The International Oleander Society was established in 1967 to preserve and propagate oleanders that are exclusive to Galveston Island. The organization maintains the Betty Head Oleander Garden Park, located at 26th and Sealy. Located in the park are approximately 41 varieties of oleanders, including the propagated Mrs. Dyer. The Mrs. Dyer was brought to the Island in 1841 from Jamaica by her brother-in-law Joseph Osterman. The Mrs. Dyer was originally named Old Reliable because of its drought and wind tolerance it survived the many storms and hurricanes of the past . The original oleander was planted on 25th & Sealy. A Historical Marker is located at this intersection dedicated to the oleander.
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