Hosted by the Lake Michigan Chapter

Theme: Azaleas in the Landscape

Welcome

On behalf of the Lake Michigan Chapter of the A.S.A., we welcome one and all to our 2005 National Convention which will be held in Holland, Michigan on May 19th through May 22nd.

The city of Holland, well known for their annual tulip festival, will be visited not only by the A.S.A Convention, but also by the hundreds of thousands of guests, which attend Tulip Time each year. Visit the Holland Chamber of Commerce website for details about Holland and the local activities.

Theme - Azaleas in the Landscape

Our theme for this year is Azaleas in the Landscape. Tours will be scheduled for 7 private gardens, 3 nurseries/private gardens, and 2 public gardens located in the Holland/Saugatuck/Douglas area. Most of the gardens are at least 20 years old with one over 60 years old. If a mature garden is what you are after, don't miss this Convention. For more information on things to see and do in the area, visit the Saugatuck-Douglas area website.

   Azalea Discussion Forum   

Speakers

Speakers consist of Midwesterners from Minnesota, Illinois, and of course Michigan, as well as Tennessee and Louisiana. They will cover topics such as hardy-grown Azaleas, native plants, perennials, and wild flowers. Cold-weather Glenn Dale Azaleas will also be one of the topics covered along with an update from Buddy Lee, our president, who will discuss what's new with his plant-breeding program.

Plant Sale

Plant sales should be a real knockout. Hard to find azaleas, such as Schroeder Hybrids, Stanton Hybrids, Northern Light series, and Cherokee series (deciduous), along with other popular varieties will be available. Also included in the plant sale and available for the first time to the public will be "Clara Haler." This hybrid is being introduced by Bill Pinkerton of Crossville, TN.

The sale will also include companion plants of wildflowers, perennials, and ferns along with other 2005 ASA National Convention souvenirs.

Also, there will be an artwork display from the gallery of artist Eddie Mitchell from Eastlake, Ohio. His work consists of many different displays of azaleas in the landscape. You can visit his website at www.eddiemitchellart.com.

Special Invitations ...

We welcome one and all to Western Michigan along the shorelines of our great lake. Membership in the A.S.A. is not required to attend this Convention. We would like to extend a special invitation to members of the American Rhododendron Society of America. We ask everyone to mark your calendars for this exciting and new venture of azaleas where, believe it or not, they do grow.