August 24, 2006 - 5:00pm
Malaspina University-College’s Cowichan campus is guaranteed a beautiful entrance for years, thanks to a donation from the Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society.
The society and Malaspina joined in a reception August 24 to celebrate the $500 donation, which put 23 hybrid rhododendrons of varying types in a cluster of evergreen shrubs surrounding the sign and entrance.
Cowichan campus Interim Principal Maria Lauridsen said the gift from the club was an example of how the community shares its skills to support post-secondary education in the Cowichan Valley. The plants will grow with the University-College and will move with the institution to the new facilities in 2010.
The plants were chosen at the society’s annual sale in May by Rhododendron Society founding member Peter Kearns and Sharon Tillie, Malaspina’s Instructional Director of Continuing Education. Although Tillie has now retired, she attended the August 24 reception.
When the rhododendrons were planted last spring by groundskeeper Gordon Howe and his crew, the University-College installed a plaque among the shrubs, acknowledging the donation. The bed is equipped with an underground sprinkling system and anti-theft measures.
"It stands as a first gift to the community," said Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Club president Ingeborg Woodsworth. Malaspina was chosen for the donation due to its location and high visibility within the community, which ensured many people would be able to enjoy the club’s gift.
Included in the donation were the following varieties: Hachman’s Marlis, Kalinka, Yaku Angel, Ernie Dee, Grace Seabrook, Aladdin, Bert Larson, Royston Red, Flora’s Boy, Mood Indigo, Fantastica, Graf Zeppelin, Horizon Monarch and Purple Lace.
Lauridsen said the campus prides itself on a warm and friendly setting, which is now enhanced by the shrubs.
"Their contribution has just added to the beautiful atmosphere we strive to maintain here," Lauridsen said.
Woodsworth hopes the donation will be the first of continuing community contributions by the 38-member club. The club is also creating a memorial rhododendron garden in Lake Cowichan.
Established 17 years ago, the club meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month in St. John’s Anglican Church, 486 Jubilee Street, Duncan. Visitors and new members are always welcome. For information, contact Woodsworth at 749-6291.
Tags: In the Community
