Australian Rhododendron Society Inc.

The Rhododendron

The Society's annual Journal The Rhododendron is published in the Spring (last quarter of each calendar year). A copy is mailed to members as a benefit of membership. The 2007 Journal is also available for purchase by non-members at $5.50 (postage paid within Australia) or AUD$10.00 (by international post) CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Contributing to The Rhododendron : For information on how to contribute articles or pictures to The Rhododendron please go to the bottom of this page.

Volume 47, the 2007 Journal

• Andrew Rouse writes about R. saxicolum (a species of subgenus Tsutsusi native to south east Asia), and his experience with growing this species in cultivation in Melbourne. He established that this attractive plant requires summer conditions cooler than Melbourne's, but believes it may have potential for use in developing more heat-tolerant hybrids.
• Graham Simpson (President of the Emu Valley Rhododendron Society in Tasmania) reports on the very successful international Rhododendron Conference held in Burnie in Spring 2006, featuring: Graham Smith - Director, Pukeiti Rhododendron Garden New Zealand; Guan Kaiyun - Director, Kunming Botanical Garden, Yunnan, China; Mike Petersen - Senior Forester, Forestry Tasmania; Dr. Ben Wallace - Director (Retired) RBG Sydney & Director, Australian National Botanic Gardens; Ken Gillanders - Retired proprietor of Woodbank Nursery, Southern.Tasmania; Holger Hachmann - Third generation operator of the famous Hachmann Nursery, Germany; & Geraldine Roelink, Proprietor of Victoria's Vireya Valley Nursery.
• Sue Simpson gives a visitor's perspective on the American Rhododendron Society's 2007 Convention in San Francisco, and covers many gardens she and husband Graham saw in California.
• Ken & Lesley Gillanders describe the environment and the very interesting botany they saw in The Dolomites limestone region of northern Italy, where numerous ericaceous plants - including Vacciniums, Ericas and Calluna (heaths), Loiseleuria, and a few Rhododendron species - grow naturally in pockets of relatively acid soil. Ken, as Australian Rhododendron Registrar, also provides information on the new hybrids registered in Australia during 2006/2007.
• Neil Puddey describes his role in an exciting opportunity to add Vireyas to the flowering plants which Singapore public gardens display for the enjoyment of visitors.
• Kathy Wilson, Senior Horticulturalist at Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens, provides updated comments on control of rhododendron lace bug at the Gardens.
• Gay & Barry Stagoll cover springtime visits to a large number of gardens in Southwest Ireland (with RHS members interested in rhododendrons), and also British gardens from the Southwest through to West Scotland. In a separate article, they chroncile their own personal voyage of discovery in the world of gardening, and ponder how much easier it may have been if they only knew - and practised - many of the truths about gardening that seem self-evident now.
• In his article Vireya, plaything and treasure of an enthusiast? Murray McAlister poses the question: Will Vireyas ever be taken seriously for what they are, and how valuable they can be as garden subjects? ... and discusses ways in which their image, and their place in the nursery and gardening scene might be improved.
• We carry a message from the new President of the American Rhododendron Society, Fred Whitney, to his many friends in the Australian rhododendron fratenity.
• Also included are: National President Kaye Hagan's Report to members; the Annual Report of the national Society; reports from each of the Society's Branches for the year 2006/2007; Awards made by the Society; and a tribute to the late Lionel Marshall, who held a number of offices over many years' membership, including those of national President, Secretary, and Journal Editor.

Archive -

Volume 46, the 2006 Journal

• Gillian Brown summarizes the results of an extensive PhD project she carried out to study the evolutionary history of vireya rhododendrons, which led to the first detailed phylogeny of these plants, and indicated that the main evolutionary lineages are geographic in nature. Most of the traditionally classified subsections did not hold up in light of this work.
• Andrew Rouse provides a most interesting discussion of the potential for more hybridising successes using smaller vireya species, describing experience with cultivating R. rubineiflorum and R. pauciflorum in particular, and citing a fine cross (unregistered to date) - produced in 1987 by his late father John - using these two species .
• In Looking Forward, Looking Back Fairie Nielsen, Patron of the Emu Valley Rhododendron Society & a member of the Garden Board since inception, provides a richly-illustrated & fascinating insight into the progress of the Garden 25 years on from inception. Complementing this article, Sue Simpson of EVRS pays tribute in a separate article to Fairie's inspiring & immensely energetic involvement with the Garden and the marvellous garden she created on her own property at Pigeon Hill near Burnie.
• Lesley Gillanders writes of the intrepid gardening exploits of the Gillanders in Retired, following closure of their famous Woodbank Nursery south of Hobart in 2002.
• Alan Kepert provides an insight into R. ciliicalyx, a favourite from Subsection Maddenia, Ciliicalyx Alliance with fragrant pink & white blooms.
• Ken Gillanders, Australian Rhododendron Registrar, provides information on the 42 new hybrids (including numbers of vireyas) registered during 2005/2006.
• The Rhododendron genus is known to include plants with toxic qualities as well as splendid blooms. Terry Darby looks at their toxic side and discusses allusions to this in the pages of history.
• In Secret Gardens in Cities Graham Price (who, in partnership with wife Janet, produces The Vireya Venture newsletter) advocates the use of vireyas for interesting and pleasing beds in garden spaces within inner-city apartment complexes, and suggests more activism on behalf of vireyas for such uses might be rewarding. Information is provided also on recent interesting articles in The Vireya Venture.
• In The Year Round Garden, Gay & Barry Stagoll write of the contribution that plants of the rhododendron family can make to a garden which offers interest all year round, and discuss other plants which can complement this contribution (including select Australian native flowering plants).
• The Rhododendron also carries National President Kaye Hagan's Report to members; the Annual Report of the national Society; and reports from each of the Society's Branches for the year.

Volume 45, the 2005 Journal

• Ted Cutlan and Joy Stones of Hobart write on their visit to British Columbia in the northern hemisphere spring to attend the Annual Convention of the American Rhododendron Society in Victoria, Vancouver Island, and to visit a wealth of gardens in the region.
• Maurie and Pam Kupsch of Burnie chronicle a whirlwind four day visit to see gardens and other sights in Japan, in company with Ted and Joy on their way to British Columbia.
• Ken Gillanders provides some most interesting background on rhododendron forrestii, and his experiences in growing two different forms of this dwarf species. Ken, as Australian Registrar, also provides information on new hybrids registered during 2004/2005, some of which are illustrated in this volume.
• Simon Begg discusses the conversion of the extensive Victorian Branch slide library to digital formats, and some of the implications for the accessibility of these images.
• Richard Francis writes on Fragrant Rhododendrons.
• In Gardens as Theatre, Barry Stagoll discusses approaches for eye-catching landscaping of gardens.
• Neil Jordan of Emu Valley Rhododendron Society provides a wealth of information on the Pacific Region International Rhododendron Conference to be held in Burnie, Tasmania in October 2006.
• John Hammond of the Scottish Rhododendron Society gives advance information on the Internation Rhododendron Conference to be held jointly with the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, in Edinburgh in May 2008.
• Tributes are carried to late members Jean Whitelaw, Bob Withers, and Jack Wilson, and also to Noel Lothian, former Director of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and a good friend of the Society.

Volume 44, the 2004 Journal

• Ken Gillanders provides a fascinating insight into Rhododendrons of the Pontic Alps, gained during a visit with wife Lesley to northeastern Turkey. Ken was honoured with an Award of Australia in June 2004, and Barry Davidson of the Southern Tasmania Branch details the background to this well-deserved award. In a further honour for the Gillanders' partnership, Lesley's achievement of Life Membership of the Society is reported also.
• Alan Kepert writes on the Maddenia series in an illustrated article, and comments on the success possible in our relatively warm climate with many of the lovely plants it includes.
• Lesley Eaton recounts her "love affair" with the smaller rhododendrons, many of the plants she mentions being illustrated in colour.
• Brian Clancy describes his success with foliar feeding for vireyas.
• Murray McAlister reports on the vireya collection at the National Rhododendron Gardens, Olinda, commenting on progress with refurbishing and expanding the collection.
• Pam Watson describes a wonder-filled trekking experience in Nepal, in which she and husband Alan participated together with other rhodoholics, botanists and nature lovers.
• Barry Stagoll writes on oriental garden styling, and poses the question: an Oriental garden setting for your rhododendrons?
• Japanese botanist and azalea enthusiast Satoshi Yamaguchi puts forward his theory on the origin of Kurume azaleas.
• Professional horticultural consultant Denis Crawford suggests new ways to control azalea lace bugs.
• In Sharing our Knowledge, Alan Walker tells the story of how primary school students are being introduced into rhododendron propagation and culture with the encouragement of Society volunteers at the NRG, Olinda, Victoria.
• The efforts of South Australian members in introducing a planting of vireyas in the gardens of the Adelaide Zoo are reported. Former President Allan Kerr Grant was a driving force in this project. Also reported are the award of Life Memberships this year to Allan and his wife Mary Grant (also a Past Branch President).
• Bill Taylor and Murray McAlister offer a tribute to the late Ken Cathie - a "real man of rhododendrons".
• Ken Gillanders delivers his Registrar's Report, covering registration of 7 new Australian hybrid Asiatic rhododendrons (and 2 accidentally omitted from the 2003 report); 1 vireya; and 2 evergreen azaleas.

Volume 43, the 2003 Journal

• Dr. Lyn Craven provides more background on the settling of botanical names for Australia's two endemic species of Vireya rhododendrons.
• Sylvia Saperstein provides a very useful rundown of diseases and fungal problems which affect Vireyas and suggests remedies.
• Mike Hammer reviews what is known about the subject of foliar feeding of plants, and speculates on the range of possible applications and the advantages foliar feeding may bring to propagation and cultivation. Mike also contributes a comment on experiments in growing liliums - a follow-on to his 2002 article on this subject.
• Geoff Sherrington provides interesting insights into the phenomenal diversity in the flora of Yunnan, China, and discusses it in the context of the manifest biological diversity in this region, encompassing ethnicity and cultural heritage of its human inhabitants.
• Lesley Eaton writes on the marvellous range of plant form and foliage offering in the Rhododendron genus; and, in a separate article, she and husband Graeme write about the establishment of their new garden in north-eastern Victoria.
• Neil Jordan describes how useful clear plastic crates can be as miniature propagating enclosures.
• Lyn Craven promotes the use of Condy's Crystals to inhibit fungal attack in propagating.
• Barry Stagoll provides background on the appearance of a rhododendron in an Australian postage stamp issue in 2003.
• Eric Jordan discusses the role of zeolites in horticulture.
• Barry Davidson comments on the favoured growing conditions of numerous native Yunnan species, and compares these with the conditions offered at various levels on Mount Wellington, near Hobart; proceeding to draw conclusions and offer recommendations for better results in bringing rhododendrons through hot Australian summers.
• A tribute to Sue Wells - esteemed member, ex-President of the Southern Tasmania Branch, and member of the Society's National Council - is also contributed by Barry Davidson.
• Barry Stagoll discusses the advantages of steel tube construction for shadehouses.
• Ken Gillanders provides follow-up information on the 2002 ban imposed on rhododendron imports from USA, UK and European countries because of Phytophora ramorum (Sudden Oak Death). As Australian Rhododendron Registrar, Ken also reports on the registration of 29 new hybrids during the 2002-2003 year.
• Ted Cutlan reports on the October 2002 National Convention held in Hobart, including the great success of the rhododendron art show which was an innovation introduced at this event.
• With permission of the author Joe Bruso, of Hopkinton, Massachusets USA, we republish a preliminary report on his experimentation with Rooting Desiccated Evergreen Rhododendron Cuttings, which first appeared in the Journal of the American Rhododendron Society.
• Editor Richard Francis reviews Flora - probably the most monumental horticultural book ever published, at 1600 pages with a dictionary of 20,000 plants. The Australian edition, co-published with he ABC's Gardening Australia, includes useful chapters specific to Australian conditions. Richard assisted with the authoring of Flora, including contributing all of the information it contains about rhododendrons.
• The cover features Rhododendron Veitchianum, photographed in Yunnan, China, by Geoff Sherrington.

Volume 42, the 2002 Journal

• Rhododendron enthusiast, and resident of the hill station of Kodaikanal (7500 feet elevation) in the Palni Hills in southern India, M.S.Viraraghavan wrote of the species R. arboreum, ssp. nilagaricum, which grows in the mountains near his home, and the discovery of a pure white flowering type currently regarded as a separate form of this species. He described his progress with crossing the species with numerous other rhododendrons and also his hybridising with Vireyas.
• Allan Kerr Grant wrote of the history of the old Whibley hybrids which originated in the Adelaide Hills and the latter-day registration of a selected few.
• Brian Clancy described the "regeneration" of R zoelleri from a cross of the 'Island Sunset' and Michael Black forms, contending that the progeny show improvement on previously available forms. The best is to be registered.
• Liliums - Mike Hammer discussed these fascinating and useful companion plants, their rather primitive character, and the distribution of the various types in the wild.
• Emu Valley Revisited - Terry Shadbolt provided an update on the development of the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden in Northern Tasmania, describing the newer features and plantings.
• Emu Valley Fairyland - Maurie Kupsch covered the story of the fabulous two-day Concert held in the Emu Valley Garden in Spring 2001, featuring renowned pianist David Helfgott.
• Tough Vireyas - Allan Kerr Grant recounted the story of a collapsed Vireyas garden bed, and how capably his plants survived their ordeal.
• Adelaide National Weekend October 2001 -Tania Thomas and Rosemary Thomson of South Australian Branch reported on this highly successful gathering of members from around the country.
• When is a Rhododendron an Azalea? - Peter Valder updated his article, first published a number of years previously, to incorporate a table relating the names assigned by Linnaeus to plants mentioned in the text to their modern names. It's likely to be of interest to many readers who won't have seen it previously.
• Barry Davidson explained the science behind the advantages of deadheading.
• A "thank you" to Woodbank Nursery, and its proprietors Ken & Lesley Gillanders - Barry Davidson wrote of the history and achievements to the credit of the nursery, closed in 2002.
• More on Australian Hybrids - following on from Graeme Eaton's 2001 article, Ken Gillanders covered a few more distinguished hybrids.
• The Species Collection at the National Rhododendron Gardens, Olinda - Barry Stagoll reported on the completion of a major exercise by ARS Victorian Branch volunteers to compile a new database of the species represented at Olinda.
• Dr. Bob Withers contributed a Tribute to the late John Rouse, and in particular his record of significant achievement in the field of research into rhododendrons. Graham Snell added a personal tribute of his own.
• Kathy Wilson, Senior Horticulturalist at Mount Tomah Botanic Garden described efforts there to implement improved methods for dealing with Lace Bug.
• Lyn Craven wrote on R. wentianum.
• Gillian Brown, who presented a paper based on her PhD project investigating the evolutionary and biogeographic relationships of Rhododendron section Vireya, reported on The Edinburgh Rhododendron Conference held in May 2002.
• The cover featured a picture of the Vireya R. vitus-idaea

Volume 41, the 2001 Journal

• Vireya hybridiser Sylvia Saperstein delivered a personal view on The Future for Vireyas.
• South Australian Bill Voigt wrote about Two Historic Gardens of the Adelaide Hills.
• Barry Stagoll reported on the Rhododendrons Down Under Conference held in Melbourne in October 2000, and provided some highlights of the proceedings.
• Australian Rhododendron Registar Graeme Eaton contributed a fascinating illustrated article on the history of Australian Rhododendron Hybrids, with many noteworthy plants described.
• Don Dosser - "Man of Maples" - Fairie Nielsen, Patron of the Emu Valley Rhododendron Society and Secretary of the Garden Board, wrote on the magnificent collection of plants in the garden of Don Dosser, who relocated to Tasmania some years ago from his nursery business in Victoria. The extensive range of ornamental maples featured in the description.
• In Hybridising v Genetic Engineering Michael Hammer followed up his lucid discussion of Osmosis and Plant Nutrition in Vol. 40 with a valuable explanation of the key scientific factors involved in understanding the difference between creating new plants by hybridising and by genetic engineering, and a discussion of some of the more important ramifications of genetic engineering.
• Veteran Vireya hybridiser Brian Clancy recounted the history of this group in The Vireya Story.
• Two separate perspectives were given on a botanising visit to China in highly readable articles by Scott Foubister of South Australia and Sue Wells of Southern Tasmania in China in the Spring, and A Chinese Diary.
• Rhododendrons on a Windswept Hill by John Tooth provided insights into the travails of establishing a successful garden featuring rhododendrons on a steep and windy slope of Mount Wellington near Hobart, Tasmania.
• Barry Stagoll chronicled Dr. John Rouse's work in developing and refining propagating enclosures in an article titled The "Rouse House"
• A report on an RHS Gold Medal awarded to Australian artist Anne O'Connor at the London Flower Show in late 2000 for a series of botanical paintings of Vireya rhododendrons. Anne became a member and a grower of Vireyas.
• Ted Cutlan previewed the Society's annual National Convention to be held in Hobart 25-27 October 2002, incorporating the innovation of an Art Show featuring rhododendron paintings.
• President Allan Kerr Grant told of the success the South Australian Branch achieved in winning a major Award at the Adelaide International Rose Festival 2000 for a display of rhododendrons.
• Included in other regular content, National President Allan Kerr Grant wrote of his thoughts about the Society in his first annual President's Report, Registrar Graeme Eaton reported on 21 new hybrids officially registered in the year ended 30 June 2001, and Secretary Barry Stagoll reported on National Council activities and noted stable membership numbers in the Society's National Annual Report.

Volume 40, the 2000 Journal

• Dr. Bob Withers contributed an illustrated article on the many examples where members of the Rhododendron genus have been depicted on postage stamps. He also wrote on the interesting dwarf vireya species R. emarginatum.
• Michael Hammer gave a most readable and informative explanation of the implications of osmosis for plant nutrition, including some very helpful commentary on soil pH and methods of controlling it at desirable levels.
• Ted Cutlan wrote on the subject of plant quarantine controls as they apply to Tasmania.
• Rob Hatcher described the "Rhododendron Trail" at the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden in the Adelaide Hills, where he acts as Interpretative & Education Officer.
• Brian Clancy, vireya hybridizer, reported on the successes of vireyas in the award of major prizes at the Spring 1999 shows held by Victorian Branch, and also discussed the timeless merits of Vireya R. 'Triumphans' in a separate article.
• Laurie Begg contributed some wisdom and experience on the subject of "Rejuvenating Older Rhododendrons."
• Rod Capon "demystified" the Lace Bugs which attack rhododendrons, and discussed controls.
• Included in other regular content, outgoing National President Neil Jordan reported on his last year in office and Registrar Graeme Eaton reported on 12 new hybrids officially registered in the 1999/2000 year.

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Journal Contributions - Guidelines on how to contribute an article or illustrations to The Rhododendron follow:

(For information on where to send an article or illustrations to The Rhododendron, and also membership information for the Society, return to ARS HOME PAGE )

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Last revised: 29 November, 2007