Edgefield, represented by Henrietta Humphreys and Hal Irish, participated in the annual meeting of the Great Gardens of America Alliance held at Magnolia Gardens this past weekend.  Representatives of many gardens came from Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, North and South Carolina.  The purpose of the Alliance is to preserve, protect and defend old camellias and azaleas from extinction.

Participants in the Alliance represent some of the major gardens of the Southeast and include many of the larger holdings of camellias and azaleas in America.  They have individually and collectively inventoried and recorded many of the old and historic camellias and azaleas in their respective locales, so that if such devastations such as Hurricanes Hugo and Katrina  or real estate development occur, there will be  plants  in non-affected gardens which will preserve the species.  Besides attendees reporting on activities in their respective  locales camellia cuttings and plants were exchanged.

In February 2013 the Edgefield Camellia Club is sponsoring a visit to Magnolia Gardens with a private tour of the gardens.  Those interested in participating in this trip should contact Henrietta Humphreys at 803.637.2370.