RSF 50th Anniversary Celebration

(Download the POSTER )

The 50th Anniversary of the Rhododendron Species Foundation will be  celebrated with a special event on April 25th and 26th of 2014. This is not an event that any Rhododendron enthusiast will want to miss. Nor, in fact, should any serious gardener or horticulturist. From special internationally-acclaimed speakers to in-depth tours of the RSBG and the opportunity to talk with like-minded horticultural folks, the Celebration will be memorable.

While events get underway on April 25, you will probably want to arrive the evening of April 24th, both to be present at the welcoming reception that evening, and to be on time when events begin the following morning.  We have made excellent arrangements with the Hampton Inn and Suites, where the hospitality will be most gracious.

There will be an emphasis on informal time and tours in the RSBG and its facilities at the height of the rhododendron species flowering season, meeting casually with staff and other delegates in what has become over the last several years an internationally renowned botanical garden, arguably containing the most comprehensive collection of natural rhododendron species in the world.

Plan to join us on this important occasion in this special place during the spectacular spring season.

 Everyone Welcome!

Saturday will also mark the grand opening of the Hilltop Artists Glass Art Exhibit in the Rutherford Conservatory.

There will be a reception and banquet on Saturday evening at the Weyerhaeuser Corporate Headquarters.

The program will include talks by David Chamberlain, Harold Greer, Douglas Justice and Steve Hootman.

David Chamberlain holds a BA and DPhil. “Taxonomic Studies in the Genus Pottia” from Oxford University. He is currently a Research Associate at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (RBGE) and was formerly the Curator of the Herbarium at the RBGE where he was one of the primary authors of the revision of the genus Rhododendron. His main interests are in the systematics of the Chinese Flora in particular in the Genera Rhododendron and Berberis. Dr. Chamberlain has carried out extensive field studies in India, SW China and Northern Vietnam. He has been involved in a Darwin Initiative funded project for Rhododendron Conservation in China and he is a member of the group advising the National Trust for Scotland on policy matter concerning its Gardens.

Harold Greer owns Greer Gardens in Eugene, Oregon. He is a past president of the American Rhododendron Society, and served on the board of directors for over 25 years. He is a recipient of the American Rhododendron Society Gold Medal plus two Bronze Medals and is recognized internationally as a rhododendron expert. Harold has contributed enormously to the world of rhododendrons through books, plants, service and dedication. He is an experienced photographer and his pictures have been published in many books and publications including the cover of the Smithsonian Magazine.

Steve Hootman is the Executive Director & Curator of the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden and is considered one of the most intrepid and knowledgeable plant explorers of the 21st century. Steve has participated in or led over one dozen expeditions into the remote regions of Asia, India and Papua New Guinea looking for rare and new taxa of rhododendrons and other plants and is considered one of the world authorities on the genus. He is also an active collector, authority and promoter of related genera in the Ericaceae including genera such as Vaccinium, Agapetes and Gaultheria.

Douglas Justice is the Associate Director and Curator of Collections at University of British Columbia Botanical Garden and also teaches in both the Applied Biology and Masters of Landscape Architecture programs at UBC. A former nursery manager, gardener and horticulture instructor, Douglas holds a Bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a Master’s in botany. He is an active member of a number of local, national and international plant and garden organizations and is currently writing a book on trees for the Vancouver area. He is the author of Ornamental Cherries in Vancouver.

 

 Download 50th Anniversary Schedule  50th_Schedule_Website-768x994

You may register online to the right, or

Download the 50th-Anniversary Registration Form and mail to

PO Box 3798
Federal Way, WA 98063

REGISTRATION IS DUE BY APRIL 14th.

50th-Single Page Reg -rev 1

 

Lodging and Friday’s speakers 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 RSF Anniversary Celebration room rate of just $99.00. In addition to this special rate, guests will enjoy free parking and the inclusive hot breakfast.

If you wish to extend your stay call Crystal Santa Marina on her direct line: +1 253-733-3473 and request the group rate code “RSB” of $99.00 per night for your entire stay. This rate will be available to you April 22 through April 29.

The hotel’s shuttle van will take guests back to the airport when returning home, but does not pick up guests at the airport. They do have a special arrangement with Stita Taxi (206-246-9999) for airport pickup.  Just tell them you are staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites to receive the flat rate of $28.00.

logo his2c

poster_Anniversary1-portrait

Conference registration is NOW OPEN

 

RSF 50th Anniversary Celebration

April 25, 2014 - April 26, 2014
Friday - Saturday
9:00 am - 10:30 pm

Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
2525 S 336th St Federal Way, WA 98003
Location Map: See below

Bookings no longer allowed on this date.


Yeah! Click ICAL or Google Calendar to add to your calendar.
 

Location Map:
,