QBARS - v10n2 The American Rhododendron Society Test Garden

The American Rhododendron Society Test Garden
Crystal Springs Lake Island, Portland, Oregon

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Inventories of large rhododendron collections, especially those in Botanic Gardens or other public places open to the public should be of interest to enthusiasts who may wish to know where, in this country, certain clones or species may be seen. The collection in Portland is relatively new but outstanding for its attractive setting as well as for the number of kinds of plants.

The American Rhododendron Society Test Garden, located on an Island in Crystal Springs Lake on S. E. 28th Ave., Portland, Ore., adjacent to the Eastmoreland Golf Course, consists of four acres of natural wooded area. It contains many native trees and shrubs which serve as nesting places for wild ducks and other birds. The Island is connected by a foot bridge to a long peninsula of several acres which is now serving as an expansion area.

The Garden was established in the summer of 1950 by a special Ordinance of the City of Portland, which granted use of this Island to the Society as a Test area for rhododendrons and azaleas. The first planting was started in October, 1950. Since that date paths have been made, rest rooms constructed, and some 300 varieties of hybrid rhododendrons, numerous azaleas, and close to 250 species of the Genus Rhododendron have been planted, a total of over 2500 plants, mostly of blooming size. Every type of rhododendron is represented in the plantings. There are also a number of ornamental plants of other Genera in the collection. The Annual Show of the Portland Chapter is held here during May. Plans are well under way for construction, on the Island, of a cool greenhouse to provide quarters for the Society's collection of tender species and hybrids, especially the maddeniis .

The City of Portland provides water and general maintenance, and the Society has provided the plants, prepared the soil and set them. A great deal of volunteer labor has been provided by a few members of the Portland Chapter, without which the whole project would have been impossible. Money for certain expenditures has been provided by members of the Portland Chapter and none of the regular funds of the American Rhododendron Society have been used. This is a Garden for the enjoyment and benefit of all, provided by the Portland Chapter. The Garden gates are open to visitors daily from the middle of March to the end of August.

In addition to its general educational, scientific and esthetic objectives, it serves as a Test Garden for new varieties. Several are now being grown for consideration by the Awards Committee for Award of Excellence or Test Garden Certificate.

The following lists are available, together with information as to flower color and blooming season in a special booklet available from the Secretary of the A.R.S.. price 25 cents.

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HYBRID RHODODENDRONS AND AZALEODENDRONS IN THE TEST GARDEN

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RHODODENDRON SPECIES IN THE TEST GARDEN