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EnglishWhat Is the Purpose of the Nanaimo Rhododendron Society?
Updated
The Nanaimo Rhododendron Society (NRS) exists to introduce members and the public to rhododendrons through meetings, garden tours, and flower shows, and to give people with similar interests a chance to meet. If you grow rhododendrons on Vancouver Island or are simply curious about them, the society is set up for exactly that kind of participation. It was established in September 1992, is affiliated with the American Rhododendron Society, and is one of seven chapters in British Columbia — five on Vancouver Island and two in the Lower Mainland.
What the society says it is for
The stated purpose covers three things at once:
- Education and exposure — bringing rhododendrons to the attention of both members and the general public.
- Activities as the method — regular meetings, garden tours, and flower shows are the formats used to do this.
- Community — providing an opportunity to meet people who share an interest in these plants.
That combination means the society is not only a lecture series or only a garden club; the social side is written into its purpose, not left as a side effect.
How the purpose shows up in practice
The clearest evidence is the events calendar, which mixes hands-on work with talks and social gatherings:
| Event type | Example from the calendar | What it suggests |
|---|---|---|
| Work party | Hailey Grove Work Party, 9:00–11:30 am, Nov 10, 2026 | Members care for a shared garden site, not just talk about plants |
| Regular meeting | Nov 12, 2026, 7:00–9:00 pm | The recurring core of the society |
| Social/fundraising | Christmas Auction, Dec 3, 2026, 7:00–9:00 pm | A community event beyond formal meetings |
| Speaker meetings | Feb 11, 2027 with Hunter Jarrett; Mar 11, 2027 with Christine Quist | Programming that brings in outside expertise |
Regular meetings run at Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Road, in Nanaimo. The calendar also shows work parties continuing into 2027, so the schedule is maintained rather than a one-off list.
Who it is for
The purpose points to two audiences: existing members and the public. Practically, that includes:
- Local growers who want seasonal, climate-relevant advice — the chapter structure means programming is rooted in BC growing conditions rather than generic guidance.
- Beginners who want to see plants and hear speakers before committing to a collection.
- People who prefer doing to listening — the work parties at Hailey Grove are an entry point that does not require plant expertise.
- Anyone looking for like-minded company — the social goal is explicit, so attending a meeting to meet people is consistent with the society's stated aim.
How to get involved
The site directs prospective members to apply for membership at the next regular meeting, and points to a separate page explaining the benefits of joining. It also maintains a Facebook presence and a calendar page for upcoming events. If you want to judge fit before joining, attending a regular meeting or a work party first is the most direct way to see whether the meetings, tours, and shows match what you are looking for.
One caveat: the site does not publish membership fees or a joining process beyond "apply at the next regular meeting," so confirm details in person or through the society's Facebook page rather than assuming an online sign-up exists.