7pm Registration opens\, fo llowed by an informal Meet &\; Greet\, including a hosted bar.
\nSATURDAY\, May 21
\n9am – Registration open s
\n9:30 – 11:30am – The RSF Annual Members Meeting (AGM)
\n< p>11:30 – 12:30 – Species Symposium – Mike Stewart\, Moderator\n12:30 Lunch
\n1:45pm Field Laboratory Horticulture Classes at the RSBG. Class registration is required.
\n6:30pm Banquet and s peaker at the Hampton Inn
\nSUNDAY\, May 22
\nOptional – v isit local attractions
\nMuseum of Glass in Tacoma – enjoy a gro up rate visit\, but without a group! Show your RSBG membership card to receive discount admission: per person $12 (reg. $15). Artist-in-resi dence lecture is at 2pm.
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Saturday afternoon Fi eld Laboratory Horticulture Classes at the RSBG:
\n\n< p>“Big-leaf Rhododendrons” with Steve Hootman\n
Steve will lead a tour of the big-leaf collection to examine and comp are all of the species in cultivation including several so new that th ey have yet to be named! He will discuss specific identification trait s and the best cultivation methods for each species\; a detailed hand out will be provided.
\n“Secrets of Species Propagation” with Dennis Bottemiller
\nDennis will lead a detailed
discussion with demonstrations of the best and latest techniques in
“Successful Cu ltivation of Rhododendrons – the RSBG Way” with Atsuko Gibson and Ben Meersman
\nJoin RSBG’s expert horticulturists Atsuko an d Ben in the garden to learn the best techniques for the successful cu ltivation of Rhododendron species as well as Himalayan Blue P oppies and Cardiocrinum (Giant Lilies). Watering\, soil prep and pest and disease issues will be highlighted.
\n\nThere will be a banquet and speaker on Saturday evening.
\nSaturday evening presenta
tion:
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“My Travels in Search for Rhododend rons” by Peter Cox
\nPeter has put together a brand new \, never before seen lecture covering the entirety of his decades-long career as one of the foremost plant hunters in the modern era. Unfort unately\, due to recent issues with poor health\, Peter will not actua lly be able to attend our meeting in person. However\, we will have a n impressive video tour with Peter at Glendoick Gardens! Steve Hootman will present and lead us through the images and commentary provided b y Peter – ranging from Turkey to China\, Nepal and Bhutan. You do not want to miss this presentation!
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Lodging\, meetings and mea ls will be at the Hampton Inn &\; Suites in Federal Way\, just 2 miles away from the Garden. Reserve your lodging by clicking here for our Species Symposium r oom rate of just $119.00 for a standard room or $139 for a suite. In addition to this special rate\, guests will enjoy free parking and the inclusive hot breakfast.
\nIf you wish to extend you r stay call Crystal Santa Marina on her direct line: +1 253-7 33-3473 and request the group rate code “RSB” of $119 or $139 per night for your entire stay. This rate will be available t o you on a space available bases for up to three days before or after our event.
\nThe hotel’s shuttle van will take guests back to th e airport when returning home\, but does not pick up guests at the air port. They do have a special arrangement with Stita Taxi(206-246-9999) for airport picku p. Just tell them you are staying at the Hampton Inn &\; Suites to receive the flat rate of $34.00.
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