I know most of us aren't focused on our gardens at this time of year, but I wanted to provide you some advanced information for planning in the New Year. As you know, our chapter will be sponsoring the Azalea Society of America 2009 National Convention 1-4 May at the Herndon Crowne Plaza Hotel. Planning for this convention has been ongoing for quite awhile and conducting the convention will require assistance from the full chapter membership. Don Hyatt and Bob and Eve Harrison are going to the Mid-Atlantic Nurserymen's Trade Show Jan. 7-9 to order companion plants for azaleas for the Plant Sale at the convention in May. They're looking at everything from hellebores to Japanese maples to wildflowers to ensure will have a wonderful offering for the convention goers.
The Convention now has its own web site in place: 2009 ASA Convention. Check it out for schedule, registration, etc.
On 25 January we will be holding our Chapter meeting at the Crowne Plaza. This will allow us tour the facility and assist us as we finalize our plans. Additionally, Bob McWhorter from the Rhododendron Society will present a talk on the Ambrosia Beetle, an emerging threat to azaleas, rhododendrons and other plants. It should be a very useful presentation for all of our members. We encourage maximum attendance. More details will be provided in the Azalea Clipper next month.
Our last Chapter meeting was held at the George Mason Library on 16 November. Don Hyatt provided an informative presentation on various means of azalea propagation. He also interspersed photographs from his visit to Scotland last May. I think I can speak for those in attendance when I say that Don once again provided an outstanding and very interesting talk.
I wish all a Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing you on January 25th in Herndon.
Please contact any of our officers, listed below, for directions.