Message from the President
Hi Friends,
It is truly magnificent to behold the sun after what feels like an endless stretch of dreary weather. As I flip through my garden journal, I’m reminded that this time of year has often been marked by a blanket of snow, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. But now, the sun’s warmth feels like a gentle reminder of how much our world is changing—and how climate change is reshaping the landscapes we love.
The topic at hand is significant and has been featured prominently in publications like The New York Times and The Guardian. Farmers worldwide are adapting to rapid climate change by planting and harvesting earlier in the year, as crops are maturing more quickly. For instance, some varieties of wine grapes in northern France are now being harvested four weeks earlier than they were just 40 years ago. The Cowichan Valley is increasingly referred to as “Napa North” due to its changing climate, which has become ideal for vineyards.
However, it’s not just crops that are affected. Rising minimum temperatures are allowing some species to thrive in areas where they previously could not survive, while others are being pushed out of their traditional habitats. This situation raises concerns about invasive species disrupting ecosystems.
Rhododendrons are also being impacted by these changes. They are experiencing significant shifts in their growth locations and diversity. These changes are reshaping the spatial patterns of Rhododendron species. Studies show that climate change is concentrating them in certain areas, especially in the mountainous regions of southwestern and southern China. These cooler microclimates are becoming critical for their survival, but unfortunately, many of these areas are not well-protected as nature reserves, which raises questions about their future.
As we face the challenges of a warming planet, it’s essential to enhance our conservation efforts to protect the rich biodiversity of Rhododendrons and their vital ecological roles in the regions they inhabit. That’s why I’m thrilled about the upcoming ARS Conference in Qualicum this April! There will be exciting talks on how to cultivate drought- and heat-tolerant Rhododendrons and companion plants in our gardens. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from experts and get inspired about adapting our gardens to thrive in a changing climate. I hope you’ll join us—it promises to be a fun and informative event!
Dorothy Kennedy
CVRS President