August 2012 Newsletter

Note from the President- Last night was the first full inch of rain this season.  This is far too late in the season to make any improvement in the looks of the gardens, but it is a big benefit to the plants even if they have gone dormant for the year.  This is the time of year when the Trilliums are putting on new root growth in preparation for next year’s blooming season, so for them this particular storm was of great significance.  This storm will also facilitate the second seasonal growth for the Japanese Maples and our beloved Hostas.  It is this second flush of growth that makes the late season garden refreshed with new color. 

                A big thank you goes out to Patricia and Patrick Major for hosting the last meeting.  For those that missed the last meeting………you missed a gorgeous setting.  After reaching the driveway you drove ½ mile back into the woods to reach the clearing for the house which is situated on 15 acres on Shinanguag Lake.  Patrick says that Shinanguag is Genesee County’s best kept secret and he is right.  I had no idea that there was any lake around here that was so beautiful and clean.  The terraced gardens leading down to the lake contain many newer varieties of Hosta some of which Patricia purchased from fundraising sales of EMHS.  If you walk the shoreline of the lake you find where the two natural springs from the Major’s property feed into the lake.  The unique art work placed at the lake shore is complimentary to the waterfront as well as intriguing to look at.  At the opposite side of the property were pathways leading into the woods.  Following these paths gave visitors a glimpse into the wonders of “The Moss Lady” and “The Caretaker” which are moss creatures created by the Majors’.  The pathways were lined with Hosta and a multitude of companion plants including many Arisaema triphyllum that were huge and had enormous seeds cones on them.  In short, this is one of the most unique gardens I have seen in a long time and the Majors’ are to be commended on their beautiful home/gardens as well as their hospitality. 

                I have now finished updating the 2012 EMHS Directory of Members.  If you would like a printed copy of the updated Directory, please call me (989-244-4029) so I can have a copy at the meeting for you.  I will email the Directory out to the general membership after the August meeting to make sure we have any new memberships listed. 

                As was discussed at our last meeting, the Saginaw Valley Hosta Society has been invited to join us for our August Meeting.  We look forward to sharing our passion for Hosta with the SVHS members.

                Please remember to bring your chair and a dish to pass to the August  9^th meeting.  Parking for the meeting will be at the bank on the corner.  You can easily walk to Barb’s from the bank parking lot.   

Sincerely,
Glen

Next Meeting- Our next meeting is on August 9^th, 6:00 PM at Barb Hunter’s house, 316 Davis Lake Road, Lapeer, MI 48446. Phone 810-664-7531.  This is a regular summertime member garden tour meeting.  We will tour the gardens from 6:00-6:30 PM, serve refreshments/eat from 6:30-7:15, then have the business portion of the meeting from 7:15-8:00PM.

            Please remember to bring a dish to pass for the potluck and don’t forget your chair.  Since we have gotten some rain you may also want to bring some insect repellent. 

Driving Directions- one mile further south on M-24 than the Mayfield Twp. Hall turn off.
            (from I-69/M-24) – Drive 3 miles north on M-24 to Davis Lake Road, turn left (West) to 4^th house on right.  Please park at the bank on the corner of M-24 and Davis Lake Road and walk to Barb’s. 

2012 Calendar of Events:

August 9^th- at Barb Hunter’s in Lapeer.  Member Garden Tour

September 13^th at the Hodgson’s in Lapeer.  Annual Plant Exchange

October 11^th – at Mayfield Twp. Hall, Rick Adams speaker

November- No meeting scheduled

December 6^th at Mayfield Twp. Hall, Annual Christmas Party

Hosta Stones- The 2012 Hosta Stones featuring Ron Livingston’s 2008 introduction H. “Alakazaam” are for sale.  The regular member cost is $30.00 for Natural and $5.00 more for colored.  Non-member price is $35.00 for Natural and colors $5.00 more.  Call Cathy Hodgson at 810-664-8985 to place your order. 

            Cathy is also asking for suggestions for Michigan hybridizer’s for the 2013 stone.  Please direct any suggestions to Cathy.

 

Annual Plant Exchange- is the Sept 13^th meeting.  Plan what you want to bring to the exchange.  No Bishops weed, Houttuynia, Lily-of-the-Valley, etc.   We will discuss this further at the August Meeting. 

Club Members selling Hosta or related products;

Please call or email to set an appointment before visiting

Hanner, Mark/Becky- Pottery.  810-631-4292, mhanner@aol.com

Hunter, Barb- Hosta, Daylilies, Pond supplies. 810-664-7531, baha@chartermi.net

Lisik, Phil/Ginger-Hosta, Daylilies, other plants.  989-642-5772, lisik46@yahoo.com

Pickard, Carolyn- Daylilies, Hosta.   989-871-2875, robfamily5@yahoo.com

Canning, Rob- Lakeside Hostas.  810-714-1885, robslakesidehostas@gmail.com

Salk, Pat/Bill Kapustka, Daylilies.  810-678-3519, daylilyabode@msn.com

Smith, Stan/Mary Lou, Concrete leaves, toad houses.  989-845-3455 smlsmith@chartermi.net

Websites of Interest:

American Hosta Society- http://www.americanhostasociety.org/

American Hosta Society Convention Website- http://www.hosta2012.com/
AHS Hosta Library Website- http://www.hostalibrary.org/
Michigan Hosta Society Website- http://www.hostahappenings.com/
Eastern Michigan Hosta Society blog- http://easternmichiganhostasociety.blogspot.com/

Hosta College Website- http://ihostohio.com/portal/glhc/

Hosta Society Membership info-
American Hosta Society,  $30 individual, $57/2 years, $34 family, $62/2 years
Send dues to: Sandie Markland, AHS Membership Secretary, Post Office Box 7539, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Michigan Hosta Society, Dues is $15 per household for up to two people, good for 2 years. Make checks payable to: The Michigan Hosta Society and send to; Michigan Hosta Society, 2509 Wembly Lane, Troy, MI 48084-1280
Eastern Michigan Hosta Society, Dues $5 per year per household, Make check payable to EMHS and mail to: Mary Smith, EMHS Treasurer, 3431 Swaffer Rd, Millington, MI 48746

If you have information to be added to the EMHS Newsletter, please email it to Glen at pacegardens@charter.net.  Please email the info at least two weeks before the next scheduled meeting to have it included in the newsletter.  Information can be added to the EMHS blog at any time but only by the blogmaster, email Glen or reply to the blog for blog additions. 

EMHS Board of Officers:

President Glen Pace
pacegardens@charter.net 989-244-4029

Vice-President Carolyn Pickard

robfamily5@yahoo.com 989-871-2873

Treasurer Mary Smith

brooktrout@tds.net 989-871-9833

Secretary Marlene Daniels

gardenfairy50@aol.com 810-664-8317

Past President Mark Hanner

mhanner@aol.com 810-631-4292

Fund-Raising Mick and Cathy Hodgson

cehodgso@hotmail.com 810-664-8985

July 2012 Newsletter

Note from the President- After an odd winter/spring for us Michigan gardeners we are experiencing an odd summer.  We had spring weather in February, winter weather in March, April, and May, and now we are having August weather in June.  At Pace Gardens in Clio we have had no rainfall for over two months.  The hoses are stretched across the yard, the well is running consistently from morning until dark, and the plants are still suffering.  Daily watering has saved most plants from death, but many which were damaged from breaking dormancy in February only to face freezing temperatures for the next three months, are now being stressed even more by having to endure severely high temperatures and drought.  There is just no good way to make up for a natural rainfall. 

I want to thank the Vrable’s for hosting the June meeting.  As always, the Vrable’s gardens were spectacular.  Jim’s hybridizing efforts being displayed on the tables as leaf centerpieces is a fantastic way to let everybody see what he is doing with all those seedlings he raises.  Those leaves were big enough to make a parasol for a child with a single leaf.  Jim and Ellie, your graciousness as hosts for the June EMHS meeting was very much appreciated by all who attended. 

We have a number of new members in EMHS, welcome Helen Wischmeyer, Christina Withrow, Darlene Nadane, and Joyce Jahr. 

After the July 12^th meeting we will go to Rick Adams’ Laidback Gardens Daylily Farm.  Rick has offered to let us tour his gardens until dusk.  We thank you Patricia Major for coordinating this event for EMHS’ members. 

See you July 12^th,
Glen

2012 Calendar of Events:

July 12^th at the Major’s in Goodrich.  Member Garden Tour

August 9^th- at Barb Hunter’s in Lapeer.  Member Garden Tour

September 13^th at the Hodgson’s in Lapeer.  Annual Plant Exchange

October- No meeting scheduled

November- No meeting scheduled

December 6^th at Mayfield Twp. Hall, Annual Christmas Party

Next Meeting- Our next meeting is on July 12^th, 2012 at 6:00 PM at Patrick and Patricia Major’s, 10491 Horton Road, Goodrich, MI 48438, phone 810-444-9814.

Driving Directions-
            (from M-24/I-69) - Take I-69 West toward Flint and drive 10 miles to Exit 145 (M-15).  Turn left (South) onto M-15 (State Road) and drive 9.6 miles to Horton Road.  Turn right (West) onto Horton Road and drive 0.8 miles to destination on right. 
            (from I-75) – Drive south on I-75 to Exit 108 (Holly Road).  Turn right (South) onto Holly Road and drive 0.5 miles to Baldwin Road.  Turn left (East) and drive 4.9 miles to Gale Road.  Turn right (South) onto Gale Road and drive 0.6 miles to Horton Road.  Turn left (East) onto Horton Road and drive 1.9 miles to destination on left. 

            After the meeting we will drive to Rick Adam’s Laidback Gardens Daylily Farm.  Rick is a Daylily hybridizer with extensive gardens and sales areas.  The gardens are on M-15 about 10 minutes from the meeting.  The address is 6117 State Road, Goodrich.  Rick’s phone number is 810-636-7416. 

Garden Tours- the Lapeer Master Gardeners Tour is July 21^st, 2012 from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM.  Tickets are available from Barb Hunter and Marlene Daniels.  Tickets are also available from Burke's Flowers in Lapeer, Campbell's Greenhouse North Branch and the Lapeer Conservation office Master Gardener’s room.

Pat Salk and Bill Kapustka’s daylily gardens will be open "by appointment only" for most of the month of July. We can be reached at 810-678-3519 or daylilyabode@msn.com please write "garden visit" in the subject line or it will go to junk mail.

Hosta Stones- The 2012 Hosta Stones featuring Ron Livingston’s 2008 introduction H. “Alakazaam” are for sale with more in production.  The regular member cost for this year’s stone is $30.00 for Natural and $5.00 more for colored.  Non-member price is $35.00 for Natural and colors $5.00 more.  Call Cathy Hodgson at 810-664-8985 to place your order. 

Membership Dues- If you have not yet paid your 2012 EMHS Membership dues please do so by sending your $5.00 check made out to EMHS, to EMHS Treasurer Mary Smith, 3431 Swaffer Road, Millington, MI 48746.  Mary will have the most up to date printout of the membership list at every meeting if you need to check on your membership status.

Websites of Interest:

American Hosta Society- http://www.americanhostasociety.org/

American Hosta Society Convention Website- http://www.hosta2012.com/
AHS Hosta Library Website- http://www.hostalibrary.org/
Michigan Hosta Society Website- http://www.hostahappenings.com/
Eastern Michigan Hosta Society blog- http://easternmichiganhostasociety.blogspot.com/

Hosta College Website- http://ihostohio.com/portal/glhc/

Hosta Society Membership info-
American Hosta Society,  $30 individual, $57/2 years, $34 family, $62/2 years
Send dues to: Sandie Markland, AHS Membership Secretary, Post Office Box 7539, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Michigan Hosta Society, Dues is $15 per household for up to two people, good for 2 years. Make checks payable to: The Michigan Hosta Society and send to; Michigan Hosta Society, 2509 Wembly Lane, Troy, MI 48084-1280
Eastern Michigan Hosta Society, Dues $5 per year per household, Make check payable to EMHS and mail to: Mary Smith, EMHS Treasurer, 3431 Swaffer Rd, Millington, MI 48746

Midwest Hosta Convention
The Midwest Hosta Convention is taking place July 12, 13 and 14, 2012.
 http://midwest8.apollohosting.com/midwesthostasociety.org/convention.html

EMHS Board of Officers:

President Glen Pace
pacegardens@charter.net 989-244-4029

Vice-President Carolyn Pickard
robfamily5@yahoo.com 989-871-2873

Treasurer Mary Smith
brooktrout@tds.net 989-871-9833

Secretary Marlene Daniels
gardenfairy50@aol.com 810-664-8317

Past President Mark Hanner
mhanner@aol.com 810-631-4292

Fund-Raising Mick and Cathy Hodgson
cehodgso@hotmail.com 810-664-8985

If you have information to be added to the EMHS Newsletter, please email it to Glen at pacegardens@charter.net.  Please email the info at least two weeks before the next scheduled meeting to have it included in the newsletter.  Information can be added to the EMHS blog at any time but only by the blogmaster, email Glen or reply to the blog for blog additions.  

June 14th, 2012 Meeting Minutes

The Meeting was held at Jim and Ellie Vrable’s in Chesaning, MI on June 14^th, 2012. 

Networking and viewing the Vrable’s gardens began at 6:00 PM. 

Refreshments were served at 6:30 PM. 

Business Meeting was called to order at 7:20 PM by President Glen Pace.  Visitors and new Members introduced themselves and were welcomed to the meeting by Glen.

Plant Raffle- of Hosta “Double D” netted EMHS $74.00.  The plant was won by Mick and Cathy Hodgson. 

Hosta Stones- an update of Hosta Stone inventory was given by Cathy Hodgson.  There are no old Hosta Stones left in inventory, so anybody wishing to purchase an old stone will have to order the stone at the full price.  Still in inventory is the 2012 Stone featuring Alakazaam in both Brown and Iron colors.

Local Tours- the Michigan Hosta Tour is on June 30^th, 2012 in the Saginaw area.  The June newsletter as well as the EMHS blog has details on this tour.  The Lapper Area Master Gardeners Tour is on July 21^st, 2012 from 9-5 (see Barb Hunter or Marlene Daniels for tickets).  The Genesee County Master Gardeners Tour is July 21^st, 2012. 

Blog- Glen asked that members please email or call him with information for the blog or newsletter.  Any local garden tours or Hosta related topics can be posted to the blog for informational purposes. 

Next Meeting- is on July 12^th, 2012 at the Major’s in Goodrich, MI at 6:00 PM. 

Adjournment- at 8:00 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Glen Pace

EMHS President

June 2012 Newsletter

Eastern Michigan Hosta Society

June 2012 Newsletter

Note from the President- A big thank you goes out to Mark and Becky Hanner for hosting our May meeting and some extra thanks are included for putting up with the mess of the paper-­crete class.  The Hanner’s has either been out cleaning up from the late frosts or they just hadn’t been affected the same way some of our yards had been, but their gardens were beautiful. 

We also wish to thank all of those that made paper pulp for the class.  As a lot of you got to witness, paper-crete mixing is not an exact science and it is a bit like old fashioned cooking, i.e. it is more about the look and feel of the mix than it is about the measurements.  It was greatly appreciated that most of you measured out the water and counted the pages of paper as that is one part of the process that does need to be somewhat followed. 

For those of you that have not removed your paper-crete pot from the mold, please do so now and place it outside in the weather to have Mother Nature help you to leach the lime from the pot.  Leaving the pot in the rain will help to remove the excess lime that the Portland cement adds to the paper-crete.  

The National Convention is going on the week of our meeting.  For those attending the National, may your journey be safe and filled with everything Hosta!

Jim and Ellie Vrable are hosting our June meeting.  Their gardens are always a delight to visit with Jim’s Hosta hybridizing seedlings in multiple beds and a woodland planted with Hosta, it is a sight to behold.  Don’t miss the opportunity to see this place.  The date is June 14^th, 2012 at 6:00 PM.  Driving directions are below. 

We hope to see you at the summer meetings as they are always a lot of fun.

Glen

Next Meeting- The next EMHS Meeting is on June 14^th, 2012 at 6:00 PM at the Vrable’s, 6225 Chesaning Road, Chesaning, MI 48616. 
            Driving directions- Take M-57 (Vienna Road) drive 13 miles West of I-75 to Bishop Road.  Turn right (North) and drive 2 miles to Chesaning Road.  Turn left (West) and drive to house on left. 

Please don’t forget your lawn chair and a dish to pass for the potluck.  The club will provide the table service and cups, but the food is provided by you.  Main dishes are encouraged and much appreciated.

Hosta Stones- The 2012 Hosta Stones featuring Ron Livingston’s 2008 introduction H. “Alakazaam” are for sale with more in production.  The regular member cost for this year’s stone is $30.00 for Natural and $5.00 more for colored.  Non-member price is $35.00 for Natural and colors $5.00 more.  Call Cathy Hodgson at 810-664-8985 to place your order. 

Membership Dues- If you have not yet paid your 2012 EMHS Membership dues please do so by sending your $5.00 check made out to EMHS, to EMHS Treasurer Mary Smith, 3431 Swaffer Road, Millington, MI 48746.  Mary will have the most up to date printout of the membership list at every meeting if you need to check on your membership status.

2012 Calendar of Events:

June 14^th at The Vrable’s in Chesaning. 
Member Garden Tour

June 13^th-16^th- Nat’l Hosta Convention
in Nashville, TN

July 12^th at the Major’s in Goodrich.
Member Garden Tour

August 9^th- at Barb Hunter’s in Lapeer.
Member Garden Tour

September 13^th at the Hodgson’s in Lapeer. 
Annual Plant Exchange

October- No meeting scheduled

November- No meeting scheduled

December 6^th at Mayfield Twp. Hall,
Annual Christmas Party

Websites of Interest:

American Hosta Society- http://www.americanhostasociety.org/

American Hosta Society Convention Website- http://www.hosta2012.com/
AHS Hosta Library Website- http://www.hostalibrary.org/
Michigan Hosta Society Website- http://www.hostahappenings.com/
Eastern Michigan Hosta Society blog- http://easternmichiganhostasociety.blogspot.com/

Hosta College Website- http://ihostohio.com/portal/glhc/

Hosta Society Membership info-
American Hosta Society,  $30 individual, $57/2 years, $34 family, $62/2 years
Send dues to: Sandie Markland, AHS Membership Secretary, Post Office Box 7539, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Michigan Hosta Society, Dues is $15 per household for up to two people, good for 2 years. Make checks payable to: The Michigan Hosta Society and send to; Michigan Hosta Society, 2509 Wembly Lane, Troy, MI 48084-1280
Eastern Michigan Hosta Society, Dues $5 per year per household, Make check payable to EMHS and mail to: Mary Smith, EMHS Treasurer, 3431 Swaffer Rd, Millington, MI 48746

Midwest Hosta Convention
The Midwest Hosta Convention is taking place July 12, 13 and 14, 2012.
 http://midwest8.apollohosting.com/midwesthostasociety.org/convention.html

 AHS Tailgate Party of June 22-24
Access to information regarding the AHS Tailgate Party of June 22-24 is via these links: http://ihostohio.com/Portal/glhc/events.asp
http://ihostohio.org/portal/glhc/ckfinder/userfiles/files/2012Tailgate.pdf

Michigan Hosta Society Garden Tour- June 30^th, 2012
This year it is the Saginaw Valley Hosta Society’s turn to host the Michigan Hosta Society garden tour. On June 30 we will have five local gardens open for the members as well as the public to tour. Gardens will be open from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.

The gardens are:
June & Grey Gitzen, 1400 Coolidge, Saginaw
Jeanie & Robert Quinn, 4820 Indian Trail, Saginaw
Deanna & Tom Leinberger, 11540 Dice Rd., Freeland
Carolyn & Ron Weaver, 11747 Frost Rd. Freeland
Ginger & Phil Lisik, 1445 N Iva Rd. Hemlock

If you have information to be added to the EMHS Newsletter, please email it to Glen at pacegardens@charter.net.  Please email the info at least two weeks before the next scheduled meeting to have it included in the newsletter.  Information can be added to the EMHS blog at any time but only by the blogmaster, email Glen or reply to the blog for blog additions. 

EMHS Board of Officers:

President                      Glen Pace     
pacegardens@charter.net         989-244-4029

Vice-President             Carolyn Pickard
robfamily5@yahoo.com          989-871-2873

Treasurer                     Mary Smith
brooktrout@tds.net                  989-871-9833

Secretary                      Marlene Daniels
gardenfairy50@aol.com                      810-664-8317

Past President               Mark Hanner
mhanner@aol.com                  810-631-4292

Fund-Raising                 Mick and Cathy Hodgson
cehodgso@hotmail.com                      810-664-8985

May 2012 Newsletter

Note from the President- Our last meeting was a special treat with the American Hosta Society President, Doug Beilstein being the speaker for the evening.  Doug gave a wonderful pictorial presentation of the history of the AHS and bounced directly into a presentation on freeze damage in the garden.  Doug stated that by pinching the freeze damaged growth back to viable tissue that you can save the growth bud from rotting totally and waiting for the lateral growth buds to start the growth cycle.  He also showed pictures of his method of propagation and the set-up devoted to his passion.  Doug grows Hosta from seed……thousands of seeds and thousands of Hosta.  How many of you could cull hundreds of plants from your efforts?  He has to cull thousands.  Did you know that a 10% solution of household vinegar and water will kill the fungus from your seed trays?  Doug was generous with this type of information and willing to talk with anybody.  What a wonderful experience it was to have the President of a National Organization come speak to us about our favorite garden subject, Hosta.

                There are still spots available for the May 10^th, 2012 Paper-crete class at the Hanner’s in Otisville.  If you would like to participate in the class but have not signed up, please email Glen so your name can be added to the list.  Don’t wait until the day of the class to let us know you want to participate as we will mix paper-crete for the number of people participating. 

                I am looking forward to our summer meetings and seeing the beautiful gardens.  EMHS wishes to thank our summer garden meeting hosts in advance for all the hard work that goes into making their garden “just right” for all of us to enjoy.  If any members have time to volunteer you may want to ask the hosts if they would like help in their gardens preparing for the meeting.  The names of this year’s hosts can be found in the calendar of events.

Sincerely,
Glen

Next Meeting- Our next meeting will be on May 10^th, 2012 at 4:00 PM at the Hanner’s 10414 Oak Road, Otisville, MI 48463.  The Hanner’s phone number is 810-631-4292.  This is the paper-crete container making class.  There is no cost to EMHS Members.

            Directions from M-15; Take M-15 to the traffic light in downtown Otisville   (Main St/Wilson Road) and turn to the East.  Drive 1.4 miles to Oak Road and turn right (South).  Drive 0.2 miles to the house on the left. 
            Directions from Lapeer area; Take M-24 to Columbiaville Road and turn West.  Drive 7.6 miles to Washburn Road and turn right (North).  Drive 0.5 miles to Wilson Road and turn left (West).  Drive 2.0 miles to Oak Road and turn left (South).  Drive 0.2 miles to house on left. 

There are openings for the Paper-crete class, email or call Glen to reserve your spot.

Refreshments- Over the years our refreshment time has turned into a potluck, so as to not break the precedence already established we ask that you bring your favorite dish to pass to add to the table of plenty.  The club will provide the flatware, plates, cups, napkins, and coffee. 

Hosta Stones- The 2012 Hosta Stones featuring Ron Livingston’s 2008 introduction H. “Alakazaam” are for sale with more in production.  The regular member cost for this year’s stone is $30.00 for Natural and $5.00 more for colored.  Non-member price is $35.00 for Natural and colors $5.00 more.  Call Cathy Hodgson at 810-664-8985 to place your order. 

Membership Dues- If you have not yet paid your 2012 EMHS Membership dues please do so by sending your $5.00 check made out to EMHS, to EMHS Treasurer Mary Smith, 3431 Swaffer Road, Millington, MI 48746.  Mary will have the most up to date printout of the membership list at every meeting if you need to check on your membership status.

2012 Calendar of Events:

May 10^th at the Hanner’s, Hands on paper-crete class.  Openings available.

June 14^th at The Vrable’s in Chesaning.  Member Garden Tour

June 13^th-16^th- Nat’l Hosta Convention in Nashville, TN

July 12^th at the Major’s in Goodrich.  Member Garden Tour

August 9^th- at Barb Hunter’s in Lapeer.  Member Garden Tour

September 13^th at the Hodgson’s in Lapeer.  Annual Plant Exchange

October- No meeting scheduled

November- No meeting scheduled

December 6^th at Mayfield Twp. Hall, Annual Christmas Party

Websites of Interest:

American Hosta Society- http://www.americanhostasociety.org/

American Hosta Society Convention Website- http://www.hosta2012.com/
AHS Hosta Library Website- http://www.hostalibrary.org/
Michigan Hosta Society Website- http://www.hostahappenings.com/
Eastern Michigan Hosta Society blog- http://easternmichiganhostasociety.blogspot.com/

Hosta College Website- http://ihostohio.com/portal/glhc/

Hosta Society Membership info-
American Hosta Society,  $30 individual, $57/2 years, $34 family, $62/2 years
Send dues to: Sandie Markland, AHS Membership Secretary, Post Office Box 7539, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Michigan Hosta Society, Dues is $15 per household for up to two people, good for 2 years. Make checks payable to: The Michigan Hosta Society and send to; Michigan Hosta Society, 2509 Wembly Lane, Troy, MI 48084-1280
Eastern Michigan Hosta Society, Dues $5 per year per household, Make check payable to EMHS and mail to: Mary Smith, EMHS Treasurer, 3431 Swaffer Rd, Millington, MI 48746

This is for those of you that took the black buckets at the last meeting

Making wet shredded paper for Paper-Crete

Preparation time:

20 minutes

Time required for soaking:

At least 48-72 hours but 4-5 days is best

Ingredients needed:

1 gallon of water

36 full sheets of newsprint. (Approximately 3 complete USA Today newspapers)

            Clarification- a full sheet of newsprint is four numbered pages of a newspaper. A single full sheet of USA Today (Lee Coates paper of choice) is 24 inches wide x 21 inches high.  These are not the huge newspapers we used to get. DO NOT USE SHINY PAPER

Instructions-

Measure out 1 gallon of water and pour in bucket

Add strips of paper as below

            -Tear each of the 36 pages of newsprint into half inch wide strips and put in bucket with the water.

            -After every page be sure to push the strips of paper down into the water to ensure they absorb the water.

            -After all pages are shredded and in the bucket with the water, let the bucket sit overnight.

            -Twice each day, stir the wet paper to ensure that all newsprint is wet.

            -If there is dry newsprint and no water in the bucket you will have to add a small amount of water to wet the dry paper.

            -You want the paper wet, but do not want excess water standing in the bucket.

            -This mixture has to sit for at least 48-72 hours before we can use the mixer to make the pulp for paper-crete, but letting it sit for 4-5 days is best.  Please be sure to make this in time for the meeting.

April 2012 Newsletter

Note from the President- The 2012 growing season is beginning.  Many of our early spring flowers have already bloomed and are gone for the year and many others are weeks ahead of schedule.  This year’s weather pattern is different than anything we have experienced in our lifetimes.  Of all the people I have talked to nobody can recall a winter as mild as this past winter and nobody can remember a March with temps in the high 80’s.  I have already had to mow my lawn and it is still March!

                Now we are getting another cold snap.  We are forecasted to have frost and/or freezing temps nearly every night this week and many plants are going to be at risk of damage or death.  All of my Hosta have growth spikes already above ground and a lot of them have leaves unfurling.  All of the Japanese Maples and Dogwoods have broken dormancy and are at their most vulnerable state.  If a freeze kills all the leaves of a Japanese Maple just as it is leafing out in the spring it will often kill the entire tree.  Some of the smaller plants and trees can be protected with frost blanket, an inverted flower pot, bed sheets, or even a few layers of newspapers laid over the plant.  Just be sure that the leaves are not touching plastic as 32 degree plastic touching a leaf will burn the leaf. 

                Our speaker for the April meeting is Doug Beilstein, President of the American Hosta Society.  Doug is an accomplished Hosta Hybridizer with 40 registered varieties including Bailey’s Cream, Cup of Grace, and King of Spades which are plants that we have made available to our membership.  Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and talk with the President of the American Hosta Society.

                Hosta College was great fun again this year.  I will not mention the EMHS Members that attended because inevitably I will forget to mention somebody, but let’s just say that we had a fair number of people to represent EMHS.  All of us brought home a plant or two (some of us brought home many more) and a good amount of new knowledge.  For those of you that have never gone to Hosta College, you have no idea of the fun you are missing out on or the amount of knowledge you are passing up.  This event is also where EMHS unveils the new EMHS Hosta Stone every year.  This is one of EMHS’s primary fund raisers and all offers for help at the Sales Table are appreciated.  This year we sold 55 Hosta Stones. 

I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and concerns for my health over the past few months.  I am not 100% and may never be, but I am back doing most of what I want to do.  I am thanking my lucky stars as my surgeon told me I was a simple fall away from becoming a quadriplegic.  What I have learned from my ordeal is that not all aches and balance issues can be blamed on old age; if something seems wrong, go to a doctor and have testing done to find out a true cause.  Again, thank you all for your cards, calls, and inquiries.

Sincerely,
Glen

Next Meeting- Our next meeting will be on April 12^th, 2012 at 6:00 PM at the Mayfield Twp. Hall in Lapeer.  This is our regular meeting place located at 1900 N. Saginaw Lapeer, MI next to Stiles Cemetery (just south of the point of M-24 and Saginaw Rd.).  Networking will begin at 6:00 PM, refreshments will be served at 6:30PM, and the meeting will start promptly at 7:00PM.  The speaker for this month will be Doug Beilstein, President of the American Hosta Society.   The speaker will begin promptly at 7:00 PM, please be in your seat and ready for the presentation before he begins speaking. 

Refreshments- Over the years our refreshment time has turned into a potluck, so as to not break the precedence already established we ask that you bring your favorite dish to pass to add to the table of plenty.  The club will provide the flatware, plates, cups, napkins, and coffee. 

Hosta Stones- The 2012 Hosta Stones featuring Ron Livingston’s 2008 introduction H. “Alakazaam” are for sale with more in production.  The regular member cost for this year’s stone is $30.00 for Natural and $5.00 more for colored.  Non-member price is $35.00 for Natural and colors $5.00 more.  Call Cathy Hodgson at 810-664-8985 to place your order.  At the April meeting there will be one each of Green, Iron, Brown and Black for sale. 

Membership Dues- If you have not yet paid your 2012 EMHS Membership dues please do so by sending your $5.00 check made out to EMHS, to EMHS Treasurer Mary Smith.  Dues are to be paid by the April meeting.  Mary will have the most up to date printout of the membership list at every meeting if you need to check on your membership status.

2012 Calendar of Events:

April 12^th at Mayfield Twp. Hall, speaker- Doug Beilstein, President AHS

May 10^th at the Hanner’s, Hands on paper-crete class.  Nominal fee and registration required.

June 14^th at The Vrable’s in Chesaning.  Member Garden Tour

June 13^th-16^th- Nat’l Hosta Convention in Nashville, TN

July 12^th at the Major’s in Goodrich.  Member Garden Tour

August 9^th- at Barb Hunter’s in Lapeer.  Member Garden Tour

September 13^th at the Hodgson’s in Lapeer.  Annual Plant Exchange

October- No meeting scheduled

November- No meeting scheduled

December 6^th or 13^th (date to be set) at Mayfield Twp. Hall, Annual Christmas Party

Websites of Interest:

American Hosta Society- http://www.americanhostasociety.org/

American Hosta Society Convention Website- http://www.hosta2012.com/
AHS Hosta Library Website- http://www.hostalibrary.org/
Michigan Hosta Society Website- http://www.hostahappenings.com/
Eastern Michigan Hosta Society blog- http://easternmichiganhostasociety.blogspot.com/

Hosta College Website- http://ihostohio.com/portal/glhc/

Hosta Society Membership info-
American Hosta Society,  $30 individual, $57/2 years, $34 family, $62/2 years
Send dues to: Sandie Markland, AHS Membership Secretary, Post Office Box 7539, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Michigan Hosta Society, Dues is $15 per household for up to two people, good for 2 years. Make checks payable to: The Michigan Hosta Society and send to; Michigan Hosta Society, 2509 Wembly Lane, Troy, MI 48084-1280
Eastern Michigan Hosta Society, Dues $5 per year per household, Make check payable to EMHS and mail to: Mary Smith, EMHS Treasurer, 3431 Swaffer Rd, Millington, MI 48746

EMHS Board of Officers:

President                      Glen Pace                   

 pacegardens@charter.net         989-244-4029

Vice-President             Carolyn Pickard          

 robfamily5@yahoo.com            989-871-2873

Treasurer                     Mary Smith                 

brooktrout@tds.net                  989-871-9833

Secretary                      Marlene Daniels          

gardenfairy50@aol.com           810-664-8317

Past President               Mark Hanner              

mhanner@aol.com                   810-631-4292

Fund-                           Mick and                    

Raising                         Cathy Hodgson

cehodgso@hotmail.com 810-664-8985