The comments on the Prince of Petworth blog include the response from the Botanical Garden:

Thank you for your support of the USNA. I have been impressed at the outpouring of support for this scientifically important and beautiful facility. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation that has been put forward.

The facts are that the azalea collection will not be removed. What was proposed was removal of the undocumented plants that have no germplasm value, which amount to less than 20% of the collection. They would be replaced with new well-documented plants from our ongoing breeding program. These new plants would be arranged in clusters that will allow for easier maintenance. I know Scott Aker has been misquoted but I can assure you that he proposed what he felt was best for the viewing public. In any event, I have asked the acting director of the USNA to re-evaluate this decision and to see if there are other opportunities for funding.

I enjoy the azalea collection at the Arboretum as much as anyone and you have my assurance that the collection will continue to exist and be enjoyed by all. Perhaps one day we will run into each other on the trails of Mt. Hamilton.

Thanks again for your support.

Joseph T. Spence, Ph.D.
Director
Beltsville Area
Agricultural Research Service
10300 Baltimore Avenue, Room 223
Beltsville, MD 20705
301-504-6078″