Message from the President
Dear Friends,
On Valentine’s Day, as I bask in the warmth of the sun and admire the vibrant bouquet on the table, I’m reminded of the joy this day brings—the feeling of being cherished and chosen. It’s an intense, focused celebration of love. Yet, in contrast, the fulfillment from volunteering offers a broader, more enduring sense of purpose. Rooted in the desire to contribute and connect with a larger community, volunteering fosters a deep sense of belonging and meaning. Unlike the exclusivity of romantic love, it emphasizes communal responsibility and creates a stable, lasting form of well-being.
This contrast came to mind recently when the editor of the Valley Voice asked me to share a brief statement about the history, activities, and sense of belonging within the Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society (CVRS). To capture the essence of the group, I turned to member Mary Pike, who summed it up beautifully: “The Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society – it’s really all about getting together, learning, and having fun with this intriguing plant.”
Volunteering is such a rewarding way to connect with others, share your passion, and make a meaningful impact. At the Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society (CVRS), we’re brought together by our love for gardening and rhododendrons, and volunteering gives us the chance to grow as a community while working toward a shared mission. It’s not just about the tasks—it’s about the friendships we build, the knowledge we share, and the joy of contributing to something bigger.
This spring, we have several wonderful opportunities for you to get involved:
April ARS Conference Preparation In April, we’ll be hosting a tour of some of our members’ beautiful gardens, including the Murrays’ “Misty View Farm,” Elisabeth Zoffmann’s sanctuary, Verna Buhler’s “Echoes of Nature,” and, in reserve, the Moseley’s “Marble Falls Garden.” To ensure these gardens look their best, we’ll need help with weeding, mulching, and other tasks. It’s a great way to showcase why the Cowichan Valley is such a special place for growing rhododendrons.
April 22-23: Conference Support We’re expecting 54 conference guests who will enjoy a catered lunch at Verna and George’s garden and home. Volunteers are needed to set up and take down tents and chairs, assist property owners by answering garden questions, and help carpool guests between gardens (lunch will be provided for drivers). It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and share your love for gardening.
May 1-2: Annual Plant Sale This fast-paced event is always a highlight of the year! We’ll need help preparing the site, setting up the truss show, answering questions, explaining membership, and selling and loading hundreds of rhododendrons and companion plants. This year, we’ll also be selling garden carts and extra books. It’s a fun and lively event that fosters camaraderie while raising funds for CVRS operations and donations. Lunch will be provided to keep everyone energized!
May 16: Public Open Garden Verna’s garden will be open to the public, and we’ll need volunteers to collect donations from our guests and answer questions about growing rhododendrons and joining CVRS. It’s a wonderful way to share your knowledge and passion with the community.
Annual General Meeting and Potluck Picnic To wrap up the season, we’ll come together for our AGM and potluck picnic. This is a time to celebrate our accomplishments, reflect on the strengths and skills we’ve gained, and enjoy good food and great company. It is also the time when we invite you to join the CVRS Executive Committee. We are looking for a venue for this party, but you will have the help of many hands. It’s the perfect way to end the season on a high note!
Volunteering with CVRS is more than just helping out—it’s about being part of a movement that creates positive change and strengthens our community. Together, we can continue to grow, learn, and make a difference. Let’s create those warm and fuzzy feelings—one garden at a time!
We look forward to seeing you at these events and working together to make them a success!
Dorothy Kennedy
President, CVRS