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About the Delaware Valley Rhododendron Society
The Delaware Valley Rhododendron Society was formed in 2023 through the merger of the Greater Philadelphia and Valley Forge Chapters. The Greater Philadelphia Chapter was founded in 1957, and the Valley Forge Chapter in 1967. Officially the Delaware Valley Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society (ARS), our organization brings together gardeners in southeastern Pennsylvania and neighboring regions who share an interest in the genus Rhododendron—including both evergreen and deciduous azaleas as well as rhododendrons. Our monthly meetings (except in July and December) and special events explore the remarkable diversity of rhododendron and azalea species and hybrids—plants rarely seen in retail garden centers yet perfectly suited to our region. We also highlight beautiful native azaleas and their companion plants. Members share, sell, root, and graft plants, fostering a community of learning and generosity. Each spring the American Rhododendron Society has its annual convention. It alternates between the west coast and the east coast. It features outstanding speakers, fascinating garden tours, and extensive plant sales. Don’t miss our public Annual Plant Sales, held the first weekend in May each year at Jenkins Arboretum and Tyler Arboretum. These sales offer hard-to-find rhododendrons, azaleas and companion plants at unbeatable prices—plants you’ve been looking for and many you’ve never seen before. On Mother’s Day weekend we host that Rhododendron & Azalea Flower Show at Jenkins Arboretum. Trusses are displayed in groupings, judged, and awarded trophies—creating a stunning Mother’s Day showcase. In fall we have a Plants-By-Members event where we make available to members plants that are rooted or grafted from cuttings from members gardens—rare varieties seldom available in garden centers. We also hold a charity auction, where donated plants are sold to support good causes, and members share cuttings for rooting. The Delaware Valley Rhododendron Society actively supports the ARS/Tyler Hybridizers Test Garden, established in 2022. This half-acre test and display garden at Tyler Arboretum showcases rhododendron cultivars hybridized in the Mid-Atlantic region. The project highlights contributions from regional hybridizers stretching from Boston to Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. Learn more at the ARS/Tyler Rhododendron Test Garden website or in the Journal of the American Rhododendron Society article, ARS-Tyler Rhododendron Test Garden in JARS, about the garden. We have a meeting or other activity most months except July and December. Many join for the plants but stay for the friendships. Interested in joining us? Come to our next event, nearly all of which are free and open to the public, or send us an email. Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments feel free to send an email to
† 'Dream of Kings' photo was submitted by Karel Bernady with his nomination of Kathleen Frederick’s hybrid for the ARS/Tyler Test Garden in 2022. To return to top Click Here. |
