Vol 84, Issue No. 3 (Summer 2026)
CONTENTS
The View from the Editor By Daniel Hendrickson
Juneau Chapter Spring Show By Ginger Hudson
Midwest Group Primula Show and Plant Sale By Bonnie Ion
New England Chapter Show at Berkshire
Botanical Gardens by Judith Sellers
New England Chapter Update
Hybridizing Auriculas By Maedythe Martin
Minutes of the Board May 17, 2026
Officers of the Chapters
VIEW FROM THE EDITOR
DANIEL HENDRICKSON
As I write this, at least for my garden in the far north of Michigan, the Primula sieboldii are now center stage and are dis-playing their amazing diversity in colors and forms. I’m always sorry to see the vernales primroses, auriculas, and other species fade, but I am never disappointed as the P. sieboldii transition into summer and begin their show. Susan Haddock’s photo of ‘Kashima’ on the cover is just one example of the simple and yet intricate beauty of the cherry blossom herb, or sōkurasō, as the Japanese call it.
As I’ve transitioned into the editor’s position, and feel more comfortable with the duties, I would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of both Jane Guild and Maedythe Martin to the Amer-can Primrose Society. On behalf of the Society, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Jane and Maedythe for their many years of service to the American Primrose Society Quarterly (Primroses). During their long collaboration, Maedythe gathered and organized content while Jane managed the technical and production aspects of the publication. Following Maedythe’s retirement from the editorial team in 2021, Jane continued as editor through 2024. Together, they provided the steady editorial guidance that shaped the Quarterly, supporting its role as both a record of APS activities and a source of inspiration for primula growers.
In addition to her editorial work, Jane also served as webmaster for the APS website for much of this period, helping to maintain and develop an important online presence for members and enthusiasts. The commitment, care, and attention to detail that both Jane and Maedythe brought to their respective roles have left a lasting mark on the publication and on the Society’s communications. We are deeply grateful for their long service and dedication.
The APS Board is also considering a possible transition in how the Quarterly is published. For many years, the Society has maintained a schedule of four printed issues per year. We are now exploring a revised model that would retain four annual editions, with only one produced as a printed issue. That print edition would be expanded to approximately 90–120 pages and would feature in-depth articles along with all color photography. The remaining three issues would focus on chapter news, calendar events, board minutes, and other Society business, and would be available exclusively as downloadable online editions.
With this annual print issue, we are considering a print-on-demand option. This would allow members to choose between receiving a printed copy or accessing the edition online. Under the current proposal, members who select the printed version would cover the cost of printing and postage, with an estimated cost of approximately $25 per copy. This approach would help significantly reduce the Society’s overall production expenses while preserving access in both print and digital for-mats.
These cost considerations are increasingly important. APS membership has declined in recent years; as reported at our last Board meeting by Dean Wiegert, the Society has experienced a decrease of more than 80 members over the past five years, leaving a current membership of approximately 207. This reduction in membership has naturally resulted in a corresponding decline in income, requiring us to carefully reassess ongoing operational costs.
In addition, we currently do not have a qualified IT professional serving as webmaster. At present, the website is being maintained by our treasurer, Jon Kawaguchi, who is generously contributing his time and expertise to keep the site operational. However, we recognize the need to hire a qualified in-dividual to address a number of ongoing technical issues and to properly maintain and develop the website so that it continues to serve the needs of the Society effectively.
In closing, the APS Board is asking for your feedback on the possible changes being discussed for the Quarterly and is also requesting your assistance in identifying a qualified IT professional for our website. Our preference would be to find some-one from within our membership, although we recognize that may not be possible. Please contact Laurel Chute, Secretary, at Ne***********@***il.com with any feedback or recommendations.