The De Anza Chapter of the

The De Anza Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society was founded in 1978 by local rhododendron enthusiasts. The chapter currently has over 60 local members. Members of the De Anza Chapter enjoy monthly meetings which are held every third Wednesday of the month between September and May.

Meetings generally consist of a guest speaker who is knowledgeable about rhododendrons or good companion plants. Topics in the past have included "New Hybrids on the Oregon/ Washington Coast", "Satsuki Azaleas", "Rhododendrons in the Wild", and Growing "Vireyas (tropical rhododendrons)". Each meeting usually ends with a raffle of plants provided either by our guest speaker or by the club. Members and friends also enjoy field trips to local gardens and nurseries.

Annual Plant Sale April 23, 2005 9am to 4pm

Our Chapter's Annual Rhododendron Plant sale will be held again this year at our usual site, the corner of Main and State in downtown Los Altos. The date is set for April 23, 9 am to 4 pm. Unlike previous years, we will not have a Flower Show, but we do plan to have a nice display of the Bay Area's finest rhododendron's in bloom at the time of the sale.

We place emphasis on outreach and information on rhododendrons, azaleas, and a showing of vireyas, if available.

Next Meeting
Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 6:00 p.m.
Hillview Community Center, Room 10 (New room for 2005)
97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos, CA

Our speaker for the March meeting will be Gordon Wylie speaking on "Scotland Revisted".

Gordon is past president of the ARS (American Rhododendron Society) and his wife, Lynda, ran the ARS' seed exchange for many years. (She was most capable in that capacity.) They are familiar with, and friends of, long-time members of our group and the chapter is honored and delighted they are visiting.

This is going to be another Pot Luck event which will honor our guests, Gordon and Lynda Wylie. Included in his program will be a look at a very unique garden on the Isle of Calonsay. The meeting time is set for 6 pm, time to eat and time to visit before the program begins. The casserole, drinks, and wine will be provided. Members should bring, according to their last initial: Deserts (A-G), Vegetables (H-P) and Salads (Q-Z). Hope very much everyone will come and make it another successful party/meeting.

Chapter Officers for 2004-2005

Nan Ray, President
Ann Gazenbeek, Program Chair/Vice President
Diane Weissman, Treasurer
Mary Tye, News Editor/Secretary

Photo's courtesy of Patti Whittaker.

For more information contact webmaster@deAnza-ARS.com


Photos courtesy of Don Wallace of Singtree Gardens