Snippets from The July 2010 Newsletter

2010 International Rhododendron Conference, Bremen, Eastern Germany. by Richard Nanson, Garden's Chairman

I was very fortunate to attend the 2010 International Rhododendron Conference, held in Bremen, Northern Germany in May.

This was held to mark the 75th anniversary of the German Rhododendron Society with more than 200 participants from sixteen countries. Participants included experts from many aspects of horticulture, so there was much to capture my interest.

The conference was the ultimate in organization and style with all papers, speakers, workshops, tours, meals and functions running literally to the minute and so effectively that no one ever felt rushed in any way. All this with delightful charm and hospitality. In coming newsletters I will give an insight into the focus of the papers and workshops, suffice at this time to say internationally there is a very strong emphasis on the preservation and conservation of collections, the maintenance of the genus rhododendron, methods of propagation, diseases and, of course, companion plants.

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Trees with so much to offer by Biddy Barrett, Manakau

The dictionary defines a garden as "a piece of ground adjoining a house, typically cultivated to provide a lawn and flower beds". Just so - but what about trees? No garden is complete without a few (or preferably many) trees - for height perspective, shade, shelter and outstanding beauty.

I am fortunate that I am able to grow many deciduous trees because they are my favourites of all plants. From the early spring with the emergence of the first tentative leaves until the blaze of autumn colour they are so beautiful. Not all my favourites rely entirely on stunning leaves however. My special interest is magnolias whose flowers are breathtaking, their autumn leaves not so.
I think that anyone who wishes can grow a tree, you just have to work with your space and your climate. Because I rejoice in the splendid Manakau climate the following are the trees that I grow with enormous pleasure. When I am too feeble to tend mixed borders my trees will reward me with increasing beauty. Magnolias, betula, liriodendron, acer, cornus, liquidamber and prunus all flourish here. Except for Japanese maples and cornus you need a lot of space, but actually it is just possible I have planted a bit too closely!

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If you would like to contact your local Rhododendron Group send email to Norma