Azaleas are flowering shrubs making up part of the genus Rhododendron. Originally azaleas were classed as a different genus of plant, but now they are recognised as two of the eight sub-genera of rhododendrons - subgenus Pentanthera typified by Rhododendron nudiflorum and subgenus Tsutsusi typified by Rhododendron tsutsusi.
There are deciduous azaleas, and evergreen azaleas. One of the major differences between azaleas and the rest of the rhododendron family is their size. Another is their flower growth. Rhododendrons grow their flowers in clusters, while most azaleas have terminal blooms (one flower per flower stem). However, they have so many stems that during the flowering season they are a solid mass of colour. Azaleas are recognised by these flowers blooming all at once, in a showy display for a month or two in spring. The exception to this rule is a small group of azaleas which grow their flowers in tight terminal clusters that look like little balls of colour.
Plant enthusiasts have created hybrid azaleas for hundreds of years. This human genetic modification has produced over 10 000 different species from cuttings. Azalea seeds can also be collected and germinated.
Azaleas should be grown in well_drained garden soil or in pots, in a cool, shady position. Fertilizer is optional, although some species do need regular pruning.
Azalea Falls Lodge is a 3000 square foot home in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright, built entirely of rock, glass and redwood.
Staying at Azalea Falls Lodge is "like staying in a wonderful treehouse that overlooks an enchanted hollow." "At peace", "a spiritual quaility" and "magical" are some of the comments that have been used to describe the ambience of the lodge.
And, guests of the cabin are invited to take the hiking trail which meanders through the hollow, past wild azaleas, umbrella magnolias and rock houses, to the waterfall.
Azalea Park is located (map) along the southwest border of Charlottesville on Old Lynchburg Road (about halfway between Jefferson Park Avenue Extended and 5th Street).
Azalea Park has long been informally known as the dog park in Charlottesville because large numbers of local residents have exercised their dogs off-leash here on a daily basis since at least the late 1980s.
Traditionally, the dog run area at Azalea has turned into a mud pit from late fall to mid-spring; now that the dogs are confined to a smaller fenced-in space, it seems all too obvious that the place will be reduced to pure muck by mid-December if not sooner.
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