February 2015 Newsletter

Note from the President-   Spring, is by the calendar only seven more weeks away.  It is definitely something to look forward to as EMHS will be the host for the Michigan Hosta Society’s Garden Walk on June 13^th, 2015 and there is planning to be done so that we can host a garden walk that is different than MHS has seen before.  We will discuss the Garden Walk at the meeting.  We are planning to have five or six sites featured as well as scheduled demonstrations at each of the sites throughout the day so visitors can learn besides viewing some beautiful gardens.  Some Michigan artists have been invited to set-up and sell their garden-related products at each of the sites to give visitors the opportunity to by some unique garden art.  EMHS is opening the tour to the public so that we can promote EMHS in our own community.  The Board is excited about doing something different in our club and is encouraging the membership to get involved with the planning and process of the tour.

One of the big Hosta News items for this spring is the introduction of the reddest leafed Hosta I have ever seen.  Bob and Nancy Solberg have produced Hosta “First Blush” and here is what they have to say: “'First Blush' not only has red petioles that extend into the leaf blade but also a thin red margin around the leaf, similar but much more dramatic than its parent 'Beet Salad'. However, the most exciting thing about 'First Blush' is that in spring the leaf between the veins will start to "blush" red from the tip of the leaf down toward the base. The leaves remain red here until temperatures surpass 92 degrees, usually into June. The color should persist longer in Northern gardens.

Again this year EMHS and SVHS will share a meeting with the featured speaker being Gene Bush of the late Munchkin Gardens in DePauw, IN.  This meeting will be on October 8^th at the Mayfield Twp. Hall in Lapeer.  Please check the Calendar of Events and mark your personal calendars to attend this year’s meetings and events.

The speaker for the February meeting is Jan Everson.  Jan has been our February speaker for as long as I have been involved in EMHS and her pictorial presentations are always a way to see Hostas you want to purchase for your own gardens, learn different ways of gardening by seeing the pictures of other’s gardens, and the perfect way to get excited about spring.  The topic of Jan’s presentation will be the 2014 Michigan Hosta Tour Garden Walk and the 2014 Hosta Tailgate hosted by the GLRHS.

See you at the February 12^th meeting,
Glen Pace
EMHS President

Next Meeting- will be held on February 12^th, 2015 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).  The doors will open at 5:00 PM for Networking,  Dinner at 6:00 PM, Presentation at 7:00 PM,  short break at 8:00, and the Business Meeting at 8:15 PM. 

Review- the October 09, 2014 and December 11, 2014 Meeting Minutes on the blog.  We will vote to accept the minutes at the February 12, 2015 meeting.

2015  Calendar of Events     
            *denotes need for topic, speaker, or place

            Jan- no meeting

            Feb 12- Jan Everson at Mayfield Twp. Hall

            March 20&21- Hosta College, Piqua, OH

            April 09- Mayfield Twp. Hall, Speaker-Mike Grenya

            *May 14- Mayfield Twp. Hall, 
                           Speaker____, Topic____
            June 11- no meeting, members will 
                           work Garden Walk on June 13^th.

            June 13- MHS Garden Walk hosted by EMHS

            June 18/20- AHS Convention at the Solberg’s in 
                           North Carolina

            June 27- MHS Leaf Show/Sale at MSU

            July 09- Member Garden Tour, at Melva Bond’s 
                            in Bridgeport, MI

            August 13- Member Garden Tour,
                                Dyane Moore's in Vassar

            *September 10- Annual Plant Exchange, Place__

            *Oct 08- Mayfield Twp. Hall, EMHS/SVHS
                                          Speaker Gene Bush from Depauw, IN
            Nov 12- Annual Board Meeting

            December 10- Christmas Party at Mayfield Twp. Hall

Consider Hosting an EMHS Meeting- We are in need of a host for our September 10^th, 2015 meeting.  Please tell Glen if you are willing to open your gardens to our group for an evening of EMHS Plant Exchange fun.

MHS Garden Walk- EMHS will be hosting the 2015 MHS Garden Walk on June 13^th.  We will be responsible for coordinating the garden tour for the Michigan Hosta Society.  Gardens in our area can be nominated to the EMHS Board for consideration of becoming part of the tour.  Nominations can be emailed to Glen or any other EMHS Board Member.  EMHS Members will be needed to work the tour sites as well as to provide refreshments at the sites.  The EMHS Board has been working on this project throughout the winter and more will be announced as plans are finalized.

 

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-shirts 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.

Last of the Hosta Stones- 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” available.  All of the aforementioned stones are for sale on a first come first served basis.  If interested please call Cathy Hodgson.

Messages in Stone- Cathy Hodgson’s sister does stone engraving and has a way to put your desired message in stone.  Gene Arms had his newly made stone at the Christmas Party as an example of Cheryl Baldwin’s work.

To view examples of the possibilities just go to Cheryl’s web address, www.amessageinstone.com

EMHS Business Cards- are still available for members to take for promoting the club.  Ask any Board Member for details. 

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. 810-664-8317, gardenfairy50@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

Mitchell, Dyanna- Internet Rep. for Garden Inspired Products. gardenuity.com/dyanna 

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.  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-                          Mick and                    

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

Meeting Minutes December 11, 2014

The Meeting - was held at the Mayfield Twp. Hall on December 11, 2014

Doors Opened - at 5:00 for decorating the hall for Christmas Party.

The Meeting - was called to order by President Glen Pace at 6:20 pm followed by potluck dinner.

Business Meeting – started at 7:08 pm by President Glen Pace

Thanks – to all board members and Ken & Jan Zawisa for all they do for EMHS,  also thanks to the membership for their support.

Calendar of Events for 2015:

January- no meeting

February 12 – Jan Everson

March – Hosta College

April 9^th – Mayfield Twp. Hall, Speaker Mike Grenya 

May 14^th - ?

June – no meeting   Michigan Hosta Society Garden Tour June 13^th

July – Melva Bond’s home

August – Dyane Moore’s home

September – Annual Plant Exchange (no destination as of now)

October –Mayfield Twp. Hall, Speaker Gene Bush

November – No membership meeting, Board meeting November 12^th

December 10^th – Mayfield Twp. Hall, Christmas Party

Michigan Hosta Society Garden Tour- EMHS will be hosting the garden tour this year. This is a one day tour. Gardens so far- Hanners, Hunter, Hodgson, Pace, Lapeer County Display Garden. If you would like to volunteer your garden for the tour please give pictures and map to Glen Pace.  Garden items will be for sale at each garden. Also we will have scheduled 15 minute demonstrations (garden related) at the gardens. EMHS will publicize that it is open to the public. We will be making trifolds for EMHS . Many volunteers will be needed for this to be a success. 

Name badges – if any member needs a badge please let one of the board members know.  If you need a replacement badge make sure you save the magnet from the back and cost to replace will be $2.00

2014 Plant exchange- was a success this year. Members were asked if they had any questions or suggestions, none were given.

Hosta Stones – EMHS will no longer be selling hosta stones.  Rice’s the manufacturer of our stones has gone out of business.

EMHS plant sales – Q & Z has gone out of business. Mark Zelis and his son have gone into business with the Solbergs. Made in the Shade – has offered hosta plants to our club at wholesale prices – which were still quite high. We need to step this up because this will be one of our main fundraisers, since we no longer have the hosta stones to sell. Cathy Hodgson reported we have (3) iron 2012, (2) brown 2012, (2) natural 2011 stones still available then that will be the end of our inventory.

Treasurer’s report – Barb Hunter, treasurer, November 2014 end of the month balance was $---.--. We had to return money to 4 people who had pre ordered hosta stones.

Cathy Hodgson – had brought a stone with EMHS engraved on to show the membership.  Her sister sells these. Glen will post to the blog and put in the newsletter information for the purchase of these stones.

Gift Exchange – Participation for those that brought a gift to be exchanged.

Adjournment – 8:15pm

Respectfully submitted,

Marlene Daniels, EMHS Secretary

December 2014 Newsletter

Note from the President-   I want to take this time to thank our 2014 speakers; Jan Everson gave a wonderful presentation of the 2013 MHS Garden Walk and GLHS Tailgate at our February meeting, I gave a presentation about Hosta College at the April meeting, and Joseph Tychonievich gave a great presentation on plants he learned about at Arrowhead Alpines for our May meeting.  I mention the speakers and the topics for those Master Gardeners that need education hours as these presentations fall under MG education needs (see Barb Hunter for more info about MG education hours). 

Also, I want to thank Jim and Lorraine Jessop, Diana O’Riordan, and Pam Walmsley for hosting meetings this year.  Every one of you was the perfect host and our thanks go out to you for your graciousness as a host as well as our acknowledgement of the time and dedication it takes to create the beautiful gardens you all have.  Thanks also to the businesses that hosted EMHS gatherings; Campbell’s Greenhouse in North Branch, Arrowhead Alpines in Fowlerville, and Gee Farms in Stockbridge. 

Thirdly, I want to thank all of the people who donated plants, crafts, and other items to the raffle and door prize drawings.  The monthly raffle drawings are one of the biggest fund raisers for EMHS and the door prize drawings are an added bonus for members and visitors attending the meetings.

Also, the many volunteers that haul Hosta Stones to Hosta College need to be recognized.  The Hosta Stone project managed by Cathy and Mick Hodgson was EMHS’s most organized fund raiser of the year.  Pam Rice of Rice’s Garden Art has retired and therefore the EMHS Hosta Stone Project has come to an end.  The 2015 Hosta Stone featuring H. Rhino Hide” will not be produced as was originally planned and old stones will no longer be available.  Over the years there have been many people who helped haul Hosta Stones to Hosta College in Piqua, OH and this is your thank you for helping EMHS.  Cathy and Mick have organized this project for a number of years and many thanks go out to them for their dedication to the project. 

Next, I want to thank all of the people that brought food for the potlucks throughout the year.  One of the things EMHS is known for is the fantastic potlucks at the monthly meetings and this year was no exception. 

Another thank you goes out to the EMHS Board.  This dedicated group of members continues to direct the entire group in an onward and upward fashion.  At our annual Board Meeting we discuss the plans for the next year which takes a number of hours, but again we brainstormed some exciting ideas for 2015.

 

Lastly, I want to thank you, our members, for being the kind, helpful, sharing people you are toward each other and especially to our visitors.  Because of this, our club continues to grow and with that growth comes the ability to contract more well-known speakers which in turn assists us in 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.

See you at the December 11^th meeting,
Glen Pace
EMHS President

Next Meeting- THE EMHS 2014 Christmas Party will be held on December 11^th, 2014 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). 

The doors will open at 5:00 PM for decorating, Networking at 6:00 PM, Dinner at 6:30 PM, Gift Exchange at 7:30 PM, and Business Meeting at 8:15 PM.  For those wishing to help decorate you can arrive as early as 5:00PM.  

This annual event is always a lot of fun and a great way to end the year for the club.  The Club will provide the meat (ham) and table set-ups.  We do ask that everybody bring a dish to pass as this is our biggest potluck of the year. 

We will be doing the gift exchange as we have done in the past.  If you are interested in exchanging gifts, all you have to do is bring a wrapped non-gender-specific gift with a value of $10.  All the gifts will be laid at the front of the room and during the party we will call names from the sign-up sheet of the people who brought gifts.  If your name is called you go pick out a gift.  Nobody is required to bring a gift for the exchange, but if you do not bring one please understand that you will not be able to place your name on the list to pick one out.  This is the only way to assure that all people who bring a gift will receive one.

Review the October 09, 2014 Meeting Minutes on the blog.  We will vote to accept the minutes at the December 11th meeting.

2015  Calendar of Events     
            *denotes need for topic, speaker, or place

            Jan- no meeting

            Feb 12- Jan Everson at Mayfield Twp. Hall

            March 20&21- Hosta College, Piqua, OH

            April 09- Mayfield Twp. Hall, Speaker-Mike Grenya

            *May 14- Mayfield Twp. Hall, 
                           Speaker____, Topic____
            June 11- no meeting, members will 
                           work Garden Walk on June 13^th.

            June 13- MHS Garden Walk hosted by EMHS

            June 18/20- AHS Convention at the Solberg’s in 
                           North Carolina

            June 27- MHS Leaf Show/Sale at MSU

            July 09- Member Garden Tour, at Melva Bond’s 
                            in Bridgeport, MI

            *August 13- Member Garden Tour, Place______

            *September 10- Annual Plant Exchange, Place__

            *Oct 08- Possible Meeting at Mayfield Twp. Hall, 
                             Speaker_____,Topic______

            Nov 12- Annual Board Meeting

            December 10- Christmas Party at Mayfield Twp. Hall

Consider Hosting an EMHS Meeting- We are in need of hosts for our August 13^th and September 10^th, 2015 meetings.  Please tell Glen if you are willing to open your gardens to our group for an evening of EMHS fun.

MHS Garden Walk- EMHS will be hosting the 2015 MHS Garden Walk on June 13^th.  We will be responsible for coordinating the garden tour for the Michigan Hosta Society.  Gardens in our area can be nominated to the EMHS Board for consideration of becoming part of the tour.  Nominations can be emailed to Glen or any other EMHS Board Member.  EMHS Members will be needed to work the tour sites as well as to provide refreshments at the sites.  The EMHS Board will be working on this project throughout the winter and more will be announced early in 2015.

The Closing of Q&Z- The following information was received from Bob and Nancy Solberg on 11/24/2014.  “Many of you may be wondering about the future of Hostadom with Q & Z Nursery suddenly closing its doors in September. I am happy to announce that Green Hill Farm has formed a partnership with Mark Zilis and his son, Andy and their new tissue culture lab business so that we can continue to bring you great new hostas both to the retail and wholesale trade. This is a big step for us and there will undoubtedly be some growing pains in the next year, so please be patient as we strive to produce the same quality hostas for which we are known.”

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-shirts 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.

Last of the Hosta Stones- 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” available.  All of the aforementioned stones are for sale on a first come first served basis.  If interested please call Cathy Hodgson.

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

EMHS Business Cards- are still available for members to take for promoting the club.  Ask any Board Member for details.

Club Members selling Hosta or related products;

Please call or email to set an appointment before visiting

Daniels, Marlene- Bottle wind chimes. 810-664-8317, gardenfairy50@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

Mitchell, Dyanna- Internet Rep. for Garden Inspired Products. gardenuity.com/dyanna 

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.  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-                          Mick and                    

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

October 9, 2014 Meeting Minuites

The Meeting was held at the Mayfield Twp. Hall in Lapeer, MI on October 9^th, 2014

Networking began at 5:00 PM

Called to Order at 6:00 PM.  Everybody welcomed and visitors introduced themselves. 

Potluck/Refreshments were served at 6:00 PM

Meeting called back to Order at 6:50 PM and President Glen Pace introduced Dr. Tony Reznicek as the speaker.

Presentation: “Woodland Treasures from China- in the Wild and in the Garden” by Dr Anton (Tony) Reznicek

Business Meeting Glen Pace welcomed new members from last month’s meeting as well as Joyce Dowd visiting this meeting.  

Approval of Minutes – There were no corrections to the minutes from the September 2014 meeting.  Motion to accept minutes was made by Elaine Rappley and seconded by Cathy Hodgson.  The membership voted to accept the minutes.

Treasurer’s Report – Barb Hunter, treasurer was absent and President Glen Pace gave the Treasurer’s Report.  The club had a beginning balance of $-------. $----- in Dues and $------ from the September Plant Exchange was added.  There were no expenses for September.  The end balance for September is $------.  Motion to accept the treasurer’s report was made by Mark Hanner and seconded by Jan Zawisa.  The membership voted to accept the Treasurer’s Report.

Name badges – signup sheet was available.  Glen apologized for forgetting to make badges for the members that joined at the September meeting. 

T-Shirts – EMHS/Hosta Addiction, were available in 2 sizes XXL-XXXL.  The shirts are $18.00 each for paid members and $20.00 for non-members.

Hosta Stones – featuring Hans Hansen’s H. “Joy Ride” Members prices are $30 & $35

2012 – The club has 3 Iron and 2 Brown stones still available.  There are no other additional stones or stands in inventory.

2015 Hosta Stone – will feature Don Rawson’s Hosta “Rhino Hide”.  The artist has the pictures and is aware of a small order for delivery before the December meeting.  See Cathy Hodgson to reserve a stone.

Announcements – Mick and Cathy Hodgson were selling plugs of H. “Permafrost” ($2.00 ea) that they acquired when they and Gene Arms visited Q&Z before it closed. 

Rick Goodenough is to speak at the Hosta Hybridizers group on November 2^nd at 10:00 AM at Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor.  The presentation is “The Top Ten”. 

Next Meeting – will be December 11^th, 2014 at the Mayfield Twp. Hall in Lapeer, MI.  This is our annual Christmas Party.  We will do the gift exchange again this year.  To take part just bring a non-gender specific gift worth $10.00.

The Raffle and Door Prize Drawings were held. 

Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 with a motion by Elaine Rappley and motion second by Andrea Czarnik.

Respectfully submitted,

Becky Hanner
Fill-In Recording Secretary

October 2014 Newsletter

Note from the President- Autumn is here!  The Chrysanthemums are in bloom, the Colchicums are flowering, the Cyclamen hederifolium are growing new leaves, and the Hosta are browning around the edges, turning yellow, and producing new growth tips for next spring. 

If you receive the e-newsletter or read the EMHS blog, you will find some articles shared by other Hosta clubs about Fall Hosta Tips, including fall clean-up, mulching, dividing, starting seed, and a few other topics.  The AHS Newsletter Exchange is a great way to find out what is going on in the other Hosta Clubs in the US and a way to get articles to share with our members.  

The Annual EMHS Plant Exchange at last month’s meeting was a big success as always.  Thanks to the generosity of our members, we were able to have four rounds of drawings before were ran out of plants.

We wish Bill Kapustka a speedy recovery from his injury he got while out of the States.  I know Pat is taking good care of him.

I also found out at the September meeting that Betty Valentine had been very ill over the past few months.  It is great to have her back at the meetings!  This is mentioned as a plea for people to let us know about members that are ill so that we may keep them in our thoughts. 

Our meeting this month is going to be the last educational meeting of 2014.  We are going to end the year with a fantastic speaker, Dr. Anton (Tony) Reznicek, presenting "Woodland Treasures from China -- in the Wild and in the Garden".   Dr. Reznicek is professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Michigan and curator of vascular plants at the University of Michigan Herbarium.  He is planning to arrive early to talk with us and share in our potluck dinner.

It is time to plan on our Annual Christmas Party that will be held on December 11^th, 2014 at the Mayfield Twp. Hall.  We will again have the gift exchange, nobody is required to bring a gift, but  if you are interested in exchanging gifts, all you have to do is bring a wrapped non-gender-specific gift with a value of $10. Those people that bring a gift place their names on a list and gifts will be exchanged by those people on the list.   

I look forward to seeing everybody at the meeting on October 9^th.  Don’t forget to bring a dish to pass for the potluck.  Be prepared for a fantastic presentation by Dr Reznicek.

Glen

Next Meeting- October 9^th, 2014 at 6PM 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).  The time schedule for the meeting is as follows; 5:00 PM- Networking, 6:00 PM- Potluck, 7:00 PM Speaker- Tony Reznicek, and 8:00 PM Business Meeting. 
            Presentation: "Woodland Treasures from China -- in the Wild and in the Garden"
                                                by Dr. Anton (Tony) Reznicek

Review the September 11, 2014 Meeting Minutes on the blog.  We will vote to accept the minutes at the October 9th meeting.

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

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
Feb 12, 2015- Mayfield Twp. Hall, speaker Jan Everson
March 2015- Hosta College in Piqua, OH

EMHS Business Cards- are still available for members to take for promoting the club.  Ask any Board Member for details. 

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-shirts 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.

2015 EMHS Hosta Stones- the EMHS 2015 Hosta Stone will feature Hosta “Rhino Hide” by originator, Don Rawson.  Cathy Hodgson is again heading the Hosta Stone Project. 

2014 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.  

Hosta Stone Sale Items- 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.  All of the aforementioned stones are for sale on a first come first served basis.  There is one stone stand available at the price of $20.00.  If interested in purchasing any of these at the sale prices listed please call Cathy Hodgson at 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

Club Members selling Hosta or related products;

Please call or email to set an appointment before visiting

Daniels, Marlene- Bottle wind chimes. 810-664-8317, gardenfairy50@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

Mitchell, Dyanna- Internet Rep. for Garden Inspired Products. gardenuity.com/dyanna 

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.  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-                          Mick and                    

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

“Extras” from the AHS Newsletter Exchange

How Much Mulch is Enough?

(This article appeared in the Tri-State Tribune Volume 2014, Issue 3 and originally appeared in the May 2011 newsletter of the Northwest Indiana Hosta Society.)

Most of us use some form of mulch to control weeds, retain moisture and keep the soil cooler during our long, hot summers. The American Hosta Society recom-mends not applying more that 2-3” of mulch. Too much can lead to vole problems by providing a covering that is warm and easy to tunnel through. Keep the mulch away from the petioles to avoid rot and other diseases.

But how do I know how much to buy? Use the following calculations.

- Length in feet X Width in feet = Total square feet

- Length in feet X Width in feet X Depth in feet = Total cubic feet

- The most commonly sold bags contain about 2 cubic feet

- 27 cubic feet = One cubic yard

- One cubic yard will fill roughly 1/2 a pick-up truck bed

Example: A hosta bed 10 feet by 12 feet with a 3-inch layer of mulch

- 10 x 12 x .25 = 30 cubic feet

- Divide by 2 = 15 2-cubic-foot bags

- Divide by 3 = 10 3-cubic-foot bags

- One cubic yard will cover 160 square feet at a depth of 2"

- One cubic yard will cover 108 square feet at a depth of 3"

- One 2-cubic-foot bag will cover 7 or 8 square feet at 3" deep

- One 3-cubic-foot bag will cover 10 square ft at a depth of 2"

(The following articles were shared from the Newsletter of The Potomac Hosta Club, Inc.

Volume 28, Number 3, August 2014)

September Hosta Tips by Rob “The Hosta Guy” Mortko

(Courtesy of the Illinois Prairie Hosta Society from their newsletter, Prairie Hosta Herald,

Volume 10, Issue 6 of September 2013.)

As we transition into the fall season there's much to be done in the garden.

Fall is for Planting

Many folks might conclude that hostas can only be planted in the spring because they seem to

"disappear" in local nurseries and garden centers by the first of June. Fact is, container grown

hostas can be planted any time during the growing season. What's more, by planting now you can gain nearly a full growing season as compared to waiting until next spring. This will be readily apparent next spring as you will most likely have multiple eyes or pips emerge as a result of planting now. Remember we maintain our hosta stock year round and still have thousands to choose from.

Dividing Hostas

Fall is considered the "optimum" time for hosta division as roots can continue to grow and

establish themselves until our first killing frost (which averages October 26th in KC). Remember

hostas never need to be divided as opposed to most perennials that will become less vigorous

after 3-5 years if not divided. With hostas it's a choice you make.

To divide hostas it is usually easiest to dig and lift the entire clump. Then use a spade or knife to

divide into smaller sections. The key is to retain an adequate root structure for each division. If

needed, use a hose to wash away the soil to get a closer look at where you should be making your divisions. When replanting, use a root starter/stimulator solution, but avoid any solid

fertilizer this late in the season. Don't forget the value of good soil prep. Since hostas never need to be divided, you really only get one chance to do a good job of preparing the soil with plenty of organic matter. Never plant that $5 hosta in a 50 cent hole. Even worse is planting a $20 hosta in that same 50 cent hole!!!

Planting Hosta Seeds

Chances are you have at least a few hosta bloom scapes that set seed. The seed pod will crack open in due time indicating the seed has matured. The seed is generally viable if is has turned black.  Hostas do not obey the normal rules of genetics.  You might think that if a variegated hosta is crossed with another variegated hosta then the offspring would be, for the most part, variegated.  However this is not true, or at the least it is very, very rare. Hybridizers use "streaked" hostas as the pod parent for developing new variegated cultivars. These streaked breeding plants are somewhat unstable and command a relatively high market price.

But with all that said, you can still have some fun by germinating your own hosta seeds. Just realize that they will likely be a solid color even if originating from a variegated parent. Here are a few tips for starting seed which can be a great winter time activity. The timing on starting seed is a variable with some folks starting in October or November while others wait until February.

Start the seeds in flats with a clear plastic dome (or similar high humidity setup). Wash the flats

and use a sterile soilless mix to minimize any potential fungal problems. Cover the seed lightly

to a 1/8" to 1/4" depth. Germination typically occurs in 12 to 15 days. Target an air temperature of about 75 degrees F. Heating mats can be useful when working in cooler basement settings.

Lighting is critical when gardening indoors (although not relevant to the actual seed

germination process in this case). Use supplemental lighting (cool-white fluorescent

tubes) to give 16-24 hours of daily lighting following germination. Maintain the lights about

2" above the dome, or 2" above the plants once the dome has been removed.

Never let the seedlings dry out. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Grow until the tops of the

plants touch the dome. Then transplant (typically at the 2 or 3 leaf stage) and begin using a water soluble fertilizer. How much water soluble fertilizer you use will depend on how much you want to “push” the growth process.  Before moving seedlings to the spring garden,

don't forget to harden them off - just like a tomato plant that was started inside.

From September to Fall Garden Cleanup

by Ray Rodgers

(Courtesy of the Ontario Hosta Society from their

Fall 2012 Newsletter, Volume 18, Issue 4.)

Planting hostas can be done anytime as long as the soil is not frozen, but the chances for survival are better if plantings are completed by early September, to allow four to six weeks for the plants to reestablish before first frost (approx. October 14 in central Illinois). Hostas are

completely dormant during the winter, making late plantings more susceptible to rot.

Do not try to keep your hostas actively growing late in the year. It is better to let plants die down somewhat naturally rather than letting a hard frost do all the damage. All fertilization should have stopped well prior to September, but it is important for gardens to continue receiving the equivalent of 1 to 1½ inches of rainfall per week through September. Although October is the time to start cutting back on watering, hostas do not want to be dry when

they go into dormancy. Each gardener will have to decide for themselves whether their gardens

need supplemental watering during October; considering-soil type, temperatures, and amount of rainfall received.  We have very little control during the winter, but keep in mind that hostas prefer to remain on the dry side during dormancy. Excessive moisture and cold temperatures lead to rotting.  Continue to watch for foliar nematodes (brown streaks between the veins of hosta leaves). If you have infected plants, get rid of them, or have more infected plants next season.

Mole activity usually picks up in the fall. Moles won't directly cause damage to hostas, other than occasionally uprooting young plants, but eliminating moles will reduce the likelihood of

voles which use the mole runs to reach and eat hosta roots and crowns.  It is a good idea to drop poison bait into vole holes throughout the winter. Look for nickel size holes, often right next to hosta crowns. Not being able to easily see the results, I suggest alternating the use of a variety of baits to increase the chances of success. Place a brick or other heavy object over the hole to prevent poisoning of birds and other animals. Several gardeners have also had success with mouse traps baited with a mixture of peanut butter and oatmeal placed next to vole holes. Again, cover the hole and trap in a manner to protect birds and pets. A clay pot turned upside down with a brick on top works well.  

Depending on how early, cutting your hostas back before they go dormant may reduce the amount of energy that they are able to store, resulting in smaller plants the following season. If you prefer this method, it is advisable to sanitize your garden tools between each plant. One commonly used sanitizer is a bleach/water solution (10-50% bleach). Most people use a mix closer to 10%. If your confidence level goes up proportionately as the percent of bleach increases, it may be worth the extra expense. It is your decision, but do use some form of sanitizer. Remember that viruses spread when the sap from an infected plant comes in contact with the sap of another plant.

Mother Nature can make the removal of hosta foliage much easier than cutting petioles at ground level. After one or more hard freezes, it becomes very easy to pull hosta foliage off without any tools. If you try pulling the foliage off too early, you may end up completely pulling some divisions and/or smaller hostas out of the ground.

Some of the reasons for cleaning your gardens in the fall include:

• Removal of all hosta leaves and other debris from the garden helps reduce slug populations the following year, as slugs often lay their eggs on these surfaces.

• Eliminates cover for rodents (mice, moles and voles).

• Reduces a variety of fungal diseases the following year.

• May reduce the spread of foliar nematodes. Some people believe that if infected leaves are not removed in the fall, they can be blown around infecting other areas. If unsure, why risk it.

For many of the above reasons, it is not advisable to put hosta leaves on the compost pile. Burning the garden clutter can be a bit of a challenge, as hosta leaves are typically very moisture retentive, but doing so eliminates any possible problems associated with discarding the waste elsewhere.  One of the arguments against cleaning gardens in the fall is that the old foliage helps to maintain soil temperatures and protects hostas from extreme cold. This is not without merit, buy generally speaking, if your gardens are already mulched, and any exposed buds are covered with a little surrounding soil, there is no need for additional protection of established plants.  If additional protection is desired, a thin layer of low moisture retentive coarse mulch, such as various types of wood chips or pine bark nuggets, can be added. A thin layer of mulch will also help prevent heaving of young plants. An additional benefit of a coarse layer of mulch added anytime from fall through winter is by helping to maintain soil temperatures; emergence of new plant growth in the spring will be slightly delayed, making plant tissue less susceptible to freezing temperatures.  On the negative side, adding an additional layer of compost before the ground is frozen increases the likelihood of rodent damage.  For trough gardens, putting them on the east or north side of a building and covering and surrounding them with a coarse mulch will provide winter protection. For additional

protection, some gardeners prefer to first bury the bottom one-third of the trough in the ground.

For additional detail, I recommend the following

articles by Bob Solberg:

“How late is too late to plant hostas in the fall?” -

http://www.hostahosta.com/tips.html#late

“Preparing the Garden for Winter” -

http://www.hostahosta.com/tips.html#Winter