President's Monthly Message

June 2026  

News from Australia

Camellia Ark Australia continues its important work preserving historic camellia cultivars linked to Sir William Macarthur at Camden Park. Ten of the original 69 cultivars have now been confirmed, including Camellia japonica ‘Anemoniflora’, brought to Australia in 1831 and now nearly 200 years old. This historic tree has received international recognition for its outstanding historical significance.

In 2025, work began on the Thomas Reedy Camellia Garden, located within Camden Park, to preserve and reintroduce surviving Macarthur cultivars. The garden is being developed on site, supported by owners, horticulturists and volunteers, ensuring that Macarthur’s important horticultural legacy continues for future generations.

ICS Congress 2027 in the United States – Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the next International Camellia Society Congress 2027, hosted by the American Camellia Society in celebration of the 65th anniversary of the ICS.

The Congress will include visits to outstanding camellia gardens, among them three International Camellia Gardens of Excellence, as well as lectures, papers, and educational programs. Special invited guests include the Nuccio family and Dr. Peter Zale of Longwood Gardens.

During the pre-Congress tour, participants will visit a major nursery producing the Chinese everblooming camellia hybrids for the American market. A ceremonial planting at Massee Lane will symbolize international camellia cooperation.

Detailed information and registration are available at: www.ICSCongress2027.com

Registration Fees

Please note that the current registration rates include an early-bird discount negotiated with the host hotels. Unfortunately, these rates are only guaranteed until June 30, 2026. From July 1, 2026, registration fees are expected to increase by approximately 10%.

Members are therefore encouraged to register early to take advantage of the current rates.

Pre-Congress – Mobile, Alabama
(January 22–25, 2027)

All-inclusive – four (4) hotel nights plus meals, transfers, and tours (one dinner on your own).

1. Double occupancy: $1,200 per person
2. Single occupancy:   $1,500 per person

Main Congress – Macon, Georgia
(January 26–30, 2027)

All-inclusive – five (5) hotel nights plus meals, transfers, and tours (no dinners on your own).

1. Double occupancy: $1,400 per person
2. Single occupancy:   $1,700 per person

Post-Congress – Savannah, Georgia
(January 31–February 3, 2027)

All-inclusive – four (4) hotel nights plus meals, transfers, and tours (one dinner on your own).

1. Double occupancy: $1,200 per person
2. Single occupancy:   $1,500 per person

Important Notes

1. Double occupancy means two persons sharing one hotel room.
2. Single occupancy means one person occupying a room alone.
3. Participants registering as single pay a higher rate because they are not sharing accommodation.
4. Two participants may register together at the double-occupancy rate, but the organizers cannot provide roommates.
5. Host hotels allow a maximum of two persons per room.
   
   

“Dancing Camellia” by the late Nall Hollis

ICS Congress 2031 – Preliminary Application

I received a preliminary application from our Spain Region for hosting the 2031 Congress in Galicia, which shall come after the Congresses in the USA (2027) and China (2029).

Spain already hosted a highly successful congress in 2014. The pre-Congress was in Porto and North Portugal and touched wonderful parks such as Guimarães and Quinta da Aveleda. The post Congress was mainly in Galicia and reached Santiago de Compostela. We all remember the superb farewell dinner in the mythical park of Souto Maior. The Spanish Camellia Society actively promotes camellias. For many years, the Society has been organizing “the route of Camellias", an itinerary that visits the main camellia parks. 

As per our procedure, the application shall be approved at the Directors' meeting during the USA Congress. Let me thank ICS Spain for the proposal.  

Your thoughts and feedback are most welcome. Please feel free to contact us.