First meeting of the year, which welcomes Elaine Sedlack and her power point presentation: "Frank Kingdon-Ward: Connoisseur Plant Collector." Kingdon-Ward, starting in Victorian years and continuing for almost 50 years, mostly alone, was one of those amazing plant explorers who found plants that are many of the standards we have in our gardens today. Often in uninviting terrain, he spent his time in Tibet, Burma, and in India's Assam area. He finally solved the "Riddle of the Tsangpo Gorge," and Elaine promises to clue in those present on that. Elaine, a trained horticulturist, recently retired after the better part of 30 years as the Manager of the Asian Collection at the UC Botanical Garden in Berkeley. She is past President and Program Chairperson of the California Chapter of the ARS, member of the Rhod. Species Botanical Garden, International Dendrology Society and other groups. Interested members of the community are invited to visit and to consider joining. There are chances to acquire some rhodies via opportunity drawings and a door prize. Refreshments are provided. A bonus: there is always a high level of camaraderie in this group.

Price: Free