Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum will host a Rhododendron Festival the weekend of May 18 and 19 at 725 Pines Lake Road in Wayne. “Rhododendrons are Laurelwood’s signature plant, and seeing the more than 60 varieties in bloom throughout the arboretum is one of the year’s most memorable experiences,” said Joseph Di Giacomo, Master Gardener and Chairperson of Laurelwood’s Rhododendron Study Team. “Our rhododendron collection includes more than 400 named hybrids and species, many of which were raised and planted decades ago.”

During the two-day festival, visitors and their families can enjoy peaceful walks surrounded by majestic flowers, guided tours to learn more about the rhododendron collection, and opportunities to learn about the Knippenberg legacy of rhododendrons.

Free Rhododendron Collection walking tours are scheduled for Saturday, May 18, at 1 pm and Sunday, May 19, at 1 pm. Guides will select the most spectacular spots for viewing rhododendrons in bloom. Motorized carts driven by Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum volunteers are available for those who are unable or do not wish to walk.

On Saturday at 3 pm, Di Giacomo will present, “Laurelwood’s Legacy: Hybrid Rhododendrons.” He will talk about the role Laurelwood’s founders, Dorothy and John Knipppenberg played in hybridizing rhododendrons on the East Coast and about the arboretum’s renowned collection. The program is free.

On Sunday at 2:30 pm, the public is invited to the opening reception for a 3-week exhibit of photographs taken by Wayne Valley High School and Wayne Hills High School students.

For additional information, go to www.laurelwoodarboretum.org, send an email to info@laurelwoodarboretum.org or call 973-831-5675.