In 1999, the world’s largest collection of western azaleas, the Smith-Mossman Western Azalea garden, was added to the collections at Lake Wilderness Arboretum.
Notable plant collectors Britt Smith and Frank Mossman were passionate about the native, deciduous West Coast azalea (rhododendron occidentale) and inspired by Leonard Frisbie to propagate the species. Choice selections from Smith’s fully mature azalea collection were relocated to the arboretum in 1997, with over 200 selections represented. Part of Mossman’s collection was also donated to the Arboretum, a remarkable example of preservation.
Smith and Mossman took copious notes on the plants they found in the wild, detailing the location, bloom time and distinctive features. Each unique rhododendron received its own record number. Some of the favorites are SM 30 Crescent City Gold, SM 157 Miniskirt, SM 232 Leonard Frisbie and Stagecoach Frills.
In 2008, the garden was redesigned, which transformed the winding dry gravel stream bed alongside the plantings. The Smith-Mossman Western Azalea Garden is a tribute since Smith and Mossman died in December 2007 and November 2009, respectively.
Visit LakeWildernessArboretum.org, email info@lakewildernessarboretum.org or call 253-293-5103 to volunteer, donate or become a member.
