I recently had the privilege of attending the American Rhododendron Society Convention in Bellingham, Washington.
Pukeiti's Andrew Brooker at the American Rhododendron Society Convention. Photo by Dr Ling Hu
This event was a fantastic opportunity to expand my knowledge, network with a large group of passionate experts and enthusiasts and learn from their experiences. Alongside attending lectures and field trips, I participated in a poster presentation series, showcasing our achievements at Pukeiti and throughout New Zealand with the Rhododendron Conservation Project.
The trip also included a visit to Milner Garden on Vancouver Island, a restoration and conservation project managed by the University of Victoria, British Columbia. Having been involved with this project from afar, it was invaluable to visit the garden in person and learn more about their goals. This visit has opened new opportunities for our project (ex-situ conservation strategy for the genus Rhododendron) to engage further in international conservation efforts. We will be contributing advice and providing seeds of endangered rhododendron species to be grown in another ex-situ (conserving something outside of its natural habitat) setting, bolstering global conservation initiatives.
Back at Pukeiti, our nursery is bustling with activity as we prepare plants for dissemination to partner sites around New Zealand. Deliveries are planned for August and October, ensuring that our conservation efforts continue to thrive and expand across the country.
These experiences and collaborations highlight the importance of global conservation efforts and the role that Pukeiti plays in preserving rhododendrons for future generations. We remain committed to our mission and look forward to continuing our work with both local and international partners.
Andrew Brooker
Rhododendron Collection and Projects Officer