Portland Chapter ARS – General Information

Presentation by Norma Senn of the Victoria Rhododendron Society
Norma treated us to a trip into many beautiful Pacific northwest gardens, emphasizing a style of gardening that creates a fusion with nature.

Presentation by Kathy Van Veen of Van Veen Nursery
Kathy demonstrated the art of making good rhododendron cuttings, after which the chapter held its annual cutting exchange.

Presentation by Bill Zanze of Portland Parks and Recreation
Bill told us about Washington Park's newest addition, the "Cloud Forest", a rhododendron species garden that was laboriously constructed from the park's long neglected northeast corner.

Presentation by Peter Kendall of the Portland Chapter
Peter took us on an exceptional visual tour of the Elk Rock and Jane Kerr Platt gardens. The program was enhanced by Peter's thorough knowledge of the Kerr legacy and the associated history of these fine gardens.

Presentation by OSU Associate Professor Robin Rosetta
Robin taught us about the lace bug, a pest that has recently invaded more than a few rhododendron gardens in the Portland area. Her extensive pest management experience uniquely qualified Robin to teach us how to combat and control lace bugs, using either organic or chemical methods.

Presentation by Diana Reeck of Collector's Nursery
Diana introduced us to some very unusual rhododendron companions, including shade plant varieties that we rarely find at other nursery. Those in search of less than ordinary ground cover plants were rewarded at her plant sale.

We had the great privilege of hosting Steve Hootman, executive director of the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden and one of the world's foremost species rhododendron experts. He led us through his recent expedition to southwest China, providing a great taste of the region's culture along with excellent photos of many unusual, and some new, species he found there.