Upcoming Meetings & Events
CVRS Monthly Meeting - November
Presentation: The History of Rhododendrons on Vancouver Island with Bernie Dinter
Join Bernie Dinter of Dinter Nursery for a look back at the history of rhododendrons on Vancouver Island and the people, nurseries and gardens that helped shape their place in the Island’s horticultural landscape.
Annual Christmas Party - Date/Location TO BE CONFIRMED
Gather with fellow members for a festive evening of good company, seasonal cheer, and friendship as we celebrate the year together and look forward to another year of gardens, rhododendrons, and shared experiences ahead.
More details to come as they are confirmed. RSVP will be required.
Zoom Event: A Plantman’s Tour of a Few Choice Celtic Gardens with Steve Hootman
From the comfort of your home, grab yourself a glass of wine or a tea, put on your slippers, and enjoy a winter night exploring the Celtic Gardens with Curator Steve Hootman of the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden.
CVRS members only.
Registration is required.
Monthly Meeting - February
The February meeting is scheduled for a Sunday afternoon to accommodate daylight travel.
More details on the presentation to be confirmed.
ANNUAL PLANT SALE
Every year the Society members host a sale of their prized plants! Rhododendrons of course, and much more.
Gentian, Ferns, Hellebores, Epimediums, Dwarf Irises, Heuchera, Lilies, Hosta, Peonies, Primulas, Euphorbia, Anemones, are just a few among so many more!
CVRS SUMMER PICNIC - DATE/TIME/LOCATION TO BE CONFIRMED
Location, Date, and Time are all TO BE CONFIRMED.
Following the fabulous food, celebrations, and merriment, a short AGM to set up for next fall.
Rhododendron Propagation Workshop
Carrie & Richard Nelson will open their garden and welcome CVRS members to tour it, review the propagation process, and take cuttings home.
Members only. Rain or shine.
Located in Shawnigan Lake
Limited to 15 participants.
Please call 250-710-5101 to confirm your attendance by October 7th and for the address.
CVRS Monthly Meeting - October
Could the cutting you propagate today help preserve a rhododendron for the future? Learn from propagation expert Lloyd Gilmore. We can help protect diversity, preserve special varieties, and build a living legacy of rhododendrons to enjoy for generations.
CVRS Monthly Meeting - September
Welcome Back Gathering
Starting the season with good friends, conversations, and a love for the garden.
CVRS SUMMER PICNIC
Following the fabulous food, celebrations, and merriment, a short AGM to set up for next fall.
You may wish to consider volunteering for a position on the Executive. This is where your ideas and experiences are welcomed, and wonderful camaraderie develops.
CVRS Public Garden Tour
CVRS is offering a member’s private garden for Public Viewing in mid-May.
Admission is by donation. Suggested donation: $5
Echoes of Nature, is a 2-acre garden, with a diverse selection of trees, over 600 rhododendrons, woodland plants along winding pathways, peonies and irises, vegetable and cutting gardens, and a small vineyard.
Guests are invited to wander, relax, and sit and chat in various parts of the garden.
Nelson Open Garden Tour: for CVRS Members Only
CVRS members are asked to visit early, as another garden club tour is scheduled for 2-4pm.
For safety, please park well away from the entrance driveway on Baldy Mtn. Rd, which is on the crest of a hill.
Folks with mobility issues may drive in and park past the shop, or by the greenhouse.
Lost? Call Carrie at (250) 710-5101
CVRS Monthly Meeting - May
The regular Wednesday monthly meeting for May 2026, has been changed to Saturday, May 9, 2026. This meeting will be a workshop on pruning rhododendrons — when, why, and how. The Pruning Workshop will include both theory and hands-on instruction.
The workshop will be held at a member’s garden. Click to learn more.
CRSV ANNUAL PLANT SALE
Every year the Society members host a sale of their prized plants! Rhododendrons of course, and much more.
Gentian, Ferns, Hellebores, Epimediums, Dwarf Irises, Heuchera, Lilies, Hosta, Peonies, Primulas, Euphorbia, Anemones, are just a few among so many more!
Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society Tour 3 of the ARS Spring Convention
Three Cowichan Valley Gardens and Lunch
ARS 2026 Spring Convention
When you register for the ARS Convention in Qualicum Beach, you may also choose to attend some or all of the pre- and post-convention garden tours. Each day of garden tours is individually priced. Dinners are optional and very reasonably priced so please plan to join us!
Every day will offer spectacular gardens and fun activities for participants.
CVRS Monthly Meeting - April
Informed Choices When Selecting Rhododendrons for Your Garden
with Alan Campbell
CVRS Monthly Meeting - March
Care and Sharpening of Your Gardening Tools
Sean Rustemeyer is the owner of Soil ‘N Green Landscaping based in Nanaimo, B.C. His company uses ecological practices such as working with zero emission battery powered equipment, installing native plant gardens that promote biodiversity and gardening without the use of synthetic pesticides.
FEBRUARY MEETING
Monthly Meetings
Monthly Meetings are held at 7-9pm on the first Wednesday of February, March, April, May, September, October and November at The Hub, 2375 Koksilah Road in Cobble Hill.
Special Monthly Events
Annual Celebratory Events:
Christmas Gathering in December
Summer Picnic in June
Special Zoom Meetings are offered in January and February to enable members to enjoy camaraderie and sharing from their homes despite early darkness and challenging weather conditions.
Barrie Agar
presents
The Intrepid Plant Hunters – A Dangerous Life
Get ready to be captivated by the daring adventures and fascinating legacy of rhododendron enthusiasts
As you gaze upon the serene expanse of your garden, you may not be aware that plant life from all over the globe is spread out before you. Our common garden plants are from every corner of the earth, and the searchers for botanical treasure risked life and limb to bring them home.
Join us Sunday for the stories and adventures of some of these hunters who braved the far reaches of the known world, and in doing so furthered botanical, medical, and geographic knowledge because of their discoveries.
Monthly Meeting
Our monthly chapter meetings are held at The Hub, 2375 Koksilah Road, Duncan, B.C. on the first Wednesday of September, October, November, February, March,
April, and May – starting at 7:00 pm.