The American Rhododendron Society (ARS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage interest in, and disseminate information about, the Rhododendron genus. It has chapters throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Denmark, Holland, Scotland, Sikkim, and Sweden,.
The ARS publishes the Rhododendron and Azalea News, as well as a quarterly journal, The Journal of the American Rhododendron Society, on rhododendron culture, propagation, hybridizing, gardens, plant portraits, exploration, scientific research, etc. (The journal was first established in April 1947 as the Quarterly Bulletin of the American Rhododendron Society.) It also funds research on Rhododendrons and Azaleas, presents Rhododendron of the Year awards, and gives gold and silver medals to society members for outstanding service.
Chapter listings Many of the ARS chapters have their own websites and details of their activities can be found easily. Visitors are always welcome to join us! Chapter websites are listed at: http://www.rhododendron.org/chapterinfo.asp
Middle Atlantic Chapter The Middle Atlantic Chapter is the second oldest chapter in the ARS, founded in 1952. The chapter membership covers most of Virginia and parts of West Virginia. Due to the wide area covered, only two meetings a year are held, but these are weekend meetings with garden tours, featured speakers, good food and good companionship. Find our activities at our website: http://www.macars.org/