Virtual Gardening Series: Rhododendrons: Beauty, Diversity, and Culture
Channel: Vancouver Island Regional Library
Date: 30/04/2021

An in-depth look into our native shrub, introducing the many varieties which have come into our gardens from all over the globe. Learn where rhodos fit into garden designs and learn about the basic needs and care of the species as well as proper garden placement, planting and transplanting tips, and pest control. Presented by Chris Southwick of Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association in Nanaimo, BC

Chris Southwick is a rhododendron expert whose expertise is a legacy from her grandparents, Ted and Mary Greig, pioneering rhododendron and alpine plant enthusiasts on Vancouver Island. She became an active member of the Nanaimo Rhododendron Society (NRS) in 1994. After her retirement as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Nanaimo she was free to pursue her love of rhododendrons while she grew her garden of several hundred rhododendrons, many native flowering plants, ferns, Japanese maples, dogwoods, primulas, and vegetables. Chris has judged rhododendrons for several gardening clubs and was honoured with the NRS Bronze medal in 2008. She serves on a committee that created the Greig Rhododendron Species Garden at Milner Gardens in Qualicum Beach and serves on the Milner Garden board of directors. Chris is currently Vice President of the Nanaimo Rhododendron Society and active Past President of the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners.