The Vancouver Rhododendron Society

The Vancouver Rhododendron Society (VRS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the cultivation, study, and appreciation of rhododendrons. Established in 1955, the society originated as the Vancouver Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society (ARS), making it one of the older rhododendron societies in British Columbia and Canada. Its business registration number is 890481773RR0001.

History

The VRS was founded following an inquiry by Desmond Muirhead in 1954 to the ARS secretary on how to establish a chapter. The process required ten people to sign up, adoption of the ARS constitution and bylaws, and election of officers. Early records and meeting minutes were sent to the ARS headquarters and published in their Quarterly Bulletin[1][5].

Mary Greig, a prominent figure from Vancouver Island, was the first speaker at a Vancouver Chapter meeting, bringing expertise on species rhododendrons at a time when these plants were considered challenging for gardens in the Pacific Northwest[3][5]. The Greig family was instrumental in donating many rhododendrons to local botanical institutions, including the University of British Columbia Botanical Garden and Finnerty Gardens in Victoria, helping establish foundational collections[3][5].

In 1961, members began systematically recording blooming times of hybrids across various local gardens. This data contributed to the 1979 publication "The Phenology of Cultivated Rhododendrons in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia," co-sponsored by the VRS and UBC Botanical Garden, which documented bloom dates and patterns of over 600 rhododendron hybrids and species[2].

Throughout its history, the society has supported regional conservation and cultivation efforts. When the Greigs closed their nursery in 1965, many rhododendrons were sold collectively to the Vancouver Parks Board, leading to extensive plantings in public spaces like Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and VanDusen Botanical Garden[3].

Activities and Contributions

The VRS organizes meetings, lectures, and garden tours to promote the knowledge and enjoyment of rhododendrons. It has played a vital role in rhododendron conservation in British Columbia, supporting public gardens and contributing to scientific understanding of the genus.

The society’s efforts helped maintain and expand rhododendron collections in public spaces and botanical gardens throughout Vancouver and Vancouver Island, fostering public awareness and horticultural expertise[3].

The Vancouver Rhododendron Society continues as a focal point for enthusiasts, gardeners, and researchers interested in rhododendrons in the region.

Organization

The VRS operates as a nonprofit society registered in Canada under the business registration number 890481773RR0001. It functions as an independent entity though historically affiliated with the American Rhododendron Society.

See Also

• American Rhododendron Society
• UBC Botanical Garden
• Rhododendron Species Foundation

References

1. The Vancouver Rhododendron Society: a History, www.rhodovanbc.org
2. The Vancouver Rhododendron Society, The First 50 Years, Part I, Clive Justice, Virginia Tech eJournals
3. History of MARS and British Columbia Rhododendron Societies, marsrhodos.ca
4. Rhododendrons International, v2p1.pdf