The Massachusetts Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society (ARS) has formed a Propagation Group. Its primary but not exclusive focus is on growing rhododendrons from seed. Other genera (e.g., magnolias, conifers), other methods (e.g., cuttings, grafting) and other activities (e.g., hybridizing, slide shows) will be topics of discussion and activity, but the primary focus will be on growing rhododendrons from seed. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month.

Started initially as an ARS group (first meeting was October, 2007), it is being opened up to all MHS members with an interest in small scale propagation, especially rhododendrons. This group is appropriate for all skill levels, whether you have never seen a rhododendron seed, or you have been growing from seed all your life. No one should feel they don't know enough to join this group, as we are starting with the basics. The group is designed to support and learn from one another. Conversely, those who are more experienced can benefit from access to seeds and plant material not readily available, as well as the camaraderie of people with the same interests.

The purposes of this group are to share information, experiences, seeds and plants. By combining resources, we will reduce the work and increase the variety of plants available to each of us. Group orders of special seeds (and plants) will be made.

If you have never tried growing rhododendrons from seed, you will be surprised at how easy it is. It is possible to get blooms in as little as 2 years for some types. There is nothing like seeing blooms for the first time on rhododendrons you have grown from seed!

The group will try to accommodate all interests. Examples include: Foliage plants, species, creating a hardy yellow, growing 50 Rhododendron maximums to line a driveway, rock garden-sized plants, hardy plants, greenhouse plants, etc.

Why grow from seed?

· It is easy to do, requiring little equipment & materials, most/all of which gardeners already have.

· You can grow special plants not available by any other means.

· You can develop something new and unique - perhaps worthy of registration.

· You can grow lots of plants very cheaply - to fill your garden, share with friends, etc.

· It is so much fun, it is often addictive!

Meetings are semi-formal - an agenda is prepared and followed for each meeting, but much of the meeting time is devoted to free-form conversational exchange of knowledge and ideas, including questions and answers between lesser and more experienced members.

Activities to be Included

1) Seed starting theory, techniques, demos
2) Other Propagation Techniques: rooting, layering, grafting
3) Growing-on: Lighting, transplanting, watering, fertilizing, pests,
nursery construction, cold frames, etc.
4) Hands-on practice
5) Seed creation, collection & cleaning.
6) Sharing seed, small & larger plants, cuttings.
7) Seed order coordination: ARS, RHS, RSF, Other chapters (Potomac for Azaleas)
8) Group membership in the above organizations (associate membership, etc.)
9) Group plant orders: Rhododendron Species Foundation, RareFind Nursery, Van Veen Nursery, etc.
10) Hybridizing Techniques
11) Hybridizing Strategies: Attributes parents bring to offspring
12) Show & Tell
a) Species identification
b) Parental influence in Hybrids
13) Slide shows: Species, results of growing seeds, etc.
14) Guest Speakers: Seed Starting, Hybridizing, Slide Shows
15) Tracking Data (Database)
16) Other genera: Magnolias, Conifers, etc.

January through May, 2008 meetings will be held in the Putnam Building, Elm Bank, Wellesley, MA 7:30 - 10:00 PM on the first Wednesday of each month.

Primary activities, by date include:

· Jan 2, 2008 - Sharing seedlings, Transplanting, Seed orders

· Feb 6 - Sharing seedlings, Potting Up, Seed orders

· Mar 5- Seed Storage & care, Hybrid Planning

· April 2 - Hybridizing demo and/or Slide Show

· May 7 - Hybridizing Demo, Garden visits?

There is no cost to join. Group membership in important organizations will require a small contribution from each member, however.

The Group Leader is Joe Bruso. He has many years experience growing rhododendrons, magnolias, and other genera from seed and cuttings. He teaches propagation at New England Wildflower Society. He owns and operates a part-time nursery specializing in species rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias.

To join or for more information and directions, contact:

Joe Bruso
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Home Tel: 508-435-8217