Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society

04/06/2026

🌸 Some colours simply refuse to be photographed. 📷 💜

"Standing in the garden this morning, I found myself once again trying to capture the incredible purple-blue blooms of Rhododendron ‘Florence Parkes’. Every photo falls short. The camera sees purple, but in person, there is a richness and depth to the blue that seems to exist somewhere between colour and light.
Tucked quietly behind the fragrant blooms of ‘Point Defiance’, it almost feels like a hidden treasure. One of those garden moments that rewards slowing down, looking a little closer, and appreciating something that can only truly be experienced in person."
–Verna Buhler, CVRS Member

Do you have a similar Rhodo in your garden that evades its true colours in photos? We would love to see them, and if anyone has any tips or apps they use to capture the true colours, let us know in the comments.

02/06/2026

🌸 What keeps a gardening society thriving?

It isn't just the spectacular blooms, beautiful gardens, or successful events. It's the people who open their gates, volunteer their time, share their knowledge, and welcome newcomers into the fold.

In her June message, CVRS President Dorothy Kennedy reflects on a season filled with generosity, growing membership, successful garden tours, and the friendships that make the Society so special.

She also shares an important reminder: you don't need to be a rhododendron expert to play a meaningful role in helping the Society grow.

If you've ever wondered what makes CVRS more than just a gardening club, this month's President's Message is well worth a read.

🌿 Read the June Newsletter and discover why community may be the most valuable thing we grow. https://loom.ly/yxHso90

As many of you know, our recent Open Garden Tour at Verna Buhler’s beautiful Echoes of Nature garden was a great success, both socially and financially. The event not only provided a wonderful opportunity to share our passion for rhododendrons and gardening with the public, but it also helped offs

01/06/2026

This looks like a workshop everyone should attend. As the climate in the Valley changes year over year, knowing how to create welcoming and resilient spaces that protect our homes, communities, and wild spaces is essential. Thank you, Dinter Nursery, for creating this thoughtful seminar.

Join us Saturday, June 13th at 10 am for a FREE seminar on Wildfire Resilient Gardening. No registration required!

01/06/2026

June is one of the most rewarding months in the garden. The rhododendrons have put on their spring show, companion plants are stepping into the spotlight, and gardeners are already thinking ahead to what comes next.

The June CVRS Newsletter is now available online and is packed with timely seasonal advice, including what to do after your rhododendrons finish blooming, companion plants, trees and shrubs that pair beautifully with rhodos, and how to respond when serious diseases show up in your hostas.

You'll also find details about our upcoming Summer Picnic and Annual General Meeting. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow gardeners, share ideas, and learn more about becoming part of the Society.

Whether you're growing a few rhododendrons or building an entire garden around them, there's something waiting for you in this month's newsletter. 🌿
Visit: https://www.cowichanrhodos.ca/newsletters

Interested in joining us? New members are always welcome.

*Photo 📷: Rhododendron ‘Rose Tango’ Jim Barlup Hybrid*

22/05/2026

Look at these beautiful blooms at The Butchart Gardens! 🤩🤩🤩💗💗🌸
For a lot of rhododendron gardeners, this is where your dreams find their roots.
If you have any interest in gardening at all, you must go while the Rhododendrons are in bloom with their vibrant colours and bright combinations… and then join the Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society to learn how to start and grow your own wonderful garden. 🪏 🌸🪏

21/05/2026

Why do some rhododendron gardens feel so layered, lush, and full of colour long after the main blooms fade? 🌸🌿

One of the secrets is companion planting.

This month’s newsletter explores how species peonies can completely change the feel of a rhododendron garden, adding texture, contrast, and a second wave of seasonal interest in sunnier spaces.

Some pairings are subtle. Others stop you in your tracks.

🔗 Read the full article and discover which peonies work beautifully alongside rhodos. https://loom.ly/BmV5Bdg

Rhododendrons are brilliantly colourful, attracting much attention in spring gardens. This fabulous garden colour can be enhanced and extended with the addition of species Paeonia growing in the sunnier borders.

19/05/2026

In April, the Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society was excited and honoured to welcome international guests during the 2026 American Rhododendron Society Conference 🌸

Visitors toured beautiful private Cowichan Valley gardens, enjoyed an incredible luncheon catered by Step Up Catering, and experienced the generosity of community support along the way, including parking assistance from Chan at Tempo Gas Station, who simply said, “Anything for the community.”

From expert speakers and award celebrations to incredible community support, the week showcased the passion behind Vancouver Island’s rhododendron community.

The full article shares photos and highlights from this memorable event on Vancouver Island 🌿

🔗 Read more: https://loom.ly/ilEwB5M

16/05/2026

A big thank you to CVRS members Verna and George for opening their incredible garden to the public today 🌿

With more than 600 rhododendrons and companion plants in bloom, every pathway felt like a new discovery. It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday in the Valley, and the weather cooperated… mostly. ☁️🌸

A special thank you as well to the CVRS members who volunteered their time today, welcoming visitors, answering questions, and helping make the tour such a warm and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Thank you to everyone who came out, explored the garden, and supported the Society through donations. Your support helps CVRS continue growing a welcoming community rooted in gardens, learning, friendship, and a shared love of rhododendrons.

14/05/2026

A member sent some videos of the bees 🐝 enjoying their rhododendron blooms!
What rhododendrons are the bees loving in your garden?