Rhododendron Show
Each year, the Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society (ARS) partners with Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to showcase some of the best rhodie specimens on the West Coast. The 47th annual John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show will be held at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3. This spectacular juried show—one of the largest of its kind—features more than 800 entries, transforming the exhibition tent into a breathtaking display of color and fragrance. The show is free and open to the public, with regular admission offering the opportunity to explore the Gardens beyond the Rhodie Show tent.
In addition to hundreds of individual flower entries, there will be plants, bonsai, photos, floral arrangements, hourly plant raffles, and educational displays. A large selection of rhododendrons and other plants will be available for purchase in the big tent and at the Gardens' Nursery. Local growers and Noyo Chapter ARS members will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the best plants for your garden.
While you are here, browse a selection of plants for purchase and connect with local growers and Noyo Chapter members, who will be sharing tips and expertise. Continue your visit beyond the show and discover the full beauty of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens—your admission directly supports this nonprofit coastal treasure. With more than 1,000 rhododendrons in bloom, representing 124 species and 315 taxa, the Gardens' Collection will be at peak bloom.
Celebrate the season and be part of this beloved coastal tradition.
Enter the Show!
All are welcome to participate by entering rhododendron trusses and azaleas, with a special invitation to youth ages 18 and under to compete for the Noyo Chapter Youth Trophy. Entries will be accepted at the show tent (south end of the main parking lot) on Thursday, April 30, from 3–7 PM, and Friday, May 1, from 9 AM–12 PM. Ribbons and trophies will be awarded across multiple categories, including photography and floral design. Check www.rhododendrons-mendocino.org for more information on entering.
The Details
The Rhododendron Show will be held rain or shine. It is free to attend and open to the public on Saturday and Sunday.
Regular admission rates apply to visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens during the show.
No smoking anywhere in the Gardens.
Parking is free, but limited. Please plan to carpool.
The Rhododendron Show is an event where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event, you consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded. Your entry constitutes your consent to such photography, filming, and/or recording and to any use in promotion of the Rhododendron Show, American Rhododendron Society, and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (MCBG).
Contact us
Please contact administration@gardenbythesea.org with any accessibility questions.
About the Noyo ARS
Join the club
The Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is a local non-profit organization. For over 45 years, their stated mission has been to promote the study and culture of rhododendrons and to stimulate interest in rhododendrons by any appropriate means, including the holding of frequent meetings of members and the education of the public with Rhododendron shows. Our locale is also of utmost importance in preserving the rhododendron species. Rhododendron species are native to Asia, Europe, and North America, so while they are not rare, the distribution is fairly specific. They thrive in our Mediterranean climate. There have been many hybridizers from the West Coast, and we are particularly proud of our Fort Bragg hybridizers, whose plants can be seen at MCBG.
Learn more and become a member: www.rhododendrons-mendocino.org