Sunday, May 6, 2012 – 11:00 to 2:30  

Caron Gardens is a one-acre rhododendron paradise on the north shore of Hotel Lake in Pender Harbour.  During May there are over 100 different varieties in bloom as well as a multitude of companion plants.   If you are new to SGC, the attached photo will give you an idea of what to expect during our annual visit to Ron and Carla Knight’s garden.

The schedule:

Leave Sechelt between 10:00 and 10:15 and bring your lunch (Ron and Carla will provide drinks and dessert).  Arrive at Caron Gardens by 11:00 and park on Beaumont Road.  At 11:15 Ron will give us a themed tour entitled, “How to Grow Great Rhododendrons”.  We’ll have an hour lunch break on the deck around 12:30 (in the classroom if it’s rainy).  During the lunch hour, you’ll have time to wander through the garden on your own or purchase rhododendrons (NB: SGC members have been asking for big leafed species rhodos, such as R. sinogrande, and for the fragrant Loderi King George.  Ron has both this year.)  At 1:30, Ron will do a seminar in the garden classroom, on Hydrangeas, with an emphasis on pruning.  Then we’ll wend our way home around 2:30.

Caron Gardens is easy to find.  Turn onto Garden Bay Road from the SC Hwy and then follow this map to 4622 Beaumont Road.  There will be a yellow sign on Irvines Landing Road where you need to turn onto Beaumont Road.