Through the vision and initiative of Clarence Pleasants and Kewpie Gaido, the National Oleander Society was founded in Galveston in May of 1967 (the name was later changed to the International Oleander Society) and the society has been instrumental in popularizing oleanders in America ever since.

During my last visit with Kewpie in June 1995, just months before her untimely passing, she related the story of how the society came into being. After reading a review of Clarence's book in a Houston newspaper, Kewpie was determined to meet him. Since her daughter was attending school in Virginia, she had the opportunity to visit Norfolk where Clarence lived. During their talks he mentioned that El Paso, Texas, wanted to become the Oleander City and while visiting a friend at Longwood Gardens he had learned that the DuPont family might form an Oleander Society. Clarence told Kewpie he knew quite a lot about oleanders and he felt Galveston was truly the Oleander City. He further stated that in all the literature he researched, whenever he found a reference to oleanders, Galveston was usually mentioned. Kewpie gives Clarence full credit for being the inspiration and impetus that sparked the founding of the Society.

The aims of the society are inspiringly set out as follows:

As scientific or horticultural corporation, for non-profit purposes, to promote, carry on and aid in every way the development, improvement and preservation of Oleanders (Nerium) of all kinds, including the importation and improvement by cultivation and hybridization of Oleanders (Nerium): to conduct or cause to be conducted scientific researches for the improvement, development or preservation of Oleanders and for the promotion of a higher degree of efficiency in growing thereof: to collect information relating to the growing and development of Oleanders, to disseminate information concerning the culture, hybridization or development of Oleanders by means of exhibitions, lectures, publications or otherwise, to assist those engaged in the growing of Oleanders by such researches and dissemination: to make awards in the form of certificates, medals or otherwise, for excellence in the development or culture.

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of Oleanders, and generally to extend the knowledge, production, use and appreciation of Oleanders of any kind and in any manner.

According to Clarence Pleasants, Kewpie Gaido, John Kriegel and others who have worked extensively with oleanders in Galveston, not all residents of the island are so enamored of the plant. In a conversation with Prof. Octavia Hall, Pleasants remarked that many in Galveston regard it as "a plebeian plant, common, not with much prestige." Add to this the usual response regarding its poisonous qualities and one can see that the International Oleander Society, through the dedication and persistence of its members, has accomplished a remarkable task in transforming the public image of oleanders and making them one of the most sought after plants for color in the landscape. In 1990 the society was granted tax-exempt status and, with the aid of special grants, has been able to plant hundreds of oleanders throughout the city.

Other noteworthy projects include identification of all varieties found on Galveston Island undertaken by the Nomenclature Committee; building a representative collection for the preservation of named varieties and cultivars from which cuttings and plants can be given to interested gardeners; the production of a video entitled "Galveston, the Oleander City" (Part I has been completed and is available from the society); and regular meetings and workshops to promote knowledge and appreciation of the oleander.

The society is also the official registrant for new cultivars. If you have an oleander that you believe is truly different, the Nomenclature Committee will review

East End Pink

your information and evaluate the plant and flower. If they agree that the variety is unique then you have the right to name it and register the name with the society.

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One of the most popular projects undertaken by the society is the annual Oleander Festival. On April 28,1994, the mayor of Galveston proclaimed May as official oleander month for the city. Each year around the third week of May the society presents the Oleander Festival, a two-day event featuring guest speakers, dance, music, decorations and numerous children's events, all highlighting the beauty of oleanders.

The International Oleander Society accepts contributions to further their research on oleanders. They are currently seeking a plot of land on which they can develop a living germ plasm bank by collecting and planting all the named cultivars in one park-like setting. For further information on oleanders and the International Oleander Society write to:

International Oleander Society P.O. Box 3431 Galveston, TX 77552-0431