The ICS
The ICS is a non-profit organization devoted to the genus Camellia, founded April 1962. Its yearly publication is the International Camellia Journal and it maintains the International Camellia Register. An international congress is held every second year, regional meetings are regularly arranged by the membership representatives.The ICS has about 1.600 members worldwide.

The Australian Region
The ICS is well-represented by Australians; some 200 members, making Australia the third largest nation from the UK and Germany.

There was a great need for an International body in the camellia world. Camellia Societies were formed later than other flower groups, but their aims were similar.

2002 was a very unusual camellia season. After a very wet Summer and extremely dry Autumn, camellias began blooming very early. Even by May we still haven't had a frost or any jumper-weather.

Help On Tap For all those who last year for information, hope you're camellias are healthier and happier.

This Site Is run by volunteers and is non-profit.

Tea = Camellias find out why. Read on...

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Australian gardening magazine Your Garden featured an article on camellias in their July 2001 issue. The article, titled Belles of the Ball was written by Roger Mann and included photographs of some beautiful and popular camellias, mainly japonicas.

The Melbourne Botanical Gardens was honoured in April 2001 by the ICS for its collection of camellias. It is the first time that an Australian garden of any kind has received this award. ICS Vice President, and Victorian, Dr Ross Hayter accepted the award, and appeared on the Channel Nine News interview in April about the award with the backing of several sasanqua camellias flowering at the gardens at that time.

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Camellias in wedding bouquets may seem odd to us today, but at the turn of the 20th century they were fashionable for this purpose as well as for button holes. Each flower, bud and leaf must be individually wired. It is a skill that was lost for a very long time. Good to see them in Wedding Flowers 2002, an Australian publication alongside the more familiar roses and bulbs. Flowers by Twigs - Images of Flowers in Melbourne, Photo: Simon James Photography. www.modernwedding.com.au.

Your Garden magazine June 2002 features an article on camellias, including separating varieties into pink, white and red. There is also an article on the Three Bears Nursery in Sydney, NSW. www.yourgarden.com.au.

The June 2002 Issue of Burke's Backyard also features camellias - listed as no 2 in the top 5 Classic Flowers. Info on culture and varieties, and a recommended list that has Emperor of Russia as top dog (although picture shows Great Eastern) Wow!
www.burkesbackyard.com.au

Camellia Books There are many more books available on camellias than ever before in Australia. Read on...