We are a group of Rhododendron and Azalea enthusiasts, with a concentration in Southeast Michigan. We focus on plants of genus Rhododendron in all regions of the world but our interest extends to plants that go along with those we grow. Why not join us?
We hold an annual plant sale and seasonal garden tours—or at least we have done so until the times of COVID-19. Our members enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion in this type of horticulture. We have speakers and programs that span the globe in subject.
This web site is hosted courtesy of the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Rock Garden Society. We are very grateful for their help in a time of need— see the news story on the right.
Future Local Events
National Events
Previous Events
Click a year to toggle visibility of the events list: [2021] [2020] [2019]
2021
May 16, 2021: Members-only Plant Sale—again due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year it was open only to members as a result of the circumstances produced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We arranged the sale with the well-known supplier Rosebay in Saugatuck who is a member of the Chapter; this was spearheaded by Margaret Liu. They took orders based on limited number of Rhododendron varieties and sizes, but as usual the seconds were excellent plants. Truck transport to Ann Arbor was arranged and indeed driven by Sally and Bob Camper.
The selection we had this time is shown on this page; a printable 3-page PDF form is here. Note that Rosebay had no image of R. Rabatz, and R. Chionoides was a ringer and so is at the end of the list after R. Yaku Prince.
Like everyone else, we are hoping that in 2021 we can organize a public and larger Plant Sale. -->
2020
May, 2020: Members-only Plant Sale—due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year it was open only to members as a result of the circumstances produced by the COVID-19 pandemic. It had been planned to have this year's sale at Matthaei Botanic Garden, as has been done before, and fully open to the public. But Matthaei, like other parts of the University of Michigan has been closed for meeting purposes since April until at least June 1.
We arranged the sale with the well-known supplier Rosebay in Saugatuck who is a member of the Chapter. They took orders based on limited number (17) of Rhododendron and Azalea varieties, and arranged truck transport to Ann Arbor. The selection we had this time is shown on this page; a printable 3-page PDF form is here.
Like everyone else, we are hoping that in 2021 we can organize a public and larger Plant Sale.
Sample Photos:
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At Glendoick May 2019
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At Glendoick May 2019
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At Glendoick May 2019
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At Glendoick May 2019
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At Glendoick May 2019
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At Glendoick May 2019
News
Ann Arbor News article, October, 2019.
The War of the Rhodies:
Was the Ann Arbor chapter of the American Rhododendron Society dead or just dormant?
NOTE (As of 27 April 2020): The monies wrongly transferred out of the ARS AA Chapter account have not been returned to ARS-AAC by the Bird Center of Washtenaw County in spite of their claims to have made out a reimbursement check to Jan Grichor. She in turn has responded to no communications, and the Bird Center has refused to cancel and reissue a check to the ARS-AAC Treasurer, as suggested by both banks and the police when asked. The local Wild Ones chapter has refused to consider giving up the money sent them by Grichor since first contact with them.