One weekend in May '99, RSC Atlantic Region undertook what was probably the largest rhododendron move ever in Atlantic Canada. The rhododendron was lush 16' high x 16' wide Rhododendron maximum. It was donated by Ms. Debbie Denoon who inherited the plant when she purchased her Oxford Street home. Realizing that it had outgrown its home against the rear of her house, and remorse to cut it done, she contacted RSC Atlantic Region.

In Roland's Flora of Nova Scotia, it is reported that Rhododendron maximum, a species, was discovered growing near Sheet Harbour in the late 1800's. It has never been documented growing naturally in Nova Scotia since. For this reason, it was decided the grounds of the N.S. Museum of Natural History would make an ideal new home. R. maximum, in nature grows in the bright, sheltered understory of forest trees. To mimic this habitat, a northeast facing protected alcove was chosen at the rear of the museum.

With the lower branches tied up, a 1 foot deep trench was dug around the 7 foot diameter rootball.

The forks of the front end-loader were inserted beneath the rootball and tilted up to pry the rootball free.

The rhododendron was quickly transferred from the hole onto a trailer for transport to the museum.

Even tied up, it was a tight squeeze getting it out the driveway.

Measuring 17 feet high on the trailer, it had to be tied down to fit under the power and telephone lines on Jubilee Road.

A second crew of RSCAR volunteers had prepared a 12' diameter x 18" deep hole at the museum for it.

After some final adjustments to the waiting hole, the rhododendron was transferred from the trailer to its new home.

With the front-end loader holding the rhododendron in position, volunteers quickly filled in the hole with amended soil.

The crew of RSCAR volunteers posing underneath the newly planted rhododendron.

RSCAR would like to thank Debbie Denoon for donating the rhododendron.