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The Dexter Rhododendron Collection: Past, Present, and Future
Discover a century of rhododendron history at Heritage Museums & Gardens. Join Heritage’s Curator of Rhododendrons, Lillian Borbas, for an exploration of the legacy of renowned rhododendron hybridizer Charles O. Dexter, who once lived and worked on the grounds that now make up Heritage. Gorgeous images illustrate the beauty and innovation behind some of Dexter’s remarkable hybrids.
Hear stories about the dedication of enthusiasts who studied Dexter’s work and carried it forward after his passing. Learn about efforts since Heritage’s founding to expand its living collections from just 18 Dexter hybrids in 1970 to over 170 today.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how this historic collection is preserved today and grown for the future. You’ll gain insight into modern propagation techniques currently being used at Heritage – including cuttings, grafting, and tissue culture – and the ongoing efforts to bring important historic hybrids back to the gardens. Leave with a deeper appreciation for one of Heritage’s most celebrated plant collections and the enduring impact of Dexter’s vision.
This program will take place indoors at the Heald Center inside the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery. There will be time for questions and discussion following the presentation. Advance registration is required. This program will also take place on May 16, from 9-10 am.
Consider staying after the program to continue your experience – you can even take a self-guided rhododendron tour to sites mentioned in the presentation. Admission to Heritage following the program is included with membership. Those who are not members of Heritage may purchase a program registration that includes admission following the program at a discounted rate. Save $8 on your visit!
Program fees fund Heritage’s mission to inspire people of all ages to explore, discover, and learn together. Thank you for your support.
Location: Check in at the Ticketing Pavilion
Program Registration Fee: $5 Members, $10 Non-Members
Program Plus Admission: Non-Member Adult $28
- MEMBER: $5
- NON-MEMBER: $10 or $28 for Program + Admission
- EMAIL: programming@heritagemuseums.org
Speaker
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Lillian BorbasGardener
Lillian Borbas is the Curator of Rhododendrons at Heritage Museums & Gardens, where she manages the Dexter rhododendron collection. Preservation and propagation are at the forefront of caring for this collection. Lillian enjoys her time spent in the Dexter Rhododendron Display Garden pruning, planting, propagating, and managing documentation and labeling. She finds working in a garden with such rich horticultural and local Cape Cod history a thrilling and fulfilling experience. Lillian was inspired to pursue a career in horticulture when, as a teenager, she started working summers at a local garden center, Brierwood Nurseries, in Morris, CT. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems in 2022 and has spent the last two and half years growing with the gardens at Heritage.
