general |
information |
practice: |
propagation |
Azaleas |
my own hybrids |
|
photo page thousands of photos other topics rhododendron photo review |
Rhodoland Southeastern Chapter of the ARS |
I think it is very instructive for Societies of plants and flowers to attend a 'Flowershow' or to read about it in this page. In 2003 I was in the USA for the ASA Convention in Chattanooga and before that I attended the flowershow of the "Southeastern Chapter of the ARS". In one word fantastic! Perfect organisation and an enthusiastic team of members and workers. This could be a good example for our 'Dutch Rhododendron Society' the 'NRV'. And I think, more plant-societies. |
|
Flowershow On the page
about 'ASA Convention 2003' I write already about this flowershow. I
stayed with some friends in the north of South Carolina and the
fowershow was in Asheville in the south of North Carolina. I was also
asked to act as a jurymember to judge the flower trussses. In different
categories, like deciduous azalea species, or rhododendron hybrids etc.
The weather before had been quite bad, but the trusses were excellent.
Many tables were full of thododendrons and azaleas which I had not seen
before. Every flower truss got points for the shape, colour,
presentation and more criteria. In each caregory there was a winner, and
the overall winner was....I don't know his name and the plant anymore.
Well, I was quite tired and photopraphing a lot and the judging of all
the flowers were may be a bit too much for me. But I had a wonderful day
and it was a fantastic event. |
|
Flowershow
I have seen - as a visitor - from the outside more flowershows at the annual Conventions of the ARS. Such as 1992 at Long Island; in 1993 in Tacoma, WA. And also in Asheville in 1994. 1996 at Oban in Schotland. But this one of a chapter was one of the best!
As you see, vases are prepared for the trusses to put them in. To give me any duty to fulfil, I had to fill the vases with water. May be there is some 'symbolism' in it. Dutch people and water are a well-known combination. Though the "Waterer" family, famous for their rhododendron hybrids, is British.
I stayed with some friends, the Phillips\Woods family and they played an important role in the flowershow. The workers also need some food and drinks etc. The jury members got their instructions and had to do 'blind' judgement. My impression is, that most of the time these organizers are often the same people. A world-wide phenomenon.
After the flowershow I drove arond with some friends to visit some gardens and
gardeners, like Glenn O'Sheal and Nick Anastos. We went to the large garden of
Ed Collins, who tested my knowledge.... The large garden or park of Mrs. Velma
Haag, amazing what she and her husband have done.
My experience is, that Americans are very friendly and generous. Appearently I
always meet nice people. I think it is a matter of reciprocity. Thanks to many
friends I had many wonderful times in the USA. I hope to repeat it frequently!
copyright © 2002-2020 | all rights reserved |