July 2014 Newsletter

Note from the President- First I want to thank Betty and Andy Malburg from Campbell’s Greenhouse for hosting our June meeting.  I had no idea of what all was involved in being a plant production greenhouse.  Andy’s enthusiasm about making a stack of trays, some soil, seeds, and automation turn into a basket of flowering beauty, all done in the shortest possible time, baffles me, but the proof of his capability lies in the product he sells.  The hanging baskets were beautiful!  The tour of the production houses and seeing the automated seed planter, soil machine, and temperature controls as well as the watering computer panels was mind boggling and inspiring.  Betty’s retail management skills were evident by the amount of things we purchased before the meeting and her organizing the set-up and tear-down of tables and chairs for our meeting was greatly appreciated.  Thank you Betty and Andy for a great time and for being wonderful hosts as well as for the hanging baskets you gave to various members and Melva especially thanks you for the white rock!

This afternoon I took down the portable greenhouse used each spring to house the orders of plants as they arrive in the mail.  The weather forecast is for rain and thunderstorms tonight and the plants will definitely appreciate a good rain after being planted in the open soil. 

After this past winter killed all of our Koi, Shubunkins, and Orfe, this is our first year of having a pond without the fish.  All of the fish dying had me ready to fill in the pond.   I miss my pets as part of them had been in the pond since it was built more than 15 years ago.   Not having the Koi greet you at feeding time was a bit depressing as they were always so active and kept the pond alive with movement.  But, I have to admit that being able to grow a water lily for the first time is rewarding.  The first water lily bloom opened today and it is beautiful.  We also started the water fall pump so the falls is at full water capacity so the sound of rushing water adds another interest to the fish-less pond.   To sum up my feelings about the pond without fish…..I do miss the activity, but I am thoroughly enjoying the ability to grow the water plants that the Koi used to eat no matter what I did to try and protect them from their hungry mouths. 

July 10^th is Music-in-the-Garden at the Jessop’s in Lapeer.  This meeting involves something new to our group and will be something special.  We will have live music for an EMHS Meeting?  How exciting!  I look forward to seeing all of you on July 10^th, 2014 at the Jessop’s.

Sincerely,
Glen

P.S. Don’t forget to bring a dish to pass for the potluck and a chair to sit on for the meeting. 

Next Meeting- July 10^th, 2014 at Jim and Lorraine Jessop’s, 3735 Oregon Rd. in Lapeer at 6:00 PM.  This is the Music in the Garden Meeting featuring musician Steve Prince playing the Indian flute.  After viewing the gardens Mr. Prince will give a presentation about the Indian flute.  This will be a very interesting meeting as well as a good time to view Jim and Lorraine’s Daylily and Hosta collections.   

            Directions- From our regular meeting place of the Mayfield Twp. Hall- turn right to get to M-24.  Turn right (SSW) and drive 9/10ths of a mile to Davis Lake Road and turn right (West).  Drive 1.4 miles and turn Left (South) onto Millville Rd.  Drive 1.0 miles and turn Right (West) onto Oregon Rd.  Drive 1.3 miles to the destination (3735 Oregon Rd.) on Left (South) side of the road. 

            From I-75 (Saginaw/Birch Run)- Drive South on I-75 to I-475 south (Flint) to I-69 East and drive 12.5 miles to Exit 149 Elba Rd.  Turn left (North) and drive 4/10ths of a mile and turn right (East) onto Genesee Road.  Drive 3.6 miles and the road curves north and turns into Hayes Road.  Drive another 1.3 miles and turn Right (East) onto Oregon Road.  Drive 2/10ths of a mile to the destination (3735 Oregon Rd.) on the Right (South) side of the road.

Jim Jessop made a map of the Lapeer area that has been scanned and the file will be attached to your newsletter when it is emailed to you. 

2014 Calendar of Events: 
EMHS events are noted in bold print and other events are noted in italics.

July 10- Garden Meeting at The Jessop’s with
            “Music in the Garden” featuring Steve Prince
July 27 . Ed Elslager Hybridizers Group, Ann Arbor
Aug 14- Garden Meeting at Diana O’Riordan’s
Aug. 24 Annual Meeting and Workday, Hidden Lake Gardens, Tipton
Sept 11- EMHS Plant Exchange at Pam Walmsley’s
Oct 9- Mayfield Twp. Hall, speaker Tony Reznicek 
Nov- No Meeting
Nov. 2 Ed Elslager Hybridizers Group, Ann Arbor
Dec 11- Mayfield Twp. Hall, EMHS Christmas Party

Review the last two (2) meeting’s minutes on the blog.  We will vote to accept the minutes at the next meeting.

EMHS 2014 Gift Plant- Hosta “Bachelor Party” is the 2014 EMHS Gift Plant.  H. “Bachelor Party” is a medium size plant with mature dimensions of 14”H x30”W.  Each paid 2014 EMHS Membership will receive one plant as a gift.  More of the plants are available at the extremely low cost of $3.00 each.   You must be present at the July meeting to receive your free gift plant.

EMHS Business Cards- are still available for members to take for promoting the club.

Name Badges- If you need one of the new EMHS name badges, please put your printed name on the sign-up sheet at any meeting or you can email Glen with your request.  Glen will try to have your name badge at the next meeting. 

The EMHS T-shirt featuring Joseph Tychonievich's  Hosta Addiction self-test are $18.00 each for an EMHS Member and $20.00 each for a non-member.  Sizes available are XXL and XXXL.  

The proceeds from the sale of this shirt go to promote our “Purpose” which is, to promote the interest of hostas and shade gardening; to extend horticultural education and activities to its members and the community.

Hosta Stones- The hybridizer for 2014 is Hans Hansen and the plant is Hosta “Joy Ride”.  H. “Joy Ride” was introduced by Walter’s Gardens.  It forms a wriggly, broadly mounding mass of very wavy blue-green leaves accented with upright folded edges, grows to 16 x 36, and has 24 inch scapes of widely flared, tubular, light lavender flowers produced in midsummer.  

Also available are 3 Iron colored 2013 Hosta Stones featuring  "Indiana Bob" Balitewicz’s Hosta “Krugerrand” and 2 Brown 2012 Hosta Stones featuring Ron Livingston’s H. “Alakazaam” at the sale price is $30.00 for each stone.  In addition we have one Natural color 2011 Stone featuring Van Wade’s H. “American Halo” at $25.00 each.  All of the aforementioned stones are for sale on a first come first served basis.  There are three stone stands available at the price of $20.00 each.  If interested in purchasing any of these at the sale prices listed please call Cathy Hodgson at 810-664-8985.

This is the extra space that needs to be filled with your articles of information for EMHS.  Please give any information you want added to the monthly newsletter or the blog to Glen or email it to pacegardens@charter.net

Club Members selling Hosta or related products;

Please call or email to set an appointment before visiting

Daniels, Marlene, Bottle Wind chimes.  810-664-8317gardenfairy50@aol.com

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
Moore, Dyane- Fairy houses  https://www.facebook.com/GardenArtAndMoore

Pickard, Carolyn- Daylilies, Hosta.   989-871-2873,robfamily5@yahoo.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 are $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: Barb Hunter, EMHS Treasurer, 316 Davis Lake Rd. Lapeer, MI 48746

Saginaw Valley Hosta Society, Dues $5 per year per household, Make check payable to SVHS and mail to: Marge Greskowiak, SVHS Treasurer, 10025 Lakewood Dr., Saginaw, MI 48609

EMHS Board of Officers:

President                     Glen Pace                   

pacegardens@charter.net      989-244-4029

Vice-President          Pam Walmsley

---no email---                          810-964-2311

Treasurer                    Barb Hunter                

baha@chartermi.net              810-664-7531

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

Comments to the EMHS blog:  I am mentioning blog posting to let you know that your comments to the blog can be published too.  All you have to do is go to the EMHS blog at http://easternmichiganhostasociety.blogspot.com/   and comment to a blog posting which will alert me that you have made a comment.  Once I deem the comment valid for publishing I will okay and it will automatically be posted.  Please note that I cannot edit or spell check your comments, all I can do is to publish, ignore, or delete your comments.  All comments will be screened by me to deter any vulgarity or inappropriate comments being published to the EMHS blog.    Glen

June 12, 2014 Meeting Minutes

The Meeting was held at Campbell’s Greenhouse in North Branch on June 12^th at 6:00 PM.  At the direction of Betty Malburg, owner of Campbell’s Greenhouse, the members were allowed to shop until the greenhouse closed at 7:00 PM. 

Called to Order at 7:20 by President Glen Pace.  Visitors introduced and Owners of Campbell’s Greenhouse, Betty and Andy Malburg were introduced, followed by potluck/refreshments.

Business Meeting-
            May Minutes-were not available.  These will be posted to the blog to be reviewed and voted on at the July meeting. 
            Treasurer’s Report- Barb Hunter-Beginning balance $------, Income of $------, Expenditures of $-------, and end of month balance, $--------.  Motion to accept report by Mark Hanner, seconded by Linda Pollard, motion passed.           
            Hosta Stones- Cathy Hodgson-Current Inventory of (1) 2014 Natural, (3) 2013 Iron, (2) 2012 Brown, (1) 2011 Natural and (3) stands.
            2014 EMHS Gift Plant- Cathy Hodgson- Presented description of H. “Bachelor Party” to membership and presented plan for dispersal of gift plants.  Each 2014 paid membership will receive one free gift plant.  More are available at $3.00 each.  Cathy then presented the first gift plant to Betty and Andy of Campbell’s Greenhouse for hosting the meeting. 
            Name Badges-Glen Pace-If you need a new name badge, sign-up sheet is available.  First badge is free and replacements are $2.00 each.  Please save the magnet off the back of a ruined badge to help save costs.  Name badges given to some members present that hadn’t picked theirs up. 
            T-shirts-Glen Pace- Shirts are still available in XXL and XXXL.  The last (L) was purchased at the meeting.  Price is $18.00 each.

Announcements-
            H. “Happily Ever After”- Ray Brice is looking for this plant, if anybody finds it please notify Ray.
            Joseph Tychonievich- has left Arrowhead Alpines as Greenhouse Manager to pursue his career in speaking engagements and book writing.  Brigitta Stewart, owner of Arrowhead Alpines will continue to run the nursery.
            Asian Long Horned Beetle- Bill Kapustka reported on an article about the progression of this beetle’s migration into Ohio and Michigan.   Per the request of the DNR, if found the insect is to be captured and the DNR notified.  This beetle is 1-1.5 inches long, black with white spots, and has long antennae. 

            Glen Pace will be one of the Instructors at Hosta College 2015.  His Presentation will be on Woodland Plants.

             MI Master Gardeners Sales Event- June 21^st, The Hanner’s will be vendors.
            Next Meeting-July 10^th, “Music in the Garden” at the Jessop’s in Lapeer.
            August 23^rd- “Art in the Garden”, a sales event 10AM-5PM at Suncrest in Lapeer, no                   admission fee.
            September- The Hanner’s host an “Art in the Garden” with multiple vendors.

Presentation/Tour of the Production Houses- at 7:45 PM Andy Malburg from Campbell’s gave a very informative presentation/tour of the production aspect of greenhousing at Campbell’s.  Andy also gave multiple hanging baskets to various members present at the meeting. 
            Betty and Andy were thanked for their kindness and hospitality. 

Meeting adjourned when tour was over at dusk.

Respectfully submitted by,

Glen Pace
EMHS President

May 01, 2014 Meeting Minutes

The Meeting- was held at the Mayfield Twp. Hall on May 1^st, 2014

The Board- met at 3:00pm with our speaker Joseph Tychonievich for dinner at Blind Fish in Lapeer

Doors opened- at 5:00 pm for networking, sign in, set up for Joseph

The Meeting- was called to order by President Glen Pace at 6:00 pm followed by refreshments.

Presentation-Joseph Tychonievich’s was our speaker, his presentation: “Plants Brigitta Taught Me”

Business Meeting-started at 8:10pm by President Glen Pace

Approvals of Minutes- there were no corrections to the minutes from April 2014 meeting. Motion to accept Mark Hanner & seconded by Bruce Pollard.  Membership voted to accept the minutes.

Treasurer’s Report-Barb Hunter, treasurer, April 2014  end of the month balance was $--------.Motion to accept the treasurer’s report was made by Pat Maitland, and seconded by Mark Hanner.  The membership voted to accept the treasurer’s report.

Thanks to Jim and Lorraine Jessop for volunteering to have the July meeting at their home.

Hosta Stones-See Cathy Hodgson if you wish to purchase a 2014 stone featuring Has Hansen’s H. “Joy Ride” Members$30 & $35.

Announcements-Glen Pace invited members to Pace Gardens on the 14^th of May to join the Saginaw Valley Hosta Society, May 17^th is a workday at Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton, Arrowhead Alpines field trip will be May 21^st , and June 1^st Ed Elsalager Hybridizers Group will meet in Ann Arbor.

Next meeting-will be held at Campbell’s Greenhouse in North Branch June 12,2014.

Raffle drawing –Than you to Maria Rowland, and Barb Hunter for donating items for the raffle drawing, and thanks go out to Stan Smith, Mark & Becky Hanner, Gene Arms,Nancy Martilla and Jim & Lorraine Jessop for donating items for the door prizes.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm

Respectfully submitted,

Marlene Daniels

EMHS Secretary

June 2014 Newsletter

Note from the President- Summer has finally arrived in the gardens.  Winter took its toll on Pace Gardens this year.  Two mature Japanese Maples with trunks too large to wrap your hands around are totally dead.  A multitude of other trees have major damage to them and may not survive the results of the winter wind and sunburn. 

Some plants suffered not from the actual cold but more from drowning during the spring thaw that lasted for weeks keeping the crowns of plants in soggy soil and at times under water.  One of the worst affected species was the Cypripediums.  I lost all but five varieties of Cypripediums and only three of those varieties bloomed this year. 

One thing good about the amount of snow last winter is the thermal insulation it gave to the plants below the snow line.  The Podophyllums, Polygonatums, Trilliums, and many other woodlanders fared extremely well and look great this year.

  

Our June meeting is at Campbell’s Greenhouse in North Branch.  I want to thank Gene Arms for organizing this meeting.  We will have our potluck, but we will not be allowed to bring plants into the meeting. 

We can also look forward to the July meeting at the Jessop’s who have “Music in the Garden” planned with Steve Prince.  This will be a treat you will not want to miss, so mark July 10^th on your calendar. 

  

I look forward to seeing all of you at our June 12^th meeting at Campbell’s Greenhouse in North Branch. 

Sincerely,

Glen

Next Meeting- Our next meeting will be on June 12^th at 6:00 PM at Campbell’s Greenhouse 4077 Burnside Rd. North Branch, MI 48461   Ph. 810-688-3587.  We are going to have our potluck so don’t forget to bring your favorite dish to pass and a chair to sit in.  Please do not bring plants into the greenhouse.  If you have plants with you, leave them in your vehicle.
Directions- From our regular meeting place of the Mayfield Twp. Hall on Saginaw in Lapeer.  Turn right (North) onto M-24 and drive 8.5 miles to E. Burnside Road.  Turn right (East) and drive 6.2 miles to Campbell’s on the left. 

The EMHS T-shirt featuring Joseph Tychonievich's  Hosta Addiction self-test are $18.00 each for an EMHS Member and $20.00 each for a non-member.  Sizes available are L, XXL and XXXL.  

The proceeds from the sale of this shirt go to promote our “Purpose” which is, to promote the interest of hostas and shade gardening; to extend horticultural education and activities to its members and the community.

Hosta Stones- The hybridizer for 2014 is Hans Hansen and the plant is Hosta “Joy Ride”.  H. “Joy Ride” was introduced by Walter’s Gardens.  It forms a wriggly, broadly mounding mass of very wavy blue-green leaves accented with upright folded edges, grows to 16 x 36, and has 24 inch scapes of widely flared, tubular, light lavender flowers produced in midsummer.  

Also available are 3 Iron colored 2013 Hosta Stones featuring  "Indiana Bob" Balitewicz’s Hosta “Krugerrand” and 2 Brown 2012 Hosta Stones featuring Ron Livingston’s H. “Alakazaam” at the sale price is $30.00 for each stone.  In addition we have two Natural color 2011 Stones featuring Van Wade’s H. “American Halo” at $25.00 each.  All of the aforementioned stones are for sale on a first come first served basis.  If interested in purchasing any of these stones at the sale prices listed please call Cathy Hodgson at 810-664-8985.

Review the last meeting’s minutes on the blog.  We will vote to accept the minutes at the next meeting.

2014 Calendar of Events:  EMHS events are noted in bold print and

            other events are noted in italics.

June 12- Campbell’s Greenhouse in North Branch
June 11-14 AHS National Convention in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

June 20 - 22 Great Lakes Region Tailgate - Dayton OH area

June 28 Hosta Show and Sale at MSU, East Lansing
July 10- Garden Meeting at The Jessop’s with
            “Music in the Garden” featuring Steve Prince
July 27 . Ed Elslager Hybridizers Group, Ann Arbor
Aug 14- Garden Meeting at Diana O’Riordan’s
Aug. 24 Annual Meeting and Workday, Hidden Lake Gardens, Tipton
Sept 11- EMHS Plant Exchange at Pam Walmsley’s
Oct 9- Mayfield Twp. Hall, speaker Tony Reznicek 
Nov- No Meeting
Nov. 2 Ed Elslager Hybridizers Group, Ann Arbor
Dec 11- Mayfield Twp. Hall, EMHS Christmas Party

This is the extra space that needs to be filled with your articles of information for EMHS.  Please give any information you want added to the monthly newsletter or the blog to Glen or email it to pacegardens@charter.net

Below are two articles reprinted from the Central Illinois Hosta Society courtesy of the AHS Newsletter Exchange

Summer Alert -Beware

___________________________________________

Most reference books on hosta will report that they are quite adaptable to dry shade conditions once they have become established. While this may be true, there is also a practical limit to most generalizations.

During the growing season the hosta rhizome or crown is building reserves that will be used the following spring. Large amounts of water are also required to replace the natural transpiration that occurs with the large leaves. If (as we typically do in the Midwest) encounter a prolonged spell of hot, dry weather, the rhizome will spend reserves to support the plant.

Ever wonder why a hosta appears OK at the end of the year, but appears much smaller and/or less vigorous the following spring, or (even worse) fails to reappear altogether the following spring? This is most likely the result of a decline in the crown mass the previous summer.

So what to do if we do encounter a typical Kansas City summer with day upon day of hot temperatures and extended dry spells? Avoid the stress by watering deeply at least once a week during the summer if we don’t receive any help from Mother Nature. Optimum moisture is reported between one and one and a half inches of water per week during the growing season. This is especially important if your hostas receive significant levels of direct sun exposure.

Watering time is also important. Watering in the morning will help discourage both slugs and fungal activity. Use of soaker hoses works well. When watering blue leafed hostas avoid overhead watering of the leaves which can slowly destroy the glaucous bloom (i.e. the waxy covering that makes a green hosta appear blue). Residual water droplets on any leaf which is followed by sun exposure can also result in leaf burn.

By Rob Mortko

Hostas that Tolerate Dry Shade

_______________________________________________

Dry shade can be the result of several different situations. The first scenarios that came to my mind were areas that couldn’t be reached by a water hose, gardens that rely on the limited availability of well water, and the areas directly under wide roof overhangs. I was reminded that hosta gardeners regularly experience dry shade conditions due to plantings under trees, most notably shallow rooted trees like maples.

Without amending the soil prior to planting and receiving average amounts of moisture, there may not be any hosta that will grow well year after year in dry shade. This article focuses on hostas that when grown in well prepared amended soil will tolerate dry locations, but not actually prefer this condition. A top dressing of organic mulch (garden compost, mushroom compost or well-rotted wood chips to name a few) will keep the soil cooler, retain moisture longer and reduce evaporation.

When hostas are grown under trees, possibly the most important factor is the type of tree itself. Oak and hickory trees (deep roots) are reasonable to grow hostas under, silver maples are not (shallow roots), at least not without daily care as Lou Holverson does in her wonderful garden. Kay Dye believes that the most difficult area to grow hostas in is anywhere in the vicinity of the outer edge of a tree’s drip line, no matter what type of tree, as their roots are most competitive in this area.

As far as hosta that will tolerate dry shade, Kay developed a list of good performers in her gardens using the following criteria:

§ They were growing in an area that either, is not watered or experiences periods of hotter sun conditions, causing the soil to dry out, even if they do get occasional water.

§ They maintain or increase in size from one year to the next.

§ They are not typically susceptible to crown rot.

§ They look good from August until first frost.

Below is her list, in no particular order. The majority of the following are large hostas. Possibly their tolerance to dry shade is due to a larger root system being more capable of extracting moisture from the soil. An interesting side note, Kay has not noticed any of these hostas form the fairy ring (center clump dieback).

Kay believes these hostas (listed below) actually prefer well drained to dry conditions.

Abba Dabba Do

Abiqua Drinking Gourd

Bright Lights

Choko Nishiki / On Stage*

Christmas Tree

City Lights

fortunei Albomarginata

fortunei Aureomarginata

Gold Edger**

Gold Regal

Gold Standard

Golden Waffles

Halcyon

High Noon

Invincible

June

Leola Fraim

Most of the Tiara Group

Mountain Snow

Nigrescens

Olive Bailey Langdon*

Permanent Wave

Prairie Glow

Sagae

Shogun

Sparkling Burgundy

Summer Serenade

Sun Power

Sweet Home Chicago

Tenryu

ventricosa

ventricosa Aureomarginata

Zounds*

**In Kay’s garden, this hosta has been susceptible to crown rot, but it made the list because it has proven to be “such a trooper in hot dry conditions”.

Keep in mind that the above is Kay’s thoughts based upon plants grown in her gardens. I am sure if you asked other gardeners, there would be some duplication of names, plus some additional names. Ray Wiegand (Ohio) states Sweet Susan, Undulata and Fortunei Albopicta survive in a real dry northern exposure under a roof eave. Additionally, I did find two references stating Jason and Katie will tolerate dry conditions.

Of course, there are no guarantees all of the above will tolerate the variable dry shade conditions in every garden.

Recapping, I think it is safe to say there are hostas that will tolerate dry shade, but to improve the likelihood of success, keep the following tips in mind:

§ Improving the composition of the soil, adding significant amounts of moisture retentive well-rotted composts is critical.

§ Use an organic mulch (not fresh) to retain moisture. It is important to pull the compost a few inches away from the base of each hosta to lessen the possibility of crown and/or petiole rot.

§ A consistent season long watering program will also improve your chances for success.

There are a couple pluses to gardening in dry shade. Slugs do not live in dry locations and the likelihood of crown rot and/or petiole rot is significantly less. Of course, most people would agree there are more severe negatives than positives. These include:

Hostas without sufficient amounts of water throughout the growing season are more likely to develop dry rot of the crown over the winter, resulting in much smaller hostas the following season and possibly the complete loss of others.

Competition for moisture and nutrients from shallow rooted trees is a constant challenge. Hostas grown under shallow rooted trees typically require more watering for optimum size increase. Keep in mind that tree canopies often prevents light rains from reaching the ground. In years of average or more amounts of rainfall, mature clumps of hostas can survive with no supplemental watering. Remember the advice of Bob Solberg; if you are not going to water - DON’T START, if you are going to water - DON’T STOP!

By Ray Rodgers, CIHS

Comments to the EMHS blog:  I am mentioning blog posting to let you know that your comments to the blog can be published too.  All you have to do is go to the EMHS blog at  http://easternmichiganhostasociety.blogspot.com/   and comment to a blog posting which will alert me that you have made a comment.  Once I deem the comment valid for publishing I will okay and it will automatically be posted.  Please note that I cannot edit or spell check your comments, all I can do is to publish, ignore, or delete your comments.  All comments will be screened by me to deter any vulgarity or inappropriate comments being published to the EMHS blog.    Glen

Club Members selling Hosta or related products;

Please call or email to set an appointment before visiting

Daniels, Marlene, Bottle Wind chimes.  810-664-8317gardenfairy50@aol.com

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
Moore, Dyane- Fairy houses  https://www.facebook.com/GardenArtAndMoore

Pickard, Carolyn- Daylilies, Hosta.   989-871-2873,robfamily5@yahoo.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 are $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: Barb Hunter, EMHS Treasurer, 316 Davis Lake Rd. Lapeer, MI 48746

EMHS Board of Officers:

President                     Glen Pace                   

pacegardens@charter.net      989-244-4029

Vice-President          Pam Walmsley

---no email---                          810-964-2311

Treasurer                    Barb Hunter                

baha@chartermi.net              810-664-7531

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 2014 Newsletter

Note from the President- Spring has finally arrived!  Yes we will still have a few nights that are near or below freezing, but we will probably not see any more accumulating snowfalls.  

My first delivery of plants ordered last fall has arrived, but just like most of us, the nursery had losses from the severe winter and part of my order had to be refunded due to those losses.  Even in my own gardens there have been some losses.  The Arum dracunculus in the front yard has not broken dormancy and therefore I presume it has frozen out.  Many of the Cypripedium orchids at Pace Gardens have succumbed to the winter and spring.  I am sure the losses are from being too wet when freezing weather started and staying too wet during the spring thaw.  When you experience losses like these you get disappointed, but you correct the problem, replant, and try growing the plant again or you give up on that particular specie and move on to another family of plants. 

Those members that ordered plants from the EMHS Annual Plant Sale can expect to pick up their plants at the May 1^st meeting.  If you will not be at the meeting please make arrangements for someone else to pick up your order as the plants are bare root and will not tolerate more than a day or two of being wrapped in wet newsprint.  Please contact Glen at 989-244-4029 if you cannot find someone to get your order for you so that other arrangements can be made for you to get your order.  

Joseph Tychonievich will be our speaker at our May 1^stmeeting.  He will be bringing plants to sell and the plants Joseph brings to sell at our meeting are not common box store findings.  Plan to bring some extra money to buy something new and unusual for your gardens.  

Information regarding the car pool trip to Arrowhead Alpines and Gee Farms on May 21st is contained in the is newsletter.  This will be a busy day filled with excitement, plants, and spending time with friends.  We hope you will join in on the ride.   

There are a few Hosta “Joy Ride”, the plant featured on our 2014 EMHS Hosta Stone, available for purchase at the price of $15.00 each.  These are larger, multiple division plants.  Also, if you purchased a plant and did not get a name tag for it, Cathy will have name tags available at the May 1^st meeting. 

I look forward to seeing all of you at our May 1^st meeting. 

Sincerely,
Glen

Next Meeting- Our next meeting will be on May 1^stat 6:00 PM at the Mayfield Twp. Hall, 1900 N. Saginaw, Lapeer, MI 48446.  This is our regular meeting place located just south of the point of M-24 and N. Saginaw, (the driveway just north of the Cemetery).

Our speaker for this meeting will be Joseph Tychonievich.  The presentation topic will be “Plants Brigitta Taught Me" about cool plants he learned about while working at Arrowhead Alpines Nursery.  Joseph will also be bringing plants to sell so don’t forget to bring extra money or your checkbook. 

EMHS T-shirt featuring Joseph Tychonievich's  Hosta Addiction self-test are $18.00 each for an EMHS Member and $20.00 each for a non-member.  Sizes available are L, XXL and XXXL.  

The proceeds from the sale of this shirt go to promote our “Purpose” which is, to promote the interest of hostas and shade gardening; to extend horticultural education and activities to its members and the community.

Hosta Stones- The hybridizer for 2014 is Hans Hansen and the plant is Hosta “Joy Ride”.  H. “Joy Ride” was introduced by Walter’s Gardens.  It forms a wriggly, broadly mounding mass of very wavy blue-green leaves accented with upright folded edges, grows to 16 x 36, and has 24 inch scapes of widely flared, tubular, light lavender flowers produced in midsummer.  

Also available are 3 Iron colored 2013 Hosta Stones featuring  "Indiana Bob" Balitewicz’s Hosta “Krugerrand” and 2 Brown 2012 Hosta Stones featuring Ron Livingston’s H. “Alakazaam” at the sale price is $30.00 for each stone.  In addition we have two Natural color 2011 Stones featuring Van Wade’s H. “American Halo” at $25.00 each.  All of the aforementioned stones are for sale on a first come first served basis.  If interested in purchasing any of these stones at the sale prices listed please call Cathy Hodgson at 810-664-8985.

Need a Host- We need a member to host the July 10th meeting.  Please let Glen know if you are willing to host either of these meetings.  The summer Member Garden Tour meetings are a way for the membership to visit member’s gardens and learn from each other as well as for members to show their skills and various techniques of gardening. 

2014 Group Carpool Trip – The EMHS Carpool trip to Arrowhead Alpines in Fowlerville, MI will be on Wednesday, May 21, 2014.  We will meet at Arrowhead Alpines at 9 AM, spend approximately 2 hours at Arrowhead Alpines, then drive onto Gee Farms in Stockbridge, MI where we will meet at noon.  You are welcome to bring a bagged lunch that you can eat at Gee Farms or Gee Farms has hotdogs, chips, and beverages available for purchase.  An agenda and driving directions will be sent in an email to the membership. 

Review the last meeting’s minutes on the blog.  We will vote to accept the minutes at the next meeting.

2014 Calendar of Events:  EMHS events are noted in bold print and

            other events are noted in italics.

May 1- NOTE DATE Mayfield Twp. Hall, Speaker-Joseph TychonievichMay 17 Workday at Hidden Lake Gardens, TiptonMay 21- EMHS Carpool trip to Arrowhead Alpines/Gee Farms
June 1 Ed Elslager Hybridizers Group, Ann Arbor
June 12- Campbell’s Greenhouse in North Branch
June 11-14 AHS National Convention in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

June 20 - 22 Great Lakes Region Tailgate - Dayton OH area

June 28 Hosta Show and Sale at MSU, East Lansing
July 10- Garden Meeting at???July 27 . Ed Elslager Hybridizers Group, Ann Arbor
Aug 14- Garden Meeting at Diana O’Riordan’sAug. 24 Annual Meeting and Workday, Hidden Lake Gardens, Tipton
Sept 11- EMHS Plant Exchange at Pam Walmsley’s
Oct 9- Meeting possible, ideas???
Nov- No MeetingNov. 2 Ed Elslager Hybridizers Group, Ann Arbor
Dec 11- Mayfield Twp. Hall, EMHS Christmas Party

Comments to the EMHS blog:  I am mentioning blog posting to let you know that your comments to the blog can be published too.  All you have to do is go to the EMHS blog at  http://easternmichiganhostasociety.blogspot.com/   and comment to a blog posting which will alert me that you have made a comment.  Once I deem the comment valid for publishing I will okay and it will automatically be posted.  Please note that I cannot edit or spell check your comments, all I can do is to publish, ignore, or delete your comments.  All comments will be screened by me to deter any vulgarity or inappropriate comments being published to the EMHS blog.    Glen

Club Members selling Hosta or related products;

Please call or email to set an appointment before visiting

Daniels, Marlene, Bottle Wind chimes.  810-664-8317gardenfairy50@aol.com

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
Moore, Dyane- Fairy houses  https://www.facebook.com/GardenArtAndMoore

Pickard, Carolyn- Daylilies, Hosta.   989-871-2873,robfamily5@yahoo.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 are $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: Barb Hunter, EMHS Treasurer, 316 Davis Lake Rd. Lapeer, MI 48746

EMHS Board of Officers:

President                     Glen Pace                   

pacegardens@charter.net      989-244-4029

Vice-President          Pam Walmsley

---no email---                          810-964-2311

Treasurer                    Barb Hunter                

baha@chartermi.net              810-664-7531

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

This is the extra space that needs to be filled with your articles of information for EMHS.  Please give any information you want added to the monthly newsletter or the blog to Glen or email it to  pacegardens@charter.net

Meeting Minutes, April 10, 2014

The Meeting was held at the Mayfield Twp. Hall On April 10^th, 2014

Doors opened at 5:00 pm for networking, sign in, dues, plant sales, hosta stones, t-shirt sales and raffle ticket sales.

The meeting- was called to order by President Glen Pace at 6:10 pm

Refreshments served at 6:15 pm

Presentation – Glen Pace was our speaker, his presentation: What is Hosta College?  Afterwards a questionnaire was passed out to the members to get feedback to Glen for improvements or suggestions on his presentation. Glen announced that this presentation would be given to the Hosta College Board for them to use to persuade people to attend Hosta College in the future. 

Business Meeting- started at 8:00 pm by President Glen Pace

Approval of Minutes- there were no corrections to the minutes from February 2014 meeting. Motion to accept minutes made by Paulette Johnson and seconded by Steve Balabon.  The membership voted to accept the minutes.

Treasurer’s Report- Barb Hunter, Treasurer, February 2014 end of the month balance was $4,979.71.  March 2014 end of the month balance was $5,057.91.  Motion to accept the treasurer’s report was made by Pat Maitlin and seconded by Carol Leonard.  The membership voted to accept the treasurer’s report.

2014 EMHS Hosta Sale- Glen explained that we must have 10 of each variety sold to be able to order that variety however the Solbergs’ are willing to work with us.  Order sheets were available.  Plants will be delivered at the May 1^st meeting.

Name badges-if any member needs a badge please sign up on sheet at back of room.  Remember if you need a replacement badge it will cost $2.00 and please save the magnet from the back of the badge if at all possible.

T-shirts-EMHS/Hosta Addiction shirts are $18.00 each for members and $20.00 for non-members.  Sizes still available L-XL-XXL-XXXL

Hosta Stones-featuring Hans Hansen’s H. “Joy Ride” are still available members $30.00 natural colored and $35.00 colored, non-member prices $35.00 and $40.00. See Cathy Hodgson for stones available.

Stone Sale-Cathy Hodgson still has older stones available at sale prices: 2013 Iron (3)@$30.00 each, 2012 Brown (2) $30.00 each, 2011 Natural-(1) @ $25.00.  We also have 4 stone stands available @ $20.00 each.

Arrowhead Alpines Nursery fieldtrip-We will be carpooling for this fieldtrip.  Please meet at Arrowhead Alpines Nursery at 9:00 am. After Arrowhead we will go on to Gee Farms in Stockbridge.  More info to announced at May Meeting. 

Raffle drawing- Thank-you to Maria Rowland and Marlene Daniels for donating prizes for the raffle drawing.  Also thanks to Stan Smith for donating items for the door prizes.

Announcements-*Marlene Daniels, Secretary, suggested to those who receive “snail mail” to save the 2014 Calendar of Events, because it would not be printed out in every newsletter. 

*Mark & Becky Hanner announced that they will be having 2 pottery classes on May 3^rd, one at 10:00 am to 12:00pm and the next class will be at 2:00 pm to approximately 5:00pm.  The cost of the class is $35.00.

*Cathy Hodgson would like our members to be thinking of a Michigan Hybridizer for the 2015 hosta stone.

Next meeting-Make note that the May meeting is May 1^st, 2014 the first Thursday of the month instead of the second Thursday of the month.  Our speaker will be Joseph Tychonievich and he will be bringing plants to sell.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Marlene Daniels

EMHS Secretary