Join us at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens on Tuesday, April 7 when Charles (Charlie) Andrews will be our speaker. Charlie has been studying North American azaleas in the field and the literature for over 50 years. He writes and speaks on azalea topics and is currently writing a book on the history and characteristics of this complex but underused group of plants. Charlie is a retired Georgia Tech engineer, whose life-long hobby of trout fishing introduced him many years ago to native azaleas (often found along North Georgia’s trout streams). This is a subject about which he wants to learn everything possible. With notebook, jeweler’s loupe, and camera in hand, Charlie roams the woods in search of native azaleas in their natural habitat. He is fortunate to have had properties with many thousands of them, including amazing swarms of hybrids. His garden is filled with Ericaceae and other, mostly native, plants. Charlie is the immediate past president of the Azalea Society of America and serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of The Azalean, the journal of the Azalea Society. He is an active member and past president of the Azalea Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society.

Charlie’s presentation will be held in the Hughes Pavilion at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens at 6:00 p.m. Parking is available in the west lot and in the lot adjacent to the Hughes. It’s free for Memphis Horticulture members, but guests are asked to make a $5 donation at the door. Join us at 5:30 p.m. for refreshments and visiting with friends. We always appreciate contributions to the refreshment table.