Historic Rhododendron Gardens Open, April 25

The historic O.H. Hinsdale Rhododendron Garden, east of Reedsport along Highway 38, will be open to the public on April 26, May 10 and May 24, 2014 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Coos Bay District staff and Friends of the Hinsdale Garden members will be on hand to answer questions and give tours.  “It will be a great opportunity for people to walk through the garden while it is in full bloom. It is very unique and pretty spectacular,” said Todd Buchholz, the BLM’s Umpqua Field Manager. The BLM, along with the American Rhododendron Society and the Friends group, have been working to restore the garden over the past several years. Visitors will be able to use new walking paths throughout the garden this year.  Those interested in visiting the garden should check-in at the interpretive kiosk at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. Parking is limited at the garden and visitors will be shuttled to the garden.  The BLM acquired the rhododendron garden and Spruce Reach Island, across Highway 38 from the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, in 1994. The unique woodland garden is a historic resource that is potentially eligible for inclusion on the Natural Register of Historic Places. The garden contains hundreds of rhododendrons and azalea plants, some over 100 years old.  The open days are co-sponsored by the Friends of Hinsdale Garden, Douglas County CERT and the City of Reedsport.  Additional information about the public tours can be obtained by calling Mike Kelly or Megan Harper of the BLM at 541-756-0100, or by contacting the Friends of the Hinsdale Garden at forhinsdalegarden@charter.net