Cecil Smith History

 
Cecil & Molly Smith History   Molly was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. ‘Molly’ Mary Latimer (Beaty) standing. Cousin Dorothy Beaty seated. Molly & Cecil Molly and Cecil were married in 1941—one week after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Cecil had started collecting rhododendrons in the late 40’s at their first home adjacent to the present-day garden property near Newberg.  Cecil was a grass seed grower by trade and originally owned much of the surrounding land. Cecil was an early member of the American Rhododendron Society in 1947. New Home Built in 1951 Molly Smith, with her cousin Dorothy Beaty Buboltz, and aunt Ida Anderson Beaty.)   The area had been logged in 1915, but by 1951 had reestablished its growth of Douglas fir and native plants. Back view looking up toward back deck. Molly and Cecil raised their children Allan and Sid here. Sid, Cecil, Molly and Allan Smith in Christmas Card above. Molly and her husband Cecil Smith founded and developed what has become the internationally renowned Cecil and Molly Smith Garden.  Several Rhododendron Loderi planted near the house were among Molly’s favorites. Cecil pruned the large-growing rhododendrons into the present-day tree-like forms. “Although never taking much credit for the garden, Molly Smith contributed through the years in the garden upkeep and maintenance. When the Smiths lived at the garden, they freely shared their garden with others and hosted many garden tours. No one interested in rhododendrons was denied a visit in the garden. Cecil and Molly each received ARS Bronze Medals, Portland Chapter’s highest award. ‘Molly’ humorously commented that no one had ever received a Bronze Medal for baking cookies.” Molly was always the gracious hostess, welcoming her guests to her home with freshly baked cookies and to the garden. Molly in the Garden below.        Dorothy’s son, Don Buboltz by a fallen tree that became a natural part of the garden. Cecil had grown up at Champoeg in the Willamette Valley and treasured the native plants.  He became also interested in discovering the best Genus Rhododendron had to offer.  He eventually helped sponsor expeditions to the Himalayas, and participated in seed exchanges and experimented with hybridizing.  His efforts were directed at what he thought were the most outstanding rhododendron characteristics:  fine foliage and great flowers. Rhododendrons are the garden’s featured plants.  Cecil was among the first to grow R. yakushimanum and used it for hybridizing.  He was a “leaf turner” and loved the fine indumentum of R. yakushimanum and R. bureavii. He combined these two species and produced ‘Cinnamon Bear’ the signature plant in the garden.  A number of his crosses are found in the trade including ‘Noyo Brave’ and ‘Yellow Saucer.’           Cecil was very generous with his plants, sharing his cuttings, seeds and pollen.  He wrote articles for The Bulletin of American Rhododendron Society and his photos were used extensively.         The woodland garden encompasses about three acres sloping gently to the North.  Cecil took advantage of slope and constructed paths that weave from top to bottom of the property.  Decaying logs, tree stumps, and fallen limbs have been retained for their natural beauty.  This accumulation of “duff” provides most of the nutrients required and minimal fertilization in required.  The garden is weeded because as Cecil noted, “Unless a woodland garden is weeded, it is not a garden but a wild area.” Internationally Known Garden             The Smith Garden has charmed and delighted visitors from around the world.  Edmund Rothschild and his wife have visited the garden many times along with other well-known Rhododendron enthusiasts.  David Leach, author of Rhododendrons of the World, was a good friend of Cecil’s and enjoyed spending time in the wooded setting.  Smith Garden has been featured on the cover of Horticulture Magazine, and in the PBS television show Victory Garden.  It is also included in the book The American Man’s Garden by Rosemary Verey.  Locally, every National Convention of the American Rhododendron Society and Western Regional held in the Portland area included tours of Smith Garden.  Mike Darcy has highlighted the garden on his television show.  Local newspapers and other publications have also included articles and photos of the garden.         1983, after more than thirty years of devoted stewardship, Cecil and ‘Molly’ Smith reached a point in their lives where they could no longer care for the garden. The Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society found itself in a position to purchase the garden after Cecil and Molly Smith made it possible by selling their land to the ARS at half of it’s appraised value. The Portland Chapter along with the help of Willamette and Tualatin Valley Chapters assumed its care and management.”          Cecil died in 1998, and ‘Molly’ died in 2007. The Cecil and Molly Smith Garden positively reflects the lives of a couple who generously left a legacy for future generations to enjoy with their woodland garden. Three acer griseum paperbark maples were planted for Cecil & Molly’s three granddaughters, Sheri Smith, Tiffany Larson, and Nicole Hawkins. Another fallen tree and Don Buboltz (Molly’s cousin Dorothy’s child) visiting from West Virginia August  2010.

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