The Virginia Camellia Society
, in a coordinated effort with the Norfolk Botanical Garden, assists in maintaining the Hofheimer Camellia Garden. Our other goals are to increase the number of cultivars in the garden and at the same time teach our members and the public the proper methods of propagation, pruning, fertilizing, and insect/pest control. We have speakers available to other interested garden groups. There are three or more hands-on workshops free to the public conducted yearly, Spring and Fall-- to demonstrate and teach camellia maintenance, propagation, gibbing, and preparation of blooms for show. Workshops are announced in the Garden section of the local newspaper.
Left: Dr. Winston Gouldin
teaching the proper methods
of planting during a recent
hands-on workshop
Benefits of Membership
Join the Virginia Camellia Society just for the fun of it! We'll introduce you to other camellia enthusiasts so you can learn to bring color to your garden Fall, Winter, and Spring! You'll learn how to care for and propagate camellias, where and when to plant, what varieties bloom when, what varieties are hardier and how to get bigger and better blooms. Camellias are so easy to grow. Enjoy workshops to green-up your thumb and learn how and where to enter competitions. Much of what you learn can be applied to gardening in general. One of our goals is to partner with other horticultural groups. You'll receive a calendar of events and timely reminders to join in the activities and educational programs.
Exceptional Variety, Exceptional Blooms
Camellias are native to Asia. A few varieties are commercially cultivated for the oil in seeds and the production of tea. For centuries, many have been grown just for their beauty. Most of the camellias now commercially available are from Japonica, Sansanqua, or Reticulata parentage. Cross pollination of these species have produced thousands of hybrid cultivars.

The Virginia Flower & Garden Show
is held each year in January at the Virginia Beach Pavilion. The show features display gardens and educational presentations by commercial companies and horticulture societies, and vendors of garden related products. setting up exhibits, and sharing information, provides special volunteers opportunities for society members. This is a unique opportunity to talk with the experts, view award winning gardens, and purchase hard-to-find garden items all under one roof.

Left: Bob Black teaching
a group how to prepare
camellia blooms for show

Membership dues per calendar year:
Single $15.00 or Joint $20.00To enroll as a member, print this form .
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The Virginia Camellia Society © 2004