Native Azaleas – and More Native Azaleas – a Propagation Demonstration
and Nursery Visit with Jim Gears of Pennsbury Gardens

Native azaleas are often under-utilized in the landscape. They offer bloom times from early spring to late summer, many are fragrant, and they have blooms ranging from soft pastels to vibrant reds and oranges. So, if you’re not already a native azalea enthusiast, it’s time to get on board. If you already have native azaleas in your landscape, perhaps you’d like to have more – at little to no cost. Both are good reasons to join us at Pennsbury Gardens to learn all about native azaleas from Jim Gears, local azalea expert and the owner of Pennsbury Gardens. Jim will give a demonstration and talk on propagating native azaleas. This is not a hands-on workshop, so although you will not be taking home propagated azaleas, you will leave with the basic knowledge of how to propagate your native azaleas at home.

Pennsbury Gardens is a wholesale nursery growing native azaleas, rhododendrons, and evergreen azaleas. A number of native wildflowers and ferns for shade are also available, including many Trillium species and other treasures. The nursery was started by Jim Gears over 30 years ago as a hobby and grew into the business it is today. Although the nursery is open to the trade by appointment only, you will be able to purchase plants during our visit. You’ll also want to take time to stroll through the beautiful mature rhododendrons, azaleas, and wildflowers in the gardens that surround the nursery.

To get a glimpse at some of the many fascinating colors and forms that native azaleas can bring to your garden, check out this article by HPS member Carol Verhake. In the article Carol notes that: “While many of the plants I’ve highlighted are difficult to find in the trade, I’m happy to introduce my mid-Atlantic friends to Jim Gears, a local Azalea expert who owns Pennsbury Gardens, a specialty nursery in West Chester, PA.”

The hardy Hardy Plant attendees may want to make the most of their trip to Chester County by spending the afternoon at the newly expanded Longwood Gardens – just 10 minutes from Pennsbury Gardens. There are also lots of good eateries in the area.

This event is for Members only. Registration is required. The cost is $5 per person. Maximum number of guests is 10. If there is sufficient interest, a second session may be added at 2-4 PM.

Registration opens April 2nd after 8:00pm and closes May 12^th. Click here if you would like to become a member of HPS/MAG before registering for this event.

This is a rain or shine event. Bring an umbrella for light rain. Wear comfy footwear.

Address and parking directions will be sent to all registrants in their confirmation email.

Contact: Laura Axel at [email protected]