April 2015 Newsletter

Note from the President-   I just returned from Hosta College a few days ago.  Hosta College is like an annual introduction to the gardening season.  When I walked into the vending area I was instantly transported into a sense of spring.  The vendor’s tables were filled with green leaves and which were a definite welcome sight after enduring this year’s winter and getting to see blooms on Hellebores, Cyclamen, and many other hosta companion plants makes one feel transported to a time of warmer weather.   One of my favorite aspects of Hosta College is getting to meet up with friends that I get to see once per year.  This year after the banquet, a few EMHS members stayed in the hospitality area of the Comfort Inn in Piqua until 1 AM talking with friends from Indiana and Massachusetts.  If you have never been to Hosta College please consider attending next year on March 18 & 19, 2016 as you will thoroughly appreciate experiencing spring before it arrives to Eastern-Michigan. 

This week in the gardens I have taken pictures of Adonis, Cyclamen, Galanthus, and Helleborus thibetanus.  It is refreshing to see signs of spring even though there is still 4 to 6 inches of snow in the shaded areas of the yard.

Our speaker for the April 9^th meeting is Michael Greanya from Jackson, MI.   Mike is a member of the North American Rock Garden Society (NARGS) as well as the local chapter of NARGS.  Mike has taught at Hosta College and his program on Alpine Gardening is engaging. 

As always we will have a potluck at 6:00 PM.  Please bring your favorite dish and be prepared to share your recipe.

See you at the April 9^th meeting,
Glen Pace
EMHS President

2015 Calendar of Events (Bold denotes EMHS function)

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

            May 14- Mayfield Twp. Hall,
                 Speaker-Dr. Stuart Swan, Gardening without Pain
            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
                 at Dyane Moore’s in Vassar

            September 10- Annual Plant Exchange,
                 at the Martilla’s in Lapeer

            Oct 08- Mayfield Twp. Hall, Speaker-
                 Gene Bush, Collecting the Rare and Unusual

            Nov 12- Annual Board Meeting

            December 10- Christmas Party
                 at Mayfield Twp. Hall

Next Meeting- will be held on April 9^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. 

Meeting Minutes- please review the February 12 Meeting Minutes on the blog.  We will vote to accept the minutes at the April 9, 2015 meeting.

By Laws changes- At the February 12^th, 2015 Board Member meeting a decision was made to recommend two by-laws clarifications (clarifications as these topics are not covered in the current by-laws) as follows;

Subject - Amount the President is authorized to spend (in the interest of the club) without board approval.

Board approved - $500 with an amendment to by laws be made.

Subject – Amount EMHS will pay (as a general amount) to a regular speaker.

Board approved - $100 (unless speaker is traveling a distance over 30 miles, then fee will be $125).

This subject will be discussed at the meeting with a vote ensuing to make the by-law changes.

EMHS Annual Plant Sale- The plant sale is closed, but if you have an order that you forgot to send in or email to Glen, you can email or call Glen to turn in your order. 

Your orders will be delivered at the May 14, 2015 meeting.  If you ordered plants, please plan on attending the meeting or make arrangements with Glen to have somebody else pick up your order. 

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.  The sites have been chosen, the demonstrations for each site decided, and most details worked out. 

Information of the tour has been given to Michigan Gardening Magazine and the EMHS sponsored tour will be opened to the general public. 

We are in need of EMHS volunteers to help at each of the sites and to make refreshments for each of the tour sites.

Tour maps will be made available as an email attachment to facilitate the flow of attendees at each of the tour sites and to help participants plan for the demonstrations at their garden.

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.

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

A message 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. 

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.
     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-       http://www.americanhostasociety.org/Activities/Conventions.htm  
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 $20 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             Becky Hanner
     BGHanner@aol.com             810-631-4292

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

February 12, 2015 Meeting Minutes

The Meeting – was held at the Mayfield Twp. Hall on February 12^th, 2015

Door Opened – at 5:00 pm for Networking, setting up refreshments and, sign in. Plant orders and dues were also collected.

Potluck/Refreshments– the meeting was called to order by President Glen Pace at 6:00 pm, he introduced visitors, welcomed members to the beginning of EMHS’ 20^th Year Anniversary.

Presentation – Jan Everson gave a slide presentation from the AHS convention and garden tour.

Break – 8:00 pm

Business Meeting – meeting was called back to order by President Glen Pace at 8:15 pm

Vice President - Pam Walmsley has stepped down from being our vice president.  Becky Hanner has agreed to fill in until the May Elections.  Glen Pace has asked the members to consider volunteering for a board position in our upcoming elections.

Approval of Minutes ( October) – There were no corrections to the minutes from the October 09, 2014 meeting. Motion to accept the minutes was made by Steve Balabon and seconded by Pat Maitland. The membership voted to accept the October minutes.

Approval of Minutes (December) – There were no corrections to the minutes from the December 11^th, 2014 meeting. Motion to accept the minutes was made by Mick Hodgson and seconded by Dyane Moore. The membership voted to accept the December minutes.

Treasurer’s Report – Barb Hunter, treasurer, December 2014 ending balance $---.--- .  January’s 2015 ending balance was $---.---.  Motion to accept the treasurer’s report was made by Carol Leonard and seconded by Paulette Johnson. The membership voted to accept December’s and January’s treasury report.

EMHS Plant Sale – Orders are due March 1^st no later.

Calendar of Events – Speaker is needed for our May meeting.  Our September plant exchange meeting will be held at Nancy Martilla’s home.  Thank you Nancy for volunteering.

MHS Garden Walk – EMHS will be hosting this year’s garden walk.  The walk is June 13^th, 2015.  Please nominate any member’s gardens you feel should be considered.  This year the walk will be open to the public.  We will be making tri-folds to promote our club and they will be available at each garden. We need volunteers to man each site for the day and to make refreshments.  At each garden there will be different demonstrations.

Hosta College – This year Hosta College is March 20-21, 2015 at Piqua, Ohio.

T-Shirts – EMHS/Hosta Addiction shirts are still available, $18.00 each, 2x and 3x available.

Hosta Stones – This project has come to a close and there will be no more stones.

A big thank you to Mick and Cathy for running the project and thanks to everybody that hauled stones to Hosta College.  2012 stones left - 3 iron @ $30 each and 2-brown @$30 each. 2011 stones left 1-natural @$25.

Name badges – Please sign sheet if you need one. First one is free and replacements are $2.00 each.

New Business – Cathy Myers made a motion to donate one 2012 Iron stone to Hosta College, Mary Smith seconded it.  The membership voted to accept the motion to donate the stone.

Pat Maitland made a motion to donate one Hosta Addiction T-Shirt to Hosta College, Carol Leonard seconded it. The membership voted to accept the motion to donate a Hosta Addiction T-Shirt to Hosta College.

Next meeting – April 9^th  2015 at Mayfield Twp. Hall in Lapeer. Speaker will be Mike Grenya presenting: Alpine Gardening.

Adjourned  -  8:50 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Marlene Daniels

EMHS Secretary

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