Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum has been awarded a $2,850 grant from the American Rhododendron Society for the publication of a brochure on the history of rhododendron hybridization at Laurelwood and in the region.

The 20-page brochure will focus on the history of Laurelwood Gardens, now Laurelwood Arboretum, in East Coast rhododendron hybridizing. It will also highlight the role of John and Dorothy Knippenberg in hybridizing rhododendrons and their friendship over the decades with many of the leading early hybridizers.

The grant application was prepared by Joe Di Giacomo, chairman of the Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum rhododendron study team. “The Board believes your project is an excellent educational opportunity and will be beneficial in creating interest in and knowledge of rhododendrons,” said American Rhododendron Society President Ann W. Mangels. “We think this is a wonderful collaboration between the Society and Laurelwood.”

The information developed for the booklet will be used for presentations to community groups and exhibits at the Knippenberg Center for Education next spring. It is being drafted by Di Giacomo for distribution next spring in conjunction with guided tours of the arboretum’s rhododendron collection during the peak blooming time in mid-May.

“This was a very competitive grant process,” said Alice Moskowitz, President of Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum. “We are honored that our project was selected for funding.”