Rhododendron
Collection

In 1852, a group of citizens founded the nonprofit, public Greendale Cemetery as both a park and a cemetery. The site was selected to take advantage of the panoramic view of French Creek, creating a burial place of quiet dignity and beauty. In 1977, American Nurseryman magazine cited the cemetery’s collection of plantings, including its Rhododendrons, as outstanding specimens. While lightening strikes and disease have affected many of the cemetery’s plantings, the Rhododendrons continue to thrive. Today, the cemetery spreads over 200 acres and is the home to more than 1500 Rhododendrons, the largest of which are 125 years old and stand up to 35 feet tall.