The Dutch Rhododendron Society

other topics:

articles;
ASA Convention 2003;
azalea hybrids Joe Klimavicz;
Dutch Rhodo Society;
flowershow ARS S-E chapter;
photography
my garden
Hans Hachmann Rhododendrons

Of course it is possible to enjoy your hobby on your own. But may be - or better certainly - more pleasant and instructive to join a society and share your love and experience with others. Many members of our society have become friends, may be for life! And I suppose, that you as a reader of this are not Dutch or of Dutch descent, but everyone is welcome in our society. We even had a member, who was working at the USA Ambassy in the Hague. Also Germans are members of our group. And as a 'foreigner' it might be interesting to read about us. Welcome!!

Bernhard Knorr Rhododendrons
Native Azaleas in America
ARS Convention 2008 in Tulsa
Indian Summer
Kalmia latifolia
buds and leaves
parks, gardens and nurseries
'Park der Gärten' in Germany
wild flora of the Costa Blanca

the well-known nursery 'Esveld' in Boskoop

a visit to the 'Rhodo-Days' 1998 in Westerstede in northern Germany

.....and the fine garden of the Family De Clercq in Destelmonde in Belgium

The 'Dutch Rhododendron Society', NRV

          15 years ago, in spring of 1991, about 15 lovers of Rhododendrons decided to found an own Rhododendron Society. I was already a member of the ARS, the “American Rhododendron Society”, and they asked me if it would be possible to set up a Chapter of the ARS in Holland. With a number of rhodo lovers we made an attempt to do so and since 1991 we are the "Dutch Chapter of the ARS'. Meanwhile, 2005 we have about 125 members, most from the Netherlands, but also a lot from Belgium and even some from Germany!
        Our goal is to pass on knowledge and experiences about Rhododendrons and Azaleas in general, and information about propagating, growing, planting and gardening with Rhododendrons particularly.
          Therefore we have meetings with speakers, committees for special goals, excursions to gardens, parks and nurseries, also abroad, etc. Last years we had rhodo-trips to Germany, Ireland, northern Italy etc. .
          We have our annual meeting, most in October, a spring-meeting in March and excursions in May and\or June. On our meetings in Oosterbeek, not far from Arnhem, we have slide presentations, forum-discussions, plant-sales and informations about special topics.

visiting the nursery of Mr. Siem Cok in Hazerswoude

visiting the park Herckenrode in Belgium

the garden of our past president Mr. Traas in Blaricum

I can tell you, and many with me, that we are a very vivid society, actually a sort of 'Rhodo-family', in which the members feel at home very soon! A warm sociabillity, vivid discussions about our hobby, exchanging experiences, cuttings and plants and beyond! Visiting the gardens of other members is a part of it all. Some people think that they know too little to be a member, but this is the way we all started! And a reason more to be a member of our society, or any society in your country!! The internet plays an important role in finding information about Rhododendrons and Azaleas and the related societies. I remember, that about 8 years ago one of our members had a list of 5 websites or so about rhododendrons. If you look on the internet now, you can find thousands of indications.

We have also some members from Germany and many from Belgium. So, actually we are a Dutch-Flemish society. so, members from Germany and Belgium are welcome!

We have 2 kinds of members, the A-members - they are member of our Society, but also a member of the ARS. They receive our Dutch quarterly Bulletin, the “RHODOMANIA” and also the ARS quarterly magazine the “JOURNAL” with a lot of articles and pictures, in English of course!
The B-members are only a member of our own Dutch society and receive our bulletin the 'RHODOMANIA'

For more information about the dues, meetings etc. consult our secretary or the website of our society:
It is still partly 'under construction'.
Picture and cross (with 'Creamy Chiffon')on the cover of this' Rhodomania' by Hub Heltzel.

For further information:

Mrs. . Tineke Velzeboer.
Oud Loosdrechtsedijk 64,
1231 NB Loosdrecht.
Phone: (+31) (0) 35 5826971.
e-mail: pavandijk@hotmail.com
www.rhodovereniging.nl
(still 'under construction)

Information about the ARS:

Executive Director: Laura Grant
27 Taylor Drive.
Toronto, ON M4C 3B4, Canada
Phone: 416-424-1942
Fax: 905-262-1999
Email: lauragrant@arsoffice.org
website: http://www.rhododendron.org