What Gardens, Historic Camellias, and Articles Can I Explore on the ICS Website?

The International Camellia Society (ICS) website organizes its public-facing content into three main areas you can browse without an account: Gardens of Excellence (listed by region), historic camellia and conservation resources, and an articles/journal archive that includes congress proceedings. Each area has its own navigation path, and the site is available in multiple languages (Deutsch, English, Español, Français, 日本語, Português, 中文).

Gardens of Excellence

The ICS recognizes outstanding camellia gardens worldwide and lists them by region. On the site you can browse:

Two additional pages sit alongside these listings:

• Conditions for Garden of Excellence — the criteria a garden must meet to be recognized.
• GoE – Status PROPOSED — gardens currently under consideration.

If you want to visit a recognized garden or understand why a particular garden qualifies, start with the regional list and then read the conditions page to see what the recognition actually requires.

Historic Camellias and Conservation

The site has a dedicated section for historic camellia material, including:

• Committee for Historic Camellia Conservation — the body overseeing this work.
• Historical Ornamental Tree Awards and Applications for Global Awards for Historic Ornamental Camellia Trees — the award framework and how applications are submitted.
• Genesis of the Apoliu declaration — background on a related conservation declaration.
• Historic Camellias — a special-interest page under the Articles section.

This area is useful if you are documenting an old camellia, preparing an award application, or researching conservation of historic ornamental trees.

Articles, Journal Archive, and Congress Proceedings

The Articles section collects longer-form and reference material:

• Congress Proceedings — papers from ICS congresses (recent events listed include Japan 2025, Italy 2023, Nantes 2018, and Dali 2016).
• Call for Paper — submission information for proceedings.
• Journal Archive — a searchable archive of the ICS journal.
• Historical Articles — older articles of continuing interest.
• Showing Camellias — guidance for showing.

You can search the Journal Archive directly, which is the fastest route if you are looking for a specific cultivar, garden, or historical topic rather than browsing by section.

Related Reference Material on the Same Site

While exploring the above, you will also encounter:

• International Camellia Register and Camellia Species Registering a Camellia — registration resources.
• Identification & DNA, Grafting and Propagation, Hybridisation, Yellow Camellias, and Caring for Camellias + FAQs — practical and scientific guides.
• Books — including a Sasanqua book and books by Dr George Orel.

These are separate from the three areas above but are frequently linked from the same navigation, so they are worth knowing about if your interest in gardens or historic camellias leads you toward cultivation or identification questions.

Practical Notes

• The site supports language switching via a selector (Deutsch, English, Español, Français, 日本語, Português, 中文), so garden and article pages may be available in your preferred language.
• Garden listings distinguish between "Gardens of Excellence" and "Other Gardens & Parks" in Europe and the Americas; the other regions list Gardens of Excellence only.
• No pricing or login requirement is indicated for browsing these sections in the available site information; member login and joining are separate functions.