Rain or shine, Mount Arrowsmith Rhododendron Society (MARS) will kick off the gardening season with its annual Rhododendron Show and Sale at the Parksville Curling Club arena on Saturday, April 21, in conjunction with its judged flower show.
Doors open at 10 a.m. and the sale runs through 2 p.m. Admission and advice is free, and snacks available.
The annual event has become popular with local garden enthusiasts who are often looking for a specific plant or advice from successful propagators. Besides rhodos, vendors will be selling companion plants, Japanese maples and unusual perennials, to name a few.
About a dozen vendors will take part. MARS will have its own table.
The flower show is open to the entire community; anyone can enter a bloom but should read the rules first.
This year, after a long, rainy period and the growing season so far behind, many are wondering if there will be enough plants in bloom to make a showing. However usually they come through at the last minute.
Contact: Marilyn Dawson 250-752-3694 or chair Guy and Kathy Loyer at 250-238-0138 or kathyloyer@telus.net
— NEWS staff and MARS submission