NZ Rhododendron Conference in Nelson 2018
The high point of the year is the NZRA Conference held in late October or early November alternating between the North and South Island.
The welcome to the "Garden Delights of Nelson and Tasman" was the forerunner to a wonderful four days in 2018, with Nelson laying claim to being the sunniest region in NZ. The pre-conference one day outing went into the renowned Abel Tasman National Park with a launch trip from the gorgeous Kaiteriteri Beach.
Of much interest at each conference is the bloom display, set up at the official venue.
A "meet and greet"preceded the "Opening Ceremony" followed by two days and a third morning of garden visits and places of interest interspersed with gardening related talks and the AGM.
This year we travelled widely viewing unique growing conditions in several niche climates. The gardens varied from manicured perfection with the view extending out over a golf course, to a woodland haven around a lake, to beautiful gardens overlooking, or close to, the sea. Plants-people gardens included a former nursery, and owners with specialised interests which presented rare and unusual plantings. Sites ranged from steep hillsides, to undulating ground, to small exquisite creations on flat land.
The quality of these properties was outstanding and we thank and appreciate the generosity of the owners.