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Smith-Mossman Western Azalea Garden
Dedication
On June 9, 2000, the Smith-Mossman Western Azalea Display Garden which
features over 200 selections of a Western Azalea single species (Rhododendron
occidentale) was dedicated with Britt and Jean Smith
unveiling the commemorative plaque.
How
the Garden Came About
Starting about 30 years ago and spanning a 15-year time period, Britt
Smith now a retired Boeing airplane designer, and his
good friend, Dr.
Frank Mossman of Vancouver, WA, collected and documented cuttings of
the very
fragrant,
abundantly-flowered Western Azalea in the wilds of northern
California
and southern Oregon. Of interest to them was the collection and
propagation of breeding material for use in hybridizing experiments.
The two men, both active in the Rhododendron Species Foundation located
in Federal Way, planted these azalea cuttings in their own gardens.
However, in 1997 when the Smiths decided to sell their Kent East Hill
acreage, the azaleas' fate was in question. Fortunately, an agreement
to help the buyer and developer with the wetland restoration of the
property in exchange for the azalea collection was worked out.
Arboretum board members and
dedicated volunteers contributed
countless hours to the vision and
planning it took to make this garden a reality. (Britt Smith's photo
is on the left.)
Today
To enhance this picturesque garden, the Reflections Pond has been
completed.
The garden is now being expanded with Dr. Mossman's azalea
collection that has recently been gifted to the Arboretum. (Dr. Frank
Mossman's photo is on the right.)
The grants and generous donations from the City of Maple
Valley, King County, and interested individuals, now allow Maple Valley
to boast about having one of the largest collections of R.
occidentale
in the world.
Photo
Gallery
Click on www.smith-mossman.net
to view photos that relate to the Smith-Mossman collection of azaleas.
Return to Home Page
Email:
Info@LakeWildernessArboretum.org
Address: SKCAF, Box 72, Maple Valley,
WA 98038
Location: 22520 SE 248th Street in south King County, WA,
USA
Phones: 425.413.2572 or 206.366.2125
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