Where and When Does the Nanaimo Rhododendron Society Hold Its Regular Meetings?

Updated

The Nanaimo Rhododendron Society (NRS) holds its regular meetings at Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Road, in Nanaimo, and they are evening events, typically running 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Dates vary month to month, so confirm the next one on the society's Upcoming Events calendar before you go.

Meeting Basics at a Glance

Item Detail
Location Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo
Typical time 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Frequency Regular meetings listed roughly monthly
Membership Apply at a regular meeting
Affiliation Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society

How to Confirm a Meeting Date

  1. Open the NRS website and go to the Upcoming Events section (there is also a "View Calendar" link).
  2. Find the entry labelled "Regular meeting" for the month you plan to attend.
  3. Note the date, start time, and any listed speaker — for example, the calendar shows a regular meeting on November 12 at 7:00 pm–9:00 pm and another on January 14 at the same hours.
  4. Check whether a speaker is scheduled, since some meetings feature presentations (the calendar lists, for instance, a February meeting with speaker Hunter Jarrett and a March meeting with Christine Quist).

What Else Happens at Beban Park and Nearby

Not every event at the meeting location is an evening meeting. The calendar also lists daytime Hailey Grove Work Parties, often 9:00 am–12:00 pm (some start at 9:00 am and end at 11:30 am), plus seasonal events such as a Christmas Auction on December 3 at 7:00 pm–9:00 pm. If you are planning a first visit, match the event name to what you want to attend — a work party is outdoor volunteering, not a regular meeting.

Joining and Getting Involved

The society asks prospective members to apply for membership at a regular meeting, so attending one is the practical first step. Its stated purpose is to introduce members and the public to rhododendrons through meetings, garden tours, and flower shows, and to connect people with similar interests. The NRS was established in September 1992 and is one of seven American Rhododendron Society chapters in British Columbia.

Common Pitfalls

  • Assuming a fixed weekday: the calendar shows meetings on different days of the week, so check each month rather than relying on a pattern.
  • Confusing work parties with meetings: both appear in the same event list but differ in time and activity.
  • Arriving without confirming: speakers and dates can change; the Upcoming Events list is the authoritative source shown on the site.

For anything beyond meeting logistics — membership benefits, garden tours, or flower shows — the site points to its "All about us" page, a membership benefits link, and its Facebook page.