2016 Mason-Dixon Rhododendron Show & Sale

Like many of the chapters of the American Rhododendron Society, the Mason-Dixon Chapter holds a flower show every spring, highlighting the azaleas and rhododendrons that are blooming at the time. Due to the mysteries of Mother Nature, the display varies from year to year, changing if the season is early, average or late.

In 2016, we will again be holding two shows. Our first one will be on Saturday, May 14, at the Vollmer Center at Cylburn Arboretum in Baltimore. We will be open from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.

The highlight of the event will be the chapter’s annual truss show, featuring flowers from many different varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas. In addition to ribbons, a number of prizes will be awarded to the top entries, including the “People’s Choice Award,” decided by the popular vote of all attendees.

Cylbiirn Arboretum is located at 4915 Greenspring Avenue. Baltimore, Maryland 21209. For those of you not familiar with the area, the easiest way to get there is probably Interstate 83. Get off at the Northern Parkway exit and head west. Turn left at Greenspring Avenue by Sinai Hospital and left again into Cylburn. There are also directions on Cylburn’s website.

Our second show will be two weeks later, Saturday, May 28, at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 2205 Old Liberty Road, Eldersburg, Maryland. The hours will be from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Having the two shows will allow us to display different plants at the height of their blooming season and also to introduce rhododendrons and azaleas to some people who were not able to attend the earlier show. (The church youth group will have coffee and doughnuts for sale for early comers and will be serving lunch around noon.) There will be a truss show at this event as well, featuring a different group of azaleas and rhododendrons. This show will not be judged, but the winners will be chosen by all the people attending.

Expert advice and educational materials will be available at both shows, and rhododendrons, azaleas, and numerous companion plants, such as hostas, hollies, and numerous perennials, will be offered for sale by the chapter and selected vendors. And of course, we will have our ever-popular club table where you will find all sorts of interesting items.There should be a number of native plants available as well.