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.

Bernie grew up immersed in gardening, helping his father, Bernhard Dinter, care for the extensive gardens at Shawnigan Lake School. After earning a degree in Plant Science from UBC in 1976, Bernie joined his parents at Dinter Nursery and has managed nursery operations since the early 1990s. Today, he brings decades of horticultural experience and a deep connection to gardening in the Cowichan Valley.

A sought-after speaker and longtime gardening educator, Bernie believes that “Every plant has a story to tell.” This presentation offers an opportunity to hear some of those stories and explore the rhododendron history that has taken root here on Vancouver Island.