a bargain table at your meetings?

The Victoria Chapter has one at each of their meetings, featuring rhododendrons, azaleas, books, and what-have-you's for sale.  Some chapters have their own vests, jackets, and sweat-shirts and pants.  Great way to help acquire funds for your chapter.  Besides. it is a convenient way to clear your closet and make way for the new!

Have a "potting party"

It is "all hands on deck" for a potting party at the Portland's Chapter meeting once or twice a year.  All members get together to pot rhododendrons and azaleas for their annual flower show.  Sounds like a splendid idea...plus the fellowship that comes with lunch and goodies.  More chapters should try this wholesome adventure.

Invite your relatives, friends, neighbors.  All are welcome and who knows you might be able to add another member to your chapter!

Words of cheer for Thanksgiving

There are several things that have impressed this editor and affiliation with the American Rhododendron Society...the wonderful chapters, the fellowship at meetings, the willingness to share and share.  It truly is a wonderful society.

So this is a time to share one of the dearest holidays in American history...that of Thanksgiving.  This is a rendition of the Christmas story.  Think you will like this.  It came from a dear friend and want to share it with you.

'Twas the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't sleep
I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.
The leftovers beckoned...the dark meat and white
but I fought the temptation with all of my might.
Tossing and turning with anticipation
the thought of a snack became infatuation.

So, I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door,
and gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.
I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,
pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.
I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,
'Til all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.

I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky
with a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie.
But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees...
Happy eating to all...pass the cranberries, please!

May your stuffing be tasty,
May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes 'n gravy
have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
May your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner
stay off of your thighs!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

What Is the plural of rhododendron?

Here's a real lesson in the English language!  And, we all need to be on the learning curve.  It makes life exciting.  Steve Henning poses the question.  See if you agree with several who responded answers to the question.

There seem to be multiple plural forms of rhododendrons: rhododendron, rhododendrons, and rhododendra (seems to be a British form but probably the correct form) while the plural of azalea is always azaleas.

My impression is that rhododendron (or rhododendra) refers to members of genus Rhododendron and rhododendrons refers to rhododendron plants.

For example: rhododendron (or rhododendra) are Ericaceous and that includes azaleas. (or)  R. occidentale and R. viscosum are native American rhododendron (or rhodoendra) and re deciduous azaleas.

And there are pink rhododendrons growing next to the azaleas (or) 'America' and 'Nova Zembla' are popular East Coast rhododendrons.

I tend to think that rhododendron (or rhododendra) is the plural form for the members of the genus Rhododendron and hence a taxonomic term; and that rhododendrons are rhododendron plants and hence a horticultural term.

The distinction is not always followed in books. Can anyone elaborate?

rhododendron...a neuter noun

Susan Clark of the Massachusetts Chapter makes comment: 'rhododendron' is a second declension neuter noun in ancient Greek.

It is correct plural is 'rhododendra'.  But as with so many things, very few people use the correct form unless they are rather pedantic classicists.  I mean, how many people use the word 'agendum' as a singular and 'agenda' strictly as a plural?  And that's only Latin!

Azalea is not a Latin or Greek word, but was coined by Linneus as a Greek neologism from the Greek adjective meaning 'dry'.  Therefore its plural would be that of a first declension feminine adjective, 'azaleai'.  Don't see that often.

Much as I like correct spellings, I do not think we have much chance of persuading the world to use the classical plurals.  Expecting that the taxonomists and botanists will refer to 'rhododendra' is a bit more likely, but only a bit.  And I do not ever expect to see 'azaleai'.

how to hybridize with a neuter noun?

I have a question: Greek or otherwise, how can you hybridize with a neuter noun?  Maybe this is the reason so few of our crosses take.

Summary of ARS websites and thanks

A recent summary of the ARS websites was made for the Western Regional Conference at Harrison Hot Springs in September.  It is most interesting.

Websites are one of the most interesting things for members...and prospective members...to view.  And, wow, what a wealth of information is recorded in these 39 sites.  One site has dropped out, Piedmont, we are sorry for that.  May I say each of the 39 websites are beautiful...and ever so interesting.  Personally went through the entire list one morning and marveled at the creativity, the vision the webmaster has, the clever phrases to whet the viewer's appetite to join the ARS.  Here are a few things found:

• the Connecticut site has soft-playing classical music...a rest for the soul and beautiful photos of rhodos
• one tells the weather for the day...and the area
• several feature a plant of the month
• one features members at recent flower shows
• any number show beautiful photos
• New York has an eye-appealing box that says...come join us
• two or three had quizzes that you could take
• one, I thought was a little difficult to read, because it was complete with text...find that people like to read quickly...not text
• one had a counter to show how many people had touched base in the year
• one had a clever motto
• one superimposed pictures...making it an attraction
• many more comments could be made...think you should search and find yourself

All of the sites used color.  It was a thrilling experience to view them, one-by-one, and stored them in My Favorites!

R&A News editors and webmasters for your sites, you are doing a marvelous job...and know that all of it volunteer...and done for pure love.  You need a pat on the back for sharing your knowledge and love! Each of has a certain amount of satisfaction of a job well done!  Consider the time spent as an invaluable contribution to the wonderful world of rhododendron!

In wonderful gratitude, my thanks to each and every one!

Christmas is coming...and the goose is getting fat

Herb Spady of the Willamette Chapter has always been faithful with his chapter's web site and newsletters and preparing the members for forthcoming events.  In December 2004 he wanted others to be aware of what happens at this festive time of the year.

Here are some guidelines to enjoy the activities.

• Avoid carrot sticks.  Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit.  In fact...if you see carrots...leave immediately.  Go next door, where they are serving rum balls.

• If something comes with gravy...use it!  That's the whole point of gravy.  Gravy does not stand along.  Pour it on!  Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes.  Fill it with gravy!  Eat the volcano.  Repeat.

• As for mashed potatoes...always ask if they are made with skim milk or whole milk.  If it is skim...pass.  Why bother?  It is like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

• Do not have a snack before going to a party...in an effort to control your eating.  The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food...for free!  Lots of it.  Hello?

• Under no circumstances should you exercise between the Christmas season and New Year's.  You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do.  This is the time for long naps...which you will need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that glass of spirits.

• If you come across something really good at a buffet table...like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa...position yourself near them...and do not budge!  Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention.  They are like a beautiful pair of shoes...if you leave them behind, you are never going to see them again.

• Same for pies.  Apple.  Pumpkin.  Mincemeat.  Have a slice of each.  Or, if you do not like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin.  Always have three!  When else do you get to have more than one dessert?  Labor Day?

• One final tip: If you do not feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table...you have not been paying attention.

• Life should NOT be journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body...but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other...body thoroughly used up...totally worn out and screaming: "WOO, HOO, what a ride!"

Thinking about others

In reviewing the wonderful chapter newsletters from a year ago, found a most interesting request of the North Island chapter members to think about others during the holiday season.  Bless their hearts, they set up a table in their meeting room where members can bring canned and packaged items to give to a soup pantry or local food bank.  Others are hurting...and we can help in a simple can or two from our pantry shelves.  It doesn't take much when the plan of addition is used!

Thanks to the North Island Chapter for your vision.  Would it not be a good project for each of the ARS chapters to do in the forthcoming holiday season?

We are so blessed.  Let us think about others and share.

Youth...youth...youth

Oh, my, the beauty of pictures in a newsletter!  Aren't they wonderful!  They can tell a story in itself.  Let me explain...

The Willamette Chapter's newsletter features their new librarian...a young lady, Shelby Lundin!  Shelby wants to expand the chapter's library and make sure books are available to anyone, encouraging them to read, and preparing brief reviews of new additions.

First of all, it is wonderful that chapters have libraries...and then to have youth man them!  What more could we possibly ask for.  It really is encouraging to see young people joining the various chapters.  Those of us who have walked along the road of life for a 'few' years are always encouraged to see young people join, too.

Have you encouraged young people to become a member when you are viewing a garden, a nursery, your friends?  This editor loves to do it when visiting the Botanic Garden, nurseries...anywhere!  You know...the youth really are listening!  Let's do more inviting.  It may mean more youth in our groups!

Thanks, Herb, for using nice photos in your Willamette web site and newsletters! Terrific!

Are you a dreamer?  Good for you!

In the dark of the moon,
We have our dreams
to light the path.

Remember that
the beauty
of any dream
is in never
letting it go.

-- Sarina