American Rhododendron Society
2021 Convention
American Rhododendron Society 2021
Virtual Convention
Rhodos Down East: Exploring the North Atlantic Region
June 3-6, 2021
Virtual Convention from Nova Scotia
Take advantage of an exciting opportunity to learn about growing, breeding and gardening with rhododendrons. Due to the present travel restrictions, the 2021 American Rhododendron Society Convention will be offering all the live presentations, virtual garden tours and networking opportunities available on line, to anyone who can access the internet! As the Canadian border is still closed to non-essential travel we encourage international participants to register for the virtual Convention. Currently Nova Scotia has restricted travel, so the Convention will be all virtual.
On day one, the convention launches with “Introduction to Mi’kma’ki”, from Gerald Gloade, well known to Nova Scotians as a Mi’kmaw presenter, educator and naturalist. Gerald’s unique First People’s perspective into the early history and natural history of our region provides an entertaining and informative context for the convention tours and presentations that follow. Sheila Stevenson, past President of the ARHS,will be presenting live on the history of rhododendron research and development in the province. Todd Boland from Memorial Botanical Garden will present on “Rhodos in Newfoundland” and Dianne McLeod from New Brunswick will present on “Rhododendron lapponicum.”
We are extremely fortunate to be able to bring some very celebrated speakers to the convention, who will be addressing different aspects of our theme: Rhodos Down East: Exploring the North Atlantic Region. These will include Ken Cox, rhodo breeder and seasoned plant explorer from Glendoick Nursery, Scotland and Joe Bruso, veteran rhodo breeder from Massachusetts. Well-known plant experts Christina Woodward and Nick Yarmoshuk from Ontario, Philip McDougall an ex-pat Nova Scotian now living in B.C., and Kristian Theqvist of Finland, will also be active participants.
Virtual garden tours will include the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens and Peggy’s Cove barrens. The winter so far has been mild and the bud set excellent in many places, so we are hoping for a really good show!
Networking opportunities will include the Breeder’s Roundtable where you can hear about the latest trends in Rhodo breeding, the ARS Next Generation Project which will show how to involve the next generation in your local ARS club, and the ARS Annual General Meeting and Awards Presentations.
VIRTUAL CONVENTION REGRISTRATION:
Virtual Convention Registration Fee: $80 US / $107.10 Canadian
US and International Registration link
*Our registration is hosted on the Eventbrite.
One of our lucky convention delegates will win a copy of Todd Boland’s latest book, Shrubs and Vines for Atlantic Canada, from Boulder Books.
Todd Boland | Boulder Books | Canadian Publishing Company
The ARS ~ Next Generation Program: Rhododendron Through Your Lens Photo Competition
This virtual competition is open to all! We are seeking entries for the ARS-Next Gen photo contest. Check out the details on our program page!
Photo Contest Sponsor Acknowledgement
The ARS-Next Gen Committee thanks Blue Sky Nursery for the generous donation of the cash awards. Blue Sky Nursery is a wholesale nursery, grower of quality broadleaf evergreens, flowering shrubs and perennials located in Ontario Canada. For more information please visit their website.
Our Plant Sale is sponsored with generous support from the Holden Forests and Gardens 