Rhododendron 'Mary Fleming'

'Mary Fleming' was named for the Secretary of the American Rhododendron Society New York Chapter, and a close friend of Guy Nearing. It was Mary who found the plant pictured above, (R. racemosum x R. keiskei) x R. keiskei. Guy had given her the small seedling. Mary was one of the initial members of the Tappan Zee Chapter.

Chapter History

The Tappan Zee Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society was founded over 47 years ago to encourage the culture of rhododendrons. The Chapter affords rhododendron enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy speakers and slide shows that address a wide range of topics. Members receive the quarterly, Journal of the American Rhododendron Society, obtain unusual plants through sales, auctions and prizes, attend garden tours, receive the Chapter newsletter, and interact with individuals who are expert in the propagation and maintenance of rhododendrons and azaleas.

The Chapter consists of about 40 members, ranging from novices to experts, drawn from a wide area of Southern New York State and Northern New Jersey, and welcomes new members. Meetings are preceded by either lunches or dinners and provide an occasion for social interaction with people who share a love for plants of the rhododendron genus. Please feel free to attend a meeting and see what the Tappan Zee Chapter is all about.

Guy Nearing was a pioneer developer of super-hardy small-leaved (lepidote) rhododendrons from the late 1920s into the late 1960s when he became regarded as a premier hybridizer and grower in the East. He operated nurseries in New Jersey, was a founding member of the New York Chapter (1951) and a member of the New Jersey Chapter. He began the Tappan Zee Chapter as a spin off from the New Jersey Chapter on February 28, 1962.

Current Tappan Chapter Officers