MICHIGAN

Hosta Happenings Online

The Newsletter of the Michigan Hosta Society
February 2012 Volume 13 Number 1

Greetings from the President,

Earlier today, I was out in my garden examining all of the cleanup activities that I didn’t get done last fall. The only bad thing about no snow cover is that it doesn’t hide what you didn’t get done. Nevertheless, I have supreme confidence that more snow is on the way. In the meantime there is plenty that a hostaphile can do. The AHS on-line auction runs from January 14-28 and more information on this event can be found on the AHS webpage (www.americanhostasociety.org/). Word of caution – this auction is not for the timid bidder. The Midwest Hosta Society has its annual Winter Scientific Meeting in Chicago on January 21(see www.midwesthostasociety.org) for more details). This is a great weekend getaway and provides a chance to meet people who are passionate about gardening – especially with hostas. And if you really want to get excited, take a look at all the new hostas that Q&Z is offering this year. Or, if you’re like me, maybe just escaping to someplace warm for a while is the best substitute for getting out in your garden.

After I put together the first draft of this message, I went outside to burn some cardboard left over from the holidays. On my way to the burn pile I found a hellebore (Helleborus niger var. ‘HGC Joseph Lemper’) in full bloom – can Spring be far behind?

I wish all of you the best of the new year and I look forward to spring when the hosta pips reappear in our gardens and we embark on the next gardening adventure.

Jim Munson

Looking Ahead at Upcoming Regional Activities
Plans for Hosta College 2012 are well underway.
It is in the same great easy to get to location, nestled up to I-75 in Piqua, Ohio. The building itself is undergoing some major renovations which will need to be adjusted to but the activities remain the same.
Friday night the 16th there will be a lot going on and as always it is a great chance to visit with friends and to shop. After a long winter of hosta withdrawal it is the perfect place for hosta and plant addicts. There will be growers selling plants and the book store will be open.
There are a couple of date changes this year that you should be aware of:
Registration dates:
Teachers and Board January 6 at midnight
Members January 13 at midnight
Others January 25 at midnight
Registration closes January 31
This years attendance fee will be $42 which includes lunch on Saturday. It is a real educational bargain. Plan to come for a great way to start the 2012 gardening year.
June Tailgate Weekend Planned
Where? Western Michigan
Sleeping venue of your choice: motel, trailer, camper, tent or sleeping bag.
When? June 22-24
What? A chance to “talk” hostas, see hostas,
shop for hostas, AND spend some quality time with others who are hosta collectors.
Watch for details.

The on-line Michigan Hosta Society newsletter is an abbreviated edition of the newsletter that is sent to members. The posted newsletter contains more complete information on events as well as informational articles and additional pictures of society activities.