As member of the Royal Horticultural Society, London, I found in the book list "The Handbook on Oleanders". For me it had been a surprise, because much we have heard in Europa about Oleanders (" the dream of the South ")- although Number 1 pot plant in Germany, that the book doesn't exist in the German book market. It is here in Greece ( my favorite plant for many years), I found this miracle, step by step. For better understanding, I send you my story from Greece and nature. I am from Vienna and my husband is Greek. I found here a most fascinating hobby!

You are so right with your words: "A plebian plant, common, not with much prestige" - so said the Greek people. In the last years something is changing, they are planting the Oleander on streets, in villages and also near the sea - the salt winds are not so good, but in summer they stand once again in bloom. I think the ice is broken,also, because tourists love the oleander very much...and - it is "the Mediterranean plant"!

A Little Story: Many small, old churches here in this land have, side by side a Cypressum and an oleander - so is the picture. Some people thought that the Cypressum might be more beautiful without the oleander and removed them. The Cypressum was dying. We planted 5 Cypressums and some were lucky (because they had an oleander beside them). We didn't think anything about it. Some years after, only the Cypressums with the oleander lived...and they are healthy. You know these wonderful trees had some problems in the Mediterranean. Also, I was watching two Cypressums who had germinated alone, they have an oleander by their side! Today they are wonderful and healthy trees - without fertilizer or water.

Some years ago, friends from Vienna told me to make seedlings. This was easy, because they make much seed. In the beginning I had only pink singles and doubles. I thought nothing of it. These seedling's blossoms were a surprise. I am sending you some pictures. Some smell like roses! So, you can find small Oleander pots in my garden everywhere - it is fascinating!

Very much I want to be a member of your society. With pleasure I wait to hear from you. I wish you all in Galveston a very wonderful Oleander 2000!!

Many greetings from Greece.

NOTE:

Ms. Gotsis has gifted the International Oleander Society with a quantity of oleander seed which she collected from her many plants. The Society has planted much of this seed and is currently seeing the fruits of the project. The Moody Gardens propogation greenhouse now holds hundreds of seedlings which will be studied and grown to maturity when an evaluation and selection process will begin.