Vice President's report on Ohio Bus Trip

Our condolences to those who were unable to attend the bus trip to Ohio. We wish you could have shared this great experience.

Our first nursery stop was at Wade and Gatton Nursery where we were greeted by the owner, Mr. Van Wade. He personally took us on a short walking tour of the gardens around his Victorian family home. He graciously took some of our members on a golf cart tour of the Hosta and Daylily beds laid out in the hills and valleys a short distance from the house. We found some interesting Hosta and perennials in his polyhouses. Also, a few shrubs were seen being loaded back on the bus. After some cool refreshments in the shade, we were each given a free plant and were back on the bus for a short ride to Troyer's Dutch Heritage Restaurant. The buffet style meal was delicious and a few folks found some items in the bakery section to satisfy their sweet tooth.

The next morning found us in Mr. Peter Ruh's garden. What a treat to be in the presence of such a leader in the Hosta World! He and his wife gave personal tours of the wooded grounds. We learned a little history of Mr. Ruh's life in the nursery business and details about his unusual trees and plants. Their hillside "back yard" is a series of terraced gardens held in place by rectangular blocks of cement forming low walls. Cement retaining walls were used throughout the woodland garden. After some Hosta shopping, we boarded the bus looking forward to lunch at the home of Mr. Jon Soucek.

The current drought was evident in Mr. Soucek's garden. However, even with the plants not at their best; we enjoyed this yard landscaped with Hosta and a variety of conifers. Mr. Soucek opened his air conditioned home to these hot, weary travelers who thoroughly enjoyed the meal he prepared. After devouring brats and hamburgers, we settled in the back yard for an auction of some unusual and rare Hosta. Then, back on the bus.

Our last stop was a Hostaholic's delight! At Cahoon's Nursery our bus parked next to a marquee welcoming the Eastern Michigan Hosta Society. Eager to get inside the nursery, we impatiently gathered around our greeter who announced that we would receive a 20% discount on cold drinks and ice cream. Then, immediately sought out the rows and rows of Hosta. Some in our group even checked out the trees and shrubs. We were impressed with a bank of mature nicely mulched Hosta which were displayed with the name tags. Equally impressive was the cheerful and helpful staff. With the bus loaded with plants and our billfolds considerably lighter, we headed for Lapeer, MI arriving on schedule at 7:00 PM.

We owe a huge "thank you" to Mark and Becky Hanner for all of the work they put into organizing this trip. Everything ran like clockwork. Good job Mark and Becky!

Submitted by Carolyn Pickard, Vice President EMHS