September 2012 Newsletter

Note from the President- We got teased by Mother Nature with a couple of rain showers and now the old girl has dried up again.  While at work (in the city of Flint) this past weekend it was raining a lot, but when I got home I found less than 1/10^th of an inch in the rain gauge.  I have given up trying to keep a watering schedule that will sustain the plants in a presentable manner.  As long as the plants don’t die, I am satisfied. 

Our next meeting is September 13^th, 2012.  This is our annual plant exchange.  As always we ask you to not bring invasive plants to the meeting as they will not be permitted into the exchange.    We may change the way the plant exchange is done this year, but you can rest assured that you will go home with a few plants to add to your garden.  This meeting is always a blast and everybody leaves with a new plant (sometimes many plants) to use in their own yard.  There are a couple of things to remember about this meeting; bring something to exchange, each membership (single, couple, or family) gets only one name in the drawing canister, look things over as the drawing is being held as we have to go fast to get finished before dark, don’t bring invasive species to trade, don’t bring any plants with known disease or insect infestation, the exchange is not limited to plants, be prepared to have fun, the drawing starts promptly at 6:30 and goes fast, the drawing will be extremely high speed so be ready to jump up and pick out a plant as this drawing goes FAST!

As announced at the last meeting, Barb Hunter has offered to become our next Treasurer.  We want to welcome Barb.  Mary Smith has done a fantastic job as Treasurer and we cannot thank her enough for keeping the books for the club.  Mary is planning on finishing out the year with the job as Treasurer so any money paid will be to her until the official change has been made. 

Thank you Barb Hunter for hosting our August meeting and for having the garage and tents to keep us dry during the rain showers.  Barb’s gardens are always a delight to walk through and the added benefit of choosing which plants you want for your own garden as you walk is delightful.  Barb has a good selection of plants at good prices so I hope many of you took advantage of her sales area. 

I hope to see you at the meeting on September 13^th and don’t forget to bring a plant for the exchange, a dish to pass for the pot-luck, a chair to sit in, and be ready to have a good time.

Glen

Next Meeting- Our next meeting will be held on September 13^th at 5:30 PM at the home of Mick and Cathy Hodgson, 1360 Roods Lake Road, Lapeer, MI 48446, phone 810-664-8985, email cehodgso@hotmail.com .  This is the EMHS Annual Plant Exchange.  Everybody brings at least one plant (or any number of plants), all plants are grouped in one area, each paid membership present gets their name placed in a drawing canister, then when your name is drawn you go pick out any plant from the ones left in the area.  This meeting is always a lot of fun and very fast paced.  Last year every membership present left with at least three plants.  We do ask that you put a name label in each plant you bring.   Invasive plants will not be permitted into the exchange.  Examples of common invasive garden plants are Convallaria (Lily-of-the-Valley), Houttuynia (Chameleon Plant), Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern), and Aegopodium (Snow-on-the-Mountain or Bishop’s Weed).  The aforementioned list is not complete by any means, but is given to let you know what is meant by invasive.  Suggestions of plants to bring are Hosta, companion plants, ornamental trees/shrubs, or garden related items such as ornaments, watering wands, etc.  Touring the gardens will start at 5:30, Refreshments at 6:00, and we will start the drawing promptly at 6:30 PM so we can be finished before dusk. 

We will also have a drawing for a special item.  Tickets will be available at the meeting and the winner will take the item home.    If you would like to donate a special plant or item for this drawing it will help generate funds for future speaker’s fees.

Driving Directions- Take M-24 to Daley Road (this is the first road north of our regular meeting place of Mayfield Twp. Hall).  Turn East on Daley and drive 1.5 miles to Roods Lake Road.  Turn right (South) and drive 1.3 miles to the house on the left.  Please park in the second driveway area where you see the EMHS Meeting sign and walk over to the house. 

2012 Calendar of Events:

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.  

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.   989-871-2873, 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