The historic O.H. Hinsdale Rhododendron Garden, east of Reedsport on Highway 38, will be open to the public on April 25 and May 9, 2015 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Friends of Hinsdale Garden and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Coos Bay District 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. The garden contains hundreds of rhododendrons and azalea plants, some over 100 years old. Those interested in visiting the garden should check-in at the interpretive kiosk at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. Due to limited parking, visitors will be shuttled to the garden. The BLM acquired the rhododendron garden and Spruce Reach Island in 1994. The unique woodland garden is a historic resource that is potentially eligible for inclusion on the Natural Register of Historic Places. The open garden days are co-sponsored by the Douglas County Community Emergency Response Team (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
