The Massachusetts Chapter invites all members of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society to join them at a special lecture on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Rick Darke will be speaking on "Appreciating Native Azaleas in the Wild & in Gardens."

Rick is president of RICK DARKE LLC, a Pennsylvania-based consulting firm focused on landscape ethics, photography, and contextual design. Darke’s work blends art, ecology, and cultural geography in the design and stewardship of livable landscapes. His projects include scenic byways, transportation corridors, corporate and collegiate campuses, conservation developments, botanic gardens, and residential landscapes. One of his latest projects was to restore the hillside plantings of rhododendrons at “Falling Water,” the house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Darke served on the staff of Longwood Gardens for 20 years and in 1998 he received the Scientific Award of the American Horticultural Society. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Garden Design and Gardens Illustrated magazines, and on National Public Radio. He has studied and photographed North American plants in their habitats for over 30 years. His publications include The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes, The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest, and The Wild Garden.

Please join us for a memorable evening.