American Rhododendron Society
2021 Convention
American Rhododendron Society 2021
Virtual and Live Convention
Rhodos Down East: Exploring the North Atlantic Region
June 3-6, 2021
Virtual Convention and onsite events at the Old Orchard Inn, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Take advantage of an exciting opportunity to learn about growing, breeding and gardening with rhododendrons. Due to the present travel restrictions, the 2021 American Rhododendron Society Convention will be offering all the live presentations, garden tours and networking opportunities available on line, to anyone who can access the internet! As the Canadian border is still closed to non-essential travel we encourage international participants to register for the virtual Convention. Currently Nova Scotia requires those from out of the province to quarantine for fourteen days (see latest travel restrictions here) so we also encourage Canadians from other provinces to register for the virtual Convention. For Nova Scotia residents attending. and possibly others from Atlantic Canada, there be in-person sessions and bus tours to well-known gardens as well as a plant sale featuring rare and unusual plants.
On day one, the convention launches with “Introduction to Mi’kma’ki”, from Gerald Gloade, well known to Nova Scotians as a Mi’kmaw presenter, educator and naturalist. Gerald’s unique First People’s perspective into the early history and natural history of our region provides an entertaining and informative context for the convention tours and presentations that follow. Sheila Stevenson, past President of the ARHS will be presenting live on the history of rhododendron research and development in the province.
We are extremely fortunate to be able to bring some very celebrated speakers to the convention, who will be addressing different aspects of our theme: Rhodos Down East: Exploring the North Atlantic Region. These will include Ken Cox, rhodo breeder and seasoned plant explorer from Glendoick Nursery, Scotland; Joe Bruso, veteran rhodo breeder from Massachusetts; and Todd Boland, author, educator and all-around horticultural expert, from Newfoundland’s Memorial University Botanical Garden. Well-known plant experts Christina Woodward and Nick Yarmoshuk from Ontario, Philip McDougall an ex-pat Nova Scotian now living in B.C., and Kristian Theqvist of Finland, will also be active participants. As well, there will be many knowledgeable, local plantspeople on hand for stimulating, informal discussions.
Some very special tours, both virtual and in-person, will include the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens and Peggy’s Cove barrens, as well as a number of remarkable private gardens that should be at the height of spring bloom for many rhododendrons and companion plants. The winter so far has been mild and the bud set excellent in many places, so we are hoping for a really good show!
Networking opportunities will include the Breeder’s Roundtable where you can hear about the latest trends in Rhodo breeding, the ARS Next Generation Project which will show how to involve the next generation in your local ARS club, as well as social events that feature the seafood, cider and wine from our local producers.
VIRTUAL CONVENTION REGRISTRATION:
Virtual Convention Registration Fee: $80 US / $107.10 Canadian
US and International Registration link
ONSITE CONVENTION REGISTRATION
American Rhododendron Society Convention 2021 (Old Orchard Inn, NS) registration
ARS Convention 2021 Fee: (includes convention fee, priority access to plant sale) Late Fee $223.80 Canadian after April 1
Thursday evening “Farm to Table” Dinner with Chef Jason Lynch $80 Canadian
Friday bus tour to Annapolis Royal gardens $80 Canadian
Saturday bus tour to Peggy’s Cove barrens $80 Canadian
Saturday evening Lobster banquet cancelled
Late registration fee starts April 1, 2021
Registration for On-Site Convention Closes May 15, 2021
*Our registration is hosted on the Eventbrite.
The ARS ~ Next Generation Program: Rhododendron Through Your Lens Photo Competition
This virtual competition is open to all! We are seeking entries for the ARS-Next Gen photo contest. Check out the details on our program page!
Photo Contest Sponsor Acknowledgement
The ARS-Next Gen Committee thanks Blue Sky Nursery for the generous donation of the cash awards. Blue Sky Nursery is a wholesale nursery, grower of quality broadleaf evergreens, flowering shrubs and perennials located in Ontario Canada. For more information please visit their website.
Our Plant Sale is sponsored with generous support from the Holden Forests and Gardens 