Rhododendron Festival @ Heritage Museums & Gardens

When: Sat May 26th
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Where: Heritage Museum & Gardens, 67 Grove Street, Sandwich

Thousands of rhododendrons in over 100 varieties can be found throughout the grounds during this week-long event. Stroll the grounds, learn more about these plants from horticulture experts, explore Heritage’s connection to noted rhododendron hybridizers Dexter and Cowles, participate in a scavenger hunt, and enjoy other family activities related to our signature plant. A plant sale offers many varieties, including Dexter and Cowles rhododendron hybrids. Free with admission. 10am-5pm.

May 20th- Horticulture Program - Perfecting Nature: The History of Charles Dexter and Heritage’s Hybrid Rhododendrons: Rhododendron expert John Delano will discuss Charles Dexter, Tony Consolini and Jack Cowles, the men who developed the rhododendrons in Heritage’s collection. The talk will feature a presentation of some of our most stunning specimens. Mr. Delano has also done invaluable work at Heritage by cataloguing the Dexter and Cowles hybrids. No advance registration required. 11-11:45am. Free with admission.

May 21st, 22nd, 24th, 25th- Horticulture Program - Heritage’s Rhododendron Legacy: Join our Director of Horticulture for a walking tour of a rhododendron collection near the American Art and Carousel Gallery. Discover how the work Charles Dexter and Jack Cowles did on this property contributed to the genus (Rhododendron). Learn about efforts in the 1970s to find and restore Dexter and Cowles cultivars to Heritage and about current efforts to save them once again as the plants reach maturity. No advance registration required. 11-11:20am or 2-2:20 pm. Free with admission.

May 23rd- Mornings in the Garden - Rhododendrons: Stroll through the collection and discover many Dexter and Cowles hybrids. See these plants in a mature condition and learn about their history during our monthly walk and talk with our Director of Horticulture. Free with admission. 11-11:45am

May 26th- Horticulture Program - Rhododendrons in your Home Landscape: Our Director of Horticulture’s extensive background in horticulture includes more than two decades in residential landscape design. Participants in this informative walking tour will learn the growing habits of these plants, hear a brief description of how they can be propagated, and learn tips and tricks related to their care and how to incorporate these stunning plants into a home landscape. No advance registration required. 11am-12pm. $5 per person.

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