Dreaming of Rhodies in Bloom

Although winter is breathing down our necks, chances are excellent that spring will come and the rhododendrons will bloom. These flowering shrubs are so popular that they made an appearance in Blue Thread:

‘This part of Johnson is quite lovely,’ Charity said as we crossed the front porch. ‘Your rhododendrons and rose bushes are gorgeous….’”

Portland–the Rose City–is awash in rhodies, too. “Rhododendron” comes from ancient Greek and means “rose tree.” Oregon has several chapters of the American...