If you're serious about plants … aroids to water lilies

Sunset, May, 1985

The image of a specially plant society as a social club is decidedly offbase today.

Though members of these groups do enjoy themselves, the organizations are serious resources for gardeners interested in particular plants. These societies often conduct or sponsor scientific research, collecting expeditions, conservation projects, symposiums, new-variety testing, and similar activities.

If you're fond of a plant or plant family, you may want to join one of these societies. Membership can provide you with detailed how-to-grow information, advice on cultural problems, access to hard-to-find species and varieties, a regular magazine or other publications, and new friends with similar gardening interests. Members include men and women in a wide range of ages and professions; in most groups, botanists, nursery staffers, and advanced amateur growers share their knowledge with other enthusiasts in publications or by letter.

A branch or chapter of a society, if there is one near you, provides the additional advantage of in-person consultation about your plants. When you write about joining, ask where your nearest chapter is.

Then visit a meeting or two before joining. Don't be shy about approaching members and asking questions. A typical meeting might include a guest speaker; a plant sale or giveaway; a lesson on identification, growing, or grooming; and questions and answers on seasonal plant care.

If there's no chapter near you, see if the society provides services such as "round-robin" correspondence groups or the addresses of members living nearby. Plant society members often welcome visits to discuss techniques and to exchange plants or seeds.

These societies vary in size from 100 to 30,000 members. When you write, it's a good idea to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Aroids to water lilies . . .

our guide to 62 plant societies

We list societies devoted to plants that westerners grow outdoors, in summer or all year. Dues and addresses can change.

Aroids (including caladium, calla, dieffenbachia, and philodendron). International Aroid Society. A chapter meets in San Diego. Monthly newsletter, quarterly journal. Dues $12. Box 43-1853, South Miami, fla. 33143.

Azaleas. Azalea Society of America. A chapter meets in Oregon. Quarterly magazine. Dues $15. Alice Holland, Box 6244, Silver Spring, Md. 20906.

Bamboo. American Bamboo Society. Chapters throughout the West. Bimonthly newsletter, journal published two to four times yearly, bamboo source list. Dues $12. Richard Haubrich, 1101 San Leon Court, Solana Beach, Calif. 92075.

Begonias. American Begonia Society. Branches throughout the West. Bimonthly magazine, occasional newsletters for atlarge members, begonia-growing books and leaflets. Dues $10. Pearl Benell, 10331 Colima Rd., Whittier, Calif. 90604.

Bonsai. American Bonsai Society. No chapters. Quarterly journal, newsletter published three times a year. Dues $18. Anne Moyle, Box 358, Keene, N.H. 03431. Bonsai Clubs International. Affiliated clubs across the West. Bimonthly magazine. Dues $15. Virginia Ellermann, 800 W. Virginia St., #501, Tallahassee, Fla. 32304.

Boxwood. American Boxwood Society. No chapters. Quarterly bulletin. Dues $10. Box 85, Boyce, Va. 02260.

Bromeliads. The Bromeliad Society. Several chapters in the West. Bimonthly journal, bromeliad-growing handbook. Dues $15. Write to 2488 E. 49th St., Tulsa, Okla. 74105.

Bulbs (amaryllis and related plants). American Plant Life Society. No chapters. Quarterly newsletter, yearbook. Dues $10. Box 150, La Jolla, Calif. 92038.

Cactus (see Succulents).

Camellias. American Camellia Society. Affiliated local societies throughout the West. Quarterly magazine, yearbook. Dues $12.50. Milton H. Brown, Box 1217, Fort Valley, Ga. 31030.

International Camellia Society. No chapters. Annual newsletter and journal. Dues $9. Thomas Perkins III, 405 Perkins Dr., Brookhaven, Miss. 39601.

Southern California Camellia Society. Quarterly magazine. Dues $15. Box 50525, Pasadena 91105.

Carnivorous plants. International Carnivorous Plant Society. No local chapters. Quarterly magazine. Dues $10. Pat Hansen, fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton, Calif. 92635.

Chrysanthemums. National Chrysanthemum Society. Chapters throughout the West. Quarterly magazine, handbooks. Dues $8.50. B.L. Markham, 2612 Beverly Blvd., Roanoke, Va. 24015.

Citrus. Indoor Citrus and Rare Fruit Society. No chapters. Quarterly newsletter, plant source lists. Dues $10. Write to 176 Coronado Ave., Los Altos, Calif. 94022.

Cycads. Cycad Society. No Chapters. Quarterly newsletter. Dues $10. David Mayo, 1161 Phyllis Court, Mountain View, Calif. 94040.

Dahlias. American Dahlia Society. Affiliated local societies throughout the West. Quarterly bulletin. Dues $8. Michael Martinolich, 159 Pine St., New Hyde Park, N.Y. 11040.

Daylilies. American Hemerocallis Society. No chapters. Quarterly journal, regional newsletters. Dues $12.50. Sandy Goembel, Route 5, Box 6874, Palatka, Fla. 32077.