Hi folks-
It is still worth a trip to Rhododendron State Park to see the blooming Rhodo’s this weekend. There are a good number of flowers still out, and even a few that are just now opening. The majority of this year’s flowers, however, are spent and fallen to the ground.
What will next year’s show be like? It is true that the flower buds for next year are actually being formed now, and if you go by the robust growth of this rainy cool summer, there is a lot to be said for next year’s bloom. Then again, any plant (especially those that grow in such poor acid and wet soil as is found in the grove) will need some R&R after blooming so much, as the grove has done this year. It takes a lot of energy to bloom, and it doesn’t happen every year as it was this year. So the chances are 50/50 as usual. Next year we will find out, eh? To gauge the potential bloom for next summer, wait until October to look at the amount of flower buds that can be found. This is only a guess, as some or most of the flower buds may not survive the winter. No prediction is safe.
Hope your winter goes well.
Ted Lenk
