Blooms everywhere. I have two blooming rhododendrons, Boule de Neige and Rangoon, but a friend who lives in Hawley has 300! He recently invited the Greenfield Garden Club to enjoy the rhodie pictured above along with others in shades of red, yellow, salmon, and white. If they needed more variety they could wander off into the fragrant grove of 70 lilacs.
Jerry invited everyone back for another Garden Open Today when he is hosting a delegation from the American Rhododendron Society. The deciduous azaleas will also be in bloom on May 31. If they are interested in more variety they can stroll among the 50 tree peonies.
Jerry, a retired history professor, has found a passion that has brought him pleasure, contact with new and equally passionate friends, and local fame because he is so willing to share the beauties of his gardens, and his expertise. He has made rhododendron planting technique easy to remember. “Keep it simple. Just a dimple”. Instead of the $50 holes we are usually encouraged to dig for our plants, a very shallow hole is what rhodies demand.
This was the first of the many garden parties and tours that are on my spring calendar. You’ll hear more.
I just love Azaleas and Rhodies but I have absolutely no success with them. Maybe I plant them too deep?? I do have a couple that I bought as table decoration and then planted them out when they were finished blooming. Those little azaleas have survived. I must say they aren’t much to look at for most of the year and haven’t grown much in the years they have grown here but they do bloom. Every larger plant I have put in has died. I have given up trying to grow them.