Vancouver Island’s Five Rhododendron Chapters hosted the very successful American Rhododendron Society 2026 Spring Conference
April 21 - 25, 2026
Events began in Victoria with garden tours and dinner hosted by the Victoria Rhododendron Society.
Rhododendron ‘Sun Silk’, a hybrid developed by Jim Barlup and is on display in the Jim Barlup Legacy Garden, one of the feature gardens on the ARS Convention Victoria garden tour.
On Thursday, April 23rd, guests toured three Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society members’ private gardens and enjoyed an outstanding luncheon in one of the gardens, catered by Step Up Catering.
Rhododendron ‘Sir Charles Lemon’ in a Cowichan Valley garden
Paeonia rockii in one garden in the ARS Cowichan Valley Garden Tour
Caterers setting up their special garden tour luncheon in one of the gardens.
The CVRS wishes to express a big THANK YOU to Chan, owner of the Tempo Gas Station at the intersection of Cowichan Lake Road and Tansor Connector. He allowed the CVRS to use his parking lot as a parking and launching point for the volunteers to transport international guests to the tour gardens. Chan, a pleasant fella to all, smiles and says,“Anything for the community.”
Events continued in Qualicum Beach Civic Centre with renowned speakers, Daniel Mosquin of UBC; Will Clausen, Steve Hootman, and Atsuko Gibson from The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden. This central venue included the plant sales, the truss show, a raffle draw, several lunches and a dinner.
Over 200 international guests attended the ARS Spring Convention on Vancouver Island
Guests enjoyed celebrating with the recipients of awards presented to highly deserving rhododendron persons who have made outstanding contributions to the mission of the rhododendron societies.
Alan Campbell, Silver Medal, Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society
Linda Derkach, Gold Medal, Mt. Arrowsmith Rhododendron Society
Bus tours of private gardens in Qualicum thru to Courtenay and Nanaimo took place all day Saturday, followed by a Farewell Dinner on Saturday night.
Overall, a highly successful and rewarding convention experience!