On Nov. 9, 2010, the National Arboretum confirmed it was destroying the azaleas on the Glenn Dale Azalea Hillside after the 2011 blooming season. The stated reason, to cut costs, makes no sense since the collection is maintained by volunteers. It would, in fact, cost more to remove the collection than let the volunteers maintain it. This is a tragic misuse of federal funds.
They are planning to destroy a irreplaceable resource, with the installation of the Chinese Garden, it's like breaking a stained glass window in the National Cathedral, to put up a McDonalds.
"De-accessioning" means these collections will no longer be available to the public and many plants within the collections will be destroyed. Included in this de-accession plan are the National Boxwood Collection and its associated Perennial Collections, along with the extensive Glenn Dale Hillside of the Azalea Collections. This will be a huge loss for the plant world, and for all the people who have traveled to and enjoyed these gardens.
from R. Wayne Mezitt's column in the Metro West Daily News
Now, I don't know Mr. Mezitt, but the danger of angering somebody with the middle name of 'Wayne' is not trivial.
I fear for the misguided administrators of the Arboretum, it appears the only sure way that they can save themselves, is to immediately relent and move to Sherm-el-Shriek with former President Mubarak.
For those of you who might be passing through the Washington DC are this April, I wanted to let you know that the local DC chapters of the Azalea Society of America and the American Rhododendron Society are planning a joint field trip to the Arboretum on Tuesday, April 26. It will be in the middle of the day, about 10:00 AM till 2:00 PM, so we avoid rush hour traffic. That is the week when the early Glenn Dales are usually coming into peak bloom. Come join us if you can or see them on your own. If we are not successful in our cause, this could be the last chance to do so.
So says Don Hyatt, a well known azalea expert.
Now, I've poked gentle fun at Mr. Mezitt, but if you read his work, you'll find it thoughtful and reasoned. And, he's right, the azaleas, boxwoods an perennial collections that the Arb proposes destroying are irreplaceable.
He is wrong about the financial instability of the Arb- if that were so, they would not be taking on the care of the new Chinese garden and pavilion.
Will you join us on April 26th? Will you write your congress person or USDA rep?