Rhododendron and
Azalea News

Colleen Forster
Fraser South Chapter

As a gesture of the Fraser South Chapter's gratitude for the numerous contributions made by Colleen Forster to the activities of our chapter, we are honored to bestow on her our highest award.  She has shared her passion and enthusiasm on a regular monthly basis, both at chapter meetings and in The Yak.  Many of her articles have been published in the ARS Journal and read around the world.  She has generously donated numerous plants to the chapter, and is a significant contributor to plant sales.

We are pleased to recognize her valued contribution by the award of this Bronze Metal.  Presentation made in January 2005.

Sue Klapwijk,
Fraser South Chapter

Sue Klapwijk has been a most generous and outstanding contributor to the Fraser South Chapter in many different ways.  She has been an active member of the executive committee for many years.  She has served as secretary and as the ways and means chairperson, responsible for coordinating many of the social activities, including the annual picnic and our Christmas gala.

She has contributed numerous plants to the chapter and has willingly shared her knowledge and expertise.  Her efforts have been accomplished in a quiet and thoughtful manner...and in an efficient and cooperative spirit.

The chapter is pleased to recognize her vigorous energy by the highest award that our chapter is able to bestow...the ARS Bronze Medal.

Norma Senn,
Fraser South Chapter

She is a most valued esteemed member of the Fraser South Chapter.  It is a privilege to award Norma the Bronze Medal.  Presentation made in January 2005.

Joan E. Knight,
Connecticut Chapter

The Rhododendron Society of Connecticut is proud to bestow its highest honor, the Bronze Medal, to Joan Elizabeth Knight in recognition of her efforts in furthering the objectives of the chapter and the Society, and for her willingness to participate and ably assist in all chapter activities.

Soon after joining the chapter in January 1993, Joan was elected secretary and has continued to serve in that position with skill and dedication.  She has been a contributing member of the executive committee for six years, also serving as secretary of that body.  As official record-keeper for the chapter truss shows, she has introduced many newcomers, and long-term members as well, to the many benefits derived from participation.  At chapter meetings and other activities, Joan is the first to welcome new members and guests, and follow up with mailings of her first-class newsletter.

Thanks, Joan.  You are a real asset to this organization.  Presentation made on April 23, 2004.

Franklin B. Pelurie,
Middle Atlantic Chapter

The Middle Atlantic Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents to Franklin B. Pelurie this Bronze Medal in recognition of his many contributions to our chapter over many years.  He was chapter president from May 2001 to May 2003, and is now Alternate District 9 Director.

Franklin has planned meetings in Blacksburg and Roanoke, Virginia, and Bluefield, Elkins, and Lewisburg, West Virginia.  He has raised many seedlings and cutting for the MAC (Middle Atlantic Chapter) Plants for Members programs, for the Seedling Sales, and for district and regional ARS meetings.  He is the web master for the MAC Plant website, and is primarily responsible for getting the site online.

Franklin has donated a collection of Glenn Dale Azaleas for the Glenn Dale project to the James Madison University Arboretum.  He has contributed to West Virginia Master Gardeners programs, as well.

For this, we present this Bronze Medal, our chapter's highest honor.  Presentation made on October 16, 2004.

Bruce Palmer,
Eureka Chapter

Jerry Reynolds, president, made the presentation to Bruce Palmer on behalf of the Eureka Chapter on December 9, 2004.

It has been ten years since you joined the Eureka Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society...a busy ten years for both you and the chapter.

You have served us as a member of the board for most of that time, holding office as vice president or secretary or as a committee chair.  You have been a dependable and dedicated volunteer for every project the chapter has undertaken in the past decade: the annual Truss Shows and Plant Sale, the display gardens for the KEET-TV landscape show and the Humboldt County Fair, potting parties and ARS work parties.  Your energy and dedication has been an inspiration for the entire chapter.

For your dedicated and tireless work on behalf of the chapter, the Eureka Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is proud to present you with this Bronze Medal.

Nelda Palmer,
Eureka Chapter

Nelda Palmer, in the ten years since you joined the Eureka Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, you have given tirelessly of your time and talent to bring the world of rhododendrons to others.

During your two terms as president, you led the chapter to develop a display at the Humboldt County Fair.  You continue to lead the chapter's effort to clean up and maintain the public rhododendron garden at Eureka's Sequoia Park.  You have worked every year to make the annual Truss Show and Plant Sale a success, serving in a variety of positions, including show chair for the past two years.  You have worked on virtually every project the chapter has undertaken during the past ten years, and have been a regular volunteer for the many work parties for the American Rhododendron Society.

For your dedicated and tireless work on behalf of the chapter, the Eureka Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is proud to present the Bronze Medal to Nelda Palmer.

Presentation made by Jerry Reynolds, president, Eureka Chapter, December 9, 2004.

Jerry Reynolds, president, made the Bronze medal award presentation to Tim Walsh on behalf of the Eureka Chapter on December 9th, 2004.  It reads...

Since you joined the Eureka Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, Tim, you have been active in virtually everything we have done.  You were a leader for two successful Western Regional Conferences and...a dedicated and tireless worker in preparing gardens for KEET-TV landscape shows and the Humboldt County Fair.  Your work on the annual Truss Show and Plant Sale helped make that event a success year...after...year.

Tim, you've shared your travels with us through several programs, been our auctioneer, and served as vice president and president.  You've kept trace of our bank accounts as treasurer and continue to serve the American Rhododendron Society as its treasurer.

For your efforts over a decade and a half, on our behalf, the Eureka chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is proud to award the Bronze Medal to Tim Walsh.

Joe Ronsley,
Vancouver Chapter

Joe Ronsley has been a member of the Vancouver Rhododendron Society since 1978.  He is a tireless worker on behalf of the chapter and the ARS.  He has served the Society as president, past president, and nomination chair.  In addition, Joe has been the program chair for eight years and has regularly brought distinguished guest speakers to the Vancouver Rhododendron Society from around the world.  Joe and his charming wife, Joanne, travel the globe, never missing the opportunity to renew acquaintances or make new contacts, and always with an eye to finding international-caliber guest speakers.

His many activities illustrate the enthusiasm he has shown for the genus Rhododendron. In recognition of his many contributions to the well-being of the Society, the awarding of the Bronze Medal, the highest award an American Rhododendron Society chapter can bestow, is a small token of the Vancouver Rhododendron Society's appreciation, and is richly deserved.

Diane Thompson
Seattle Chapter

The Seattle Rhododendron Society recognizes the outstanding service that you, Diane Thompson, have given us.  As president, chairing meetings of the board with a cheerful obligation.  In addition to the usual work of that office, you have spent many, many hours guiding the separation process giving independence to the Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens.

Your attention to detail is remarkable.  You were active in promoting the annual rhododendron shows and all social activities.  We thank you for opening your garden to us for summer picnics.  Your sincere, smiling welcome to new members established warm and friendly feelings among all of us.  Your enthusiasm has been contagious.

The Seattle Rhododendron Society takes extreme pleasure in awarding you its Bronze Medal, its highest honor.

L. Clarence Towe,
Azalea Chapter

With pride and honor, the Azalea Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents its highest award, the Bronze Medal, to Dr. L. Clarence Towe in recognition for years of outstanding effort on the part of the chapter and the Society.

Clarence has explored the southeastern part of this country in search of native rhododendrons in their native habitat.  As one renowned horticulture educator has said, he "blazes the roads and trails seldom traveled."  This work has resulted in the testing and selection of numerous outstanding cultivars for introduction to the commercial trade, including several beautiful forms of species of native azaleas.  His fieldwork has resulted in better information on the location range of different species of native azaleas.  This work includes the study of other native plants and their adaptability for landscape purposes.

He has documented this work in nine articles that have appeared in the ARS Journal and the book, American Azaleas.  In particular, his book provides "a thorough education on the classification, propagation, care and feeding of these delightful plants."  His latest article, "New Azalea Cultivars," appeared in the Fall 2004 ARS Journal.

Clarence has presented various programs at chapter meetings, donated plants for meeting attendees, served as judge at spring flower shows, and served as keynote speaker at the 2002 annual convention.  His literary effort brings honor to our chapter and enhances the work of his predecessor, former chapter member, Fred Galle, author of Azaleas.

Certificates and Awards of Appreciation and Merit

George Keen McLellan,
Middle Atlantic Chapter

The Middle Atlantic Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents to George Keen McLellan this Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his continuing leadership in the MAC species Study Group and, in particular, for his planning and organization on its many tours persistently seeking out and photographing in their native habitats all of our eastern native azalea species, major hybrid swarms, and outstanding specimens.  In addition, George and his cohorts have made many follow-up trips to collect seed and to further document locations of select plants and areas.

These trips have necessitated much time in planning, organizing, and driving great distances up and down the East Coast from the Atlantic coastline to the Allegheny, Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, and other locations in the Southeastern U.S. where native azaleas grow in the wild.  We look forward to further adventures, reports, and photographs from George and other involved members.  Presentation made October 16, 2004

John Buschmann,
Middle Atlantic Chapter

The Middle Atlantic Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents to John B. Buschmann this Award of Merit.

John has been an active member for many years, serving on the board of directors for most of those years, always willing to use his wisdom, experience, talents, abilities, and resources for the benefit of our chapter.  He was willing to use his truck to pick up and deliver member-donated plants from across the state to the MAC planting at Louis Ginter Botanical Garden.

When we started to initiate interest in Rhododendron species, he broke the ice with a humorous narration of an ARS slide show on species.  He initiated mini-meetings with how-to-demonstrations at his garden.  He often made both practical and humorous comments and impromptu speeches at meetings, always making constructive points.  He has been generous in hosting hospitality suites at meetings, and in many other ways.  His continuing warm fellowship will always be appreciated.

We, therefore, present John Buschmann with this commemorative cup, the ARS Award of Merit, for his long-standing contributions to the chapter's growth and operations.  Presentation made on October 16, 2004.

Karen Linton,
Fraser South Chapter

The Fraser South Chapter of the ARS is proud to recognize the efforts and energy of Karen Linton for the numerous tasks which she undertakes....quietly and very efficiently for the Chapter.  We are pleased to award her the Ella J. Crabb Memorial Award 2004. Presentation made in January 2005.

Brenda Macdonald,
Fraser South Chapter

Dixie Mueller,
Fraser South Chapter

The Fraser South Chapter is pleased to award Dixie Mueller the Gerry C. Emerson Memorial Award 2004 for her excellent work as chairperson of the Welcoming Committee, and in recognition of the importance that the chapter has for the work of this committee.

Deaths

Charles Amos,
Eugene Chapter

The death of Charles Amos, a long-time member of the Eugene Chapter, occurred at his home November 26 after a short illness.  Amos and his wife, Ruth, who survives him, operated an azalea nursery...which he loved to point out as extremely appropriate for Azalea, Oregon.  He was 81 at the time of his death.

Amos, a native of Scotland who never lost a gentle burr in his speech, retired to very rural Oregon following a management career with Bell Telephone.  Two Christmases ago, Charles and Ruth charmed the society's holiday party with a piano and voice program reflecting his native origin...Scotland.  Charles also enjoyed telling stories of his unsophisticated neighbors on Starveout Creek Road.  His friendship and warm personality will be greatly missed by his friends in many countries.

Winnifred Cranstoun,
Princeton Chapter

Longtime Princeton Chapter member, Winnifred Cranstoun, age 97, died on November 24, 2004.  She was born in Dundee, New York, and lived most of her life in Lawrenceville, N.J.  She received her B.A. from Syracuse University, and worked at General Motors in Ewing during World War II, at which time she was sent to engineering school to continue her education.  She retired after 38 years as a draftsman with RCA of Princeton.

Winnifred's son, Don, has also been a longtime chapter member.  His mother was very proud when he named one of his rhododendron hybrids for her.  A donation in Winnifred's memory has been made to the ARS Endowment Fund on behalf of the chapter.

- Submitted by Maria Sijnibaldi

Doris Jewett,
Portland Chapter

On November 17, 2004, the Portland Chapter lost a long-time member and dear friend, Doris Jewett.  Doris and her late husband, Stan Jewett, owned and operated the Dosky Dell Nursery in the West Linn area.  They were collectors of rhododendrons and native flora.

Doris enjoyed travel, gardens, and music.  For many years, she and Stan opened their garden and their beautiful home to the Portland Chapter for meetings and tours.  They had a superb collection and display of native plants from around the Northwest.  She served on the chapter's board of directors, and contributed her skills at fund raising for the benefit of the Crystal Springs Garden.  She was also active in the Native Plant Society and the Hardy Plant Society.  She contributed many fine plants to auctions at the monthly ARS chapter meetings, as well as, for the special events at the Berry Botanical Garden and the Audubon Society.

Doris was one to those wonderful chapter members who could make things happen.  When plants were needed for special project at Crystal Springs, Doris had a way of bringing together people and their plants.  She was an extremely gracious person who knew how to involve members in a special way.  She had a wide range of interests, including playing the French horn in the Portland Opera and, in recent years, made extensive trips abroad to Japan, the Czech Republic, and to France.  She was highly respected in her chosen profession of 45 years as a psycho-therapist in the Portland area.

Those of us who had the extreme honor of knowing her will truly miss her...and the entire Portland Chapter will continue to benefit from her many years of contributions and generosity.

- Mike Stewart, ARS President

John G. (Jack) Lofthouse,
Vancouver Chapter

Jack Lofthouse was a Vancouver resident and a long-time breeder, seller, and enthusiast for rhododendrons...developing such well-known hybrids as 'Butter Brickle', 'Pink Petticoats', and 'A Thousand Butterflies', died January 3, 2005.

During the height of the Great Depression, Jack joined his brother, Norman, in establishing Lofthouse Brothers, a successful radio and appliance store, which would become a neighborhood landmark for over forty years.  Retiring in 1975, Jack turned his sights to gardening.  Though he had initially loathed gardening in his first years of owning his own home, he soon realized he had inherited his father's green thumb.  He started out dabbling in African violets, fuchsias, and begonias...but Jack soon recognized rhodos were his true passion.  Through his constant reading, membership in the Vancouver Rhododendron Society, his commitment and experimentation, Jack became a world-renowned rhododendron hybridizer.  His exquisite hybrids, 'Petticoats', 'A Thousand Butterflies', and 'Lofthouse's Legacy', to name only a few, won him many prizes and accolades.  Today, his plants grace many gardens throughout the world and may be seen at the University of British Columbia's Botanical Garden and Burnaby's Centennial Garden.

Jack lived a wonderful life with Edie, his best friend and love of sixty-two years, and his beloved "Pookie" cats.  Even in retirement, he was never bored.  He read, gardened, spent hours on his computer, played golf with Harvey, and traveled with his dearest friends, Val and Norbert Wuensche, Andy and Lu Seraphim, and June and Jim Sinclair.  A pragmatic deist, Jack did not want a funeral or flowers.  He was never afraid of death and often remarked what a wonderful life he'd enjoyed.  He spoke at the chapter's meetings any number of times.  His endeavors on behalf of the rhododendron community will be sorely missed.

Alec McCarter,
Victoria Chapter

A learned, gentle friend and pioneer of the Victoria Rhododendron Society has passed from the scene, with the death of Alec McCarter.  Dr. John Alexander McCarter, known to all as Alec, was born January 25th, 1918, in the Yukon, and died February 14th, 2005, in Victoria.  During his distinguished career as a biochemist, he taught at three universities across Canada, and was awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977.  Alec's gardening talent was highlighted in his writing, he edited the VRS newsletter for many years, and with characteristic erudition and elegant style, his articles have continued there and in the Finnerty Gardens letter, to the present day.

Typical of his vision, was an article written several years ago of his early life, remembering the marvelous sight of fireweed setting alight on the mountainsides of the Yukon, reminiscent of Rank Kingdon Ward's exultation at seeing rhododendrons emblazoning the hillsides on one of his expeditions to Southeast Asia.  This article will reappear in a book, scheduled for publication to mark the upcoming celebration of the VRS's 25 years, and to be dedicated to Alec's memory.

Alec McCarter: writer, painter, fisherman, bird enthusiast, family man...and true friend to many.

Gertrude Myers,
Cowichan Valley Chapter

Gertrude Myers, a lady of merit, passed away December 4, 2004.  Gertie, as she was called by her friends, loved the outdoors and, consequently, learned a great deal about plants, native and introduced.  She was always willing to lead others into an understanding of the wonders of plants and how to treat them, to bring others, young and old, into the orbit of those whose lives revolve around plants...rhododendrons included.

When receiving a life membership in the Cowichan Valley Chapter, she said she accepted the honor as much for her late husband, Cedric, as for herself.  Their gardening was a joint venture and they accomplished a great deal.  Few of their efforts were more rewarding to them to other than their pivotal role in the establishment and maintenance of the wild flower conservancy at Honeymoon Bay.  Their gardening ambitions drove their living arrangements.  Their first gardens were made on floats next to their own flower-bedecked float-house.  They then graduated to a company house on a small lot ashore which became inadequate for gardening and obliged them to consider their final residence on property beside Sutton Creek at Honeymoon Bay where they developed a fine ornamental garden noted particularly for its azalea collection.

Rhododendron culture took a major step forward on the West Coast in the early 1950s, after the disruption of World War II.  Gertie and Cedric began collecting and propagating the newly-available species and hybrids, landscaping the property so as to grow and present the plants to their best advantage. Cedric took particular pride in the azaleas he bred.  Both being self-taught growers...as there was very little information on growing rhodos at that time...they welcomed every opportunity to exchange ideas and techniques with other rhodophiles.  They were both unstintingly generous in sharing their knowledge of plants and plant material.

Gardens...public and private...benefited. Rhododendrons from their garden were donated to the Finnerty Gardens at the University of Victoria.  The historic former Buchanan Simpson Garden belonging to the University of Victoria at Marble Bay on Cowichan Lake also has Myers rhodos, including a rare double form of the native R. macrophyllum which they removed from the path of road builders while traveling along the Hood Canal in Washington State.  They were fond of plants of all kinds...native and exotic...from bulbs to specimen trees, growing as many as they could...and grew them superlatively.

After her husband's death, Gertie continued their work for such groups as the Kaatza Station Museum & Archives, helping with displays and fundraising.  She was active in naturalist groups and garden clubs.  Since 1989 she had lived in downtown Duncan. Cedric traveled to Nepal in January 1979 and India in retirement.  Both Gertrude and Cedric traveled to New Zealand in 1981.  New Zealand was Gertie's favorite place in the world...I treasure photos taken of them over-looking Lake Wakatipu, South Wales.  Cedric returned from the shadow (10,000 ft. elevation) of Mount Everest with some rhododendron seed which he germinated and nurtured for nine years until his death.  After 17 years, one of his seedlings had become a tree of 10 or 12 ft. in height and it flowered for the first time in the woodland garden of a friend here in Cowichan Valley.

Gertie was rapturous.

- Submitted by Leslie Drew

Ken Sasson,
Whidbey Island Chapter

It was sad to learn of the death of Ken Sasson, on December 16th.  The South Whidbey Record wrote this:

An avid sailor, he loved being able to see his sailboat from the deck of his house.  He built a small Toro for his granddaughter and in 2003 founded the South Whidbey Yacht Club.  After serving as commodore for a year, he turned the tiller over in December and became past commodore.  He was also a member of the Raritan, N.J. Yacht Club.

As a member of the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, he enjoyed being on the stage crew.  He was a Friend of Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens and a member of the Whidbey Rhododendron Society.

We send our deepest sympathy and love to Pat and the family.  Ken was always at Pat's side to assist in her activities with the Whidbey Chapter's needs.

Lorraine Lapsley, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, died January 27, 2005, after a long struggle with emphysema.

Events

2005 ARS Annual Conference
Victoria, BC, Canada
April 27-May 1.

Do attend the 25th anniversary of the Victoria Chapter coming up soon.  Register now!

Norma Buckley of the Vancouver Chapter reports the conference will be held in the renown Empress Hotel.  Several nearby hotels have offered special rates.  And here are other planned activities:

• Social event in the Royal B.C. Museum

• Iona Campanola, B.C.'s Lt. Governor, gives a tour of Government House and garden

• Tours of famous The Butchart Garden made from a quarry, the Shephards’ Garden, Victoria Butterfly Gardens, visits to other public gardens...and private gardens, sea- side walks, and accessibility to all of beautiful Vancouver Island, etc.

• Speakers from Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Sikkim, and Scotland

• A host of other wonderful activities.

For more detailed information visit the conference web site.

Visit Milner Gardens, too.

Suggest a trip to Milner Gardens, too.  Go to the Garden Section of this issue of R&A News for a description.  You won't to miss a visit to this beautiful garden while you are attending the Annual ARS Conference.

2005 Azalea Society Annual Convention, May 19-22, Holland, Michigan

John Migas, Midwest Chapter president and president of the Azalea Society gives a most glaring invitation to all to come and enjoy gardens on the shores of Lake Michigan!

The theme is Azaleas in the Landscape.  Tours are schedule for:  7 private gardens, 3 nurseries/private gardens, and public gardens located in the Holland/Saugatuck/Douglas area.  Most of the gardens are at least 20 years old with one over 60 years.  IF a mature garden is what you are after...don't miss this Convention.

These are some of the things rhodo lovers can relate to:  tours, especially one to Windmill Island, Vedheer Tulip Farm for inspection of 15 acres of gorgeous tulips, manicured gardens such as you have ever seen.  It's the time of the famous tulip festival in Holland, Michigan.  Will be a reminder of the wonders of wonders of the tulip festival, Keukenhof Gardens, The Netherlands.  The town folk in Holland actually wash the village streets as the Dutch do.  Once you have seen it, you'll always remember.

2005 New Zealand Rhododendron Conference, October 25 -28, Palmerston North

This conference is called New Zealand's "Heritage Experience."  Come and enjoy three days of garden visits, workshops, and social activities.

You will visit NZRA garden at Kimbolton to see the large, historic collection of hybrids and new development, including trial beds.  Other Manawatu highlights will include: Ruapuna Park Garden and Museum, Cross Hills garden and nursery, and the garden of two species collectors/hybridists.  The Dannevirke region will include: gardens with unique design features, and splendid collections of bulbs, perennials, and clematis.

Do make plans for the trip...the editor has had the marvelous experience of viewing some of these places...almost like the Garden of Eden.

2005 Australian Rhododendron Conference,
November 4-6,
Adelaide, South Australia

There's a lot of planning going on between the Australian and New Zealand Rhododendron Societies to accommodate visitors from outside of their areas.   Many attendees come from America, England, Scotland, and around the world.  Peter Wiadrowski, Australian Rhododendron Society, writes that they have made adjustments so both conferences could be "taken in" on the one trip.

Thanks, Peter, we're going to do our best to influence our ARS friends to attend.  We know for a fact the rhodos lovers on the other side of the world are...in one simple word...fantastic!

Value life...it is priceless!

Life is a coin...
You can spend it any way you wish...
But...
You can only spend it once.