ISSUE NUMBER LVI SPRING 2004

CONVENTION HOSTA SHOW SCHEDULE, PAGES 13-18 CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM, PAGE 20

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 1

OUR PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE By Tom Micheletti, Barrington, Illinois

Well, the Hosta season has begun! The Winter Scientific Meeting is now a fond memory! There were 173 participants, one of the biggest meetings to date! There was one meeting a few years ago that exceeded 180 registrants. It was a wonderful time and a great kickoff to a new Hosta season. I want to thank everyone that attended for their continued support for our meeting and hope you will attend again next year. I also want to thank all the volunteers of the Northern Illinois Hosta Society that helped make this meeting a great success. And of course it wouldn’t be possible were it not for the generosity of the speakers, sharing their time, knowledge and expertise for this meeting. Thank you all! Hosta people sure are a friendly and generous bunch of folks! Thanks Becki, for your patience, understanding, support and of course all the help you give. Please reserve the third weekend of January 2005 for next year’s season kickoff!

One of the regular events that occurs at the Winter Scientific Meeting is the MRHS semi-annual board of directors meeting. Among the items for the agenda at the board meeting is consideration of grant requests received throughout the year. These are discussed and amounts are agreed upon by the board, to be recommended for approval by members present at the annual meeting which is held in conjunction with the summer convention.

This year there were several requests from local botanic , and arboreta for funds to upgrade Hosta Collections and funds to provide labels for in the various gardens. There was discussion from the board to ask society members to consider supporting their local Botanic or with donations from members’ gardens or from local Hosta Societies. This would help local public gardens upgrade plant collections and signage, and free up precious funds to further other educational opportunities.

It would be wonderful if a local Hosta Society would adopt a botanic garden or arboretum to support. A local Hosta Society would be able to provide plant donations, signage for plants, garden maintenance, even expertise with plant identification and descriptions. There are several of these associations that currently exist between local Hosta Societies and local public gardens. These associations are generally reciprocal. In exchange for local society support, the public garden may provide a room for the local society to hold meetings. It can be a Win-Win situation for both organizations.

Another item on the agenda was a review of our bylaws. There are two changes that are being proposed. They can be found in this issue and will be voted on by the general membership at the annual meeting this summer. Please look over these proposals before the summer meeting.

I look forward to the summer Convention in Dubuque Iowa July 8-10. There will be great gardens to see, new Hostas to purchase, and of course the great fellowship of Hosta friends. I’m especially excited about the debut of the new “Midwest Preview” showcasing new and exciting plants. If you have a new plant you’d like to enter, see my article in this issue of

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 2

“Midwest Preview” Judging By Tom Micheletti

As I have been telling everyone, I am excited that the MRHS is undertaking a new addition to the Hosta Shows at the summer conventions. While attending First Look in the summer of 2002, I got the idea of holding a similar event along with the MRHS annual convention. Jim Schwartz, Dubuque’s 2004 Convention Chair was also in attendance at the First Look meeting. I approached him and asked him if he thought his committee would like to implement this into the summer convention. He agreed that it would be a great idea, and “Midwest Preview” was born. In the last issue of The Hosta Leaves, I outlined the concept, and a list of the rules was published in that issue. Please refer to the show schedule, page 18, for complete details.

As a quick reminder, the plants entered into “Midwest Preview” need to be plants that have never been sold, or made available in any way, to the public. They do not have to be registered, although I hope they will be registered in the future. These are live, growing plants that need to be displayed in a plain black pot. No decoration or adornment of the pot or soil are allowed. Just a plain pot in plain soil! The plant needs to have at least two divisions of an identical type, but more divisions are acceptable. Plants are not judged like Hosta leaves in a Hosta Show. If there are a few blemishes, that’s OK as perfection is not a criteria for judging. Actually the criteria and point system that judges use when evaluating plants are as follows:

Uniqueness...... 30 points Color ...... 20 points Pattern...... 20 points Leaf Form and Texture...20 points Substance...... 10 points Total 100 points

Ribbon Color Minimum # of points to qualify Best of Class* Purple 95 First Place Blue 90 Second Place Red 85 Third Place Yellow 80

*Only one may be awarded in each class

Please consider entering those brand new, one-of-a-kind, never-before-offered, sports and seedlings that you have been growing the past few years. This is an opportunity to showcase these exciting new plants, and get some feedback from the judges and the general viewing public. Just pot them up in early spring, and bring them with you to the convention. Entering them is easy (a lot less fuss than entering Hosta leaves). I look forward to seeing a room full of new and exciting Hostas, along with their proud “parents”.

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 3

WINTER SCIENTIFIC MEETING The x Tardiana of Eric B. Smith and Others By Peter Ruh, Chesterland, Ohio

This is the paper that Peter presented to the Winter Scientific Meeting. He was kind enough to write it out for us.

a building on the ground of Hadspen House, visiting the I welcome you all to the Scientific Meeting of the town of Castle Cary. Alex wrote of it in an article American Hosta Society. I will speak this morning published in The Hosta Journal of the AHS. While at about the x tardiana of Eric B. Smith. Hadspen House, Alex helped Eric name hosta Hadspen Blue TF2x7, Blue Dimples TF2x8, Blue Wedgewood Eric B. Smith was born in 1917 and died in 1986. Eric TF2x9, Blue Diamond TF2x23, and Blue Danube TF crossed sieboldiana ‘Elegans’ to ‘Tardiflora’ on second 2x24. bloom of ‘Elegans.’ This plant often blooms a second time in England, thus, in time for ‘Tardiflora’ bloom, Eric had placed his beloved tardiana in units of three of which blooms late. a kind and labeled them between two brick walls (most likely as a windbreak) with a water moat cistern at the Eric B. Smith: he was a dreamer, and a hermit. He lower end. Because he spent too much time with the never married, and never drove a car. Instead he hostas and not enough time operating the nursery, he traveled by bike and pedaled some 30 miles, when at was retired from his job by the owner. On leaving the Castle Cary’s Hadspen House, to his brogher Ronald’s nursery, Eric pulled out all the labels for his beloved x in Southhampton. It was not that far from Poole, where tardiana. The owner then hired another person to run the he often got together with his friend Julie Morss, to nursery, Alan Eason. whom he gave many of his plants. Eric gave plants as favors to many who gave him, in turn, cakes, pies, Jean and I visited Hadspen House in 1984, on our fifth sweets, and cookies. and last trip to England. Jean and I walked with Alan through the planted tardiana identifying several by size Eric started at Hillier Nursery, where he worked as a and leaf shape. While there, we bought several hosta, propagator with Jim Archibald. Together they started including one by Alan Eason, H. ‘Nicola,’ and also the Plantsman Nursery. While at Hillier’s, in crossing noted other plants Eric had dabbled with for new this and that, Eric found the hosta ‘Buckshaw Blue’ and varieties (Helleborus orientalis, Brunnera, and others). the hosta ‘Snowden,’ but did not name them till he got to the Plantsman Nursery. He won awards for these Earlier in the day we had visited Julie Morss, with from the Royal Horticultural Society. whom we had traded hosta. There were many of the tardiana. She pointed out Eric’s hosta ‘Yellow River,’ Eric was more for propagating than for sales, which led which was a huge plant. Later we also visited Ann and to his leaving the Plantsman Nursery and going to Castle Roger Bowden and stayed with them. While there, I Cary and the Hadspen Nursery, owned by Mrs. told Roger that x tardiana with only numbers should be Hobhouse. It was a large estate with a large manor named, and, if not, in the next few years I would name house and areas for grazing sheep and cows. The and register them. After all, I had a letter from Eric nursery, which had been started long before the war, was requesting that I do this. Eric had sent Paul Aden most, badly neglected during WWII when the best help left. if not all, of his tardiana with the promise from Aden Eric was employed to get the nursery back in working that he would register them. But, alas, Paul only order and operate it For a time, this was successful. But registered five. This caused Eric great pain, and his soon, Eric was working with the hostas and not doubting of Aden’s honesty. operating the nursery. Eric had made his first cross of the tardiana while at Plantsman, bringing all his stock Earlier we had visited Beth Chatto, who distrusts with him to Hadspen House. Here he made the second x Americans, finding them pushy. We gave her of TF1x1 to TF1x4, which resulted in the TF2 series. propagator the names of many of the tardiana they had This was in the 1970’s. [See the list of names given to identified only the Eric Smith x tardianas, page 7]

In 19789 Alex and Gene Summers visited and stayed in (Continued on page 5)

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 4

MORE OF PETER RUH ON THE ERIC SMITH TARDIANA CROSSES

by number. They were very grateful for the information Eisel accepted them as is. Why, we will never know, and we had given them, so we were invited to look over the in the years that followed, I sent in most of the data on hosta in their private propagation area. There we saw them. After all, I had mature plants. Only one shows no over eight rows of clumps in a 6’ bed of the yet-to-be data being submitted, H. ‘Sherborne Swallow,’ as the named TF2x5 and other varieties, of which some were plant that I have is very small, perhaps the smallest of the named incorrectly. On leaving, Beth Chatto came out lot. I’ve been promised another plant, which I will get of the house to meet us. After all, these Americans this summer. When I get it, you will too, through tissue came to help, not to hinder! From them, I bought culture. TF2x5, which became H. ‘Curlew,’ named by the British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society. Starting in 1979, I had them all by 1988. The tardiana should be identified by their respective TF numbers as Alan Eason, for awhile, operated the nursery, but, alas, this is the finest series of blues — slug resistant, with he too was smitten by hosta and turned to hybridizing thick leaf texture — wonderful for borders and bedding. them. He registered H. ‘Nicola’ in 1984. The owner of the nursery retired him too, taking on another, a Mr. In 1981, conferring with then AHS President Eldrin Pope. She ordered that all the tardiana between the Minks, I suggested we give Eric B. Smith an Honorary walls by dug up and dumped into the moat at the end of Lifetime Membership for his work hybridizing the now the garden. After all, she had lost two nursery operators known x tardiana. This was done in 1982 and was signed to them. While being dug, I’ve been told, a label was by Eldrin Minks, President, and Peter Ruh, Vice found with each set of three. Thus all could have been President. The award was sent to England where the identified. I believe they were all there, even those BHHS awarded it to Eric Smith. missing by number today. Strange, no one lifted a hand to save them, which was a great loss to the world of You might be interested in who supplied the x tardiana. hosta. These I obtained from Julie Morss (11 of them), Alex Summers (7), Paul Aden (5), Beth Chatto (1), Peter Paris Being a plant collector, I started in 1979 to collect the x (1), Ken Anderson (2), Handy Hatfield (2), Sandra Bond tardiana of Eric B. Smith. Many named were being (1), Mrs. Stevens (1) Russ O’Harra (1), Roger Bowden offered by various nurserymen, which I quickly (2) Dr. Ullrich Fischer (1), and traded to Wisley acquired. Some came as gifts, some were paid for, with Botanical Gardens for four. a lot only on TF number. I’d corresponded, through the years, with many in England and found I could trade Herb Benedict crossed and selfed many plants, thus American hybrids for numbered tardianas. I started adding to the collectible tardiana. Examples of them are with Julie Morss, from whom I got eleven hosta. She H. ‘Blue Chip,’ H. ‘Blue Clown,’ and H. ‘Blue Ice.’ sent them in book boxes one inch thick, in two There may be others; howver, these are registered. shipments. (They were labeled “Botanical Samples for Study.) Then they came from many others: Sandra In the mid-1970’s, two visitors to the Hadspen House Bond, Mrs. Stevens, Roger Bowden, and from Wisley were Dr. Ullrich Fischer and the well-known German Botanical Gardens. One came from Dr. Ullrich Fisher nurseryman, Heinz Klose. They bought those plants left that no one else had. When I went to England in 1984, I over after Eric named the series. They paid about 100 had acquired most of them, except one, H. ‘Kite’ pounds sterling for them. These were taken back to TF2x28, which was named in 1988 when the BHHS Germany to be raised on for propagation. In 1992, I and named and registered the series and several other plants. three other collectors from Canada ordered hostas from At a meeting of the American Hosta Society the Klose Nursery. convention, where a vice-president of the BHHS attended, I got him on the side and asked about the only One of the three Canadians could write a letter in one I did not have, H. ‘Kite’ TF2x28. He thought for a German. My share of the order was $200. Believe me, it moment, then in laughter stated, “It does not exist!” It was most rewarding for the dollars spent. I ordered was named and registered but was to be a space to place mostly their named tardiana and some others that looked one if one showed up. You see, when they were interesting. I picked well. Some I ordered were labeled registeredby the BHHS, only a TF number and name incorrectly, in particular, one of a Hirao type and another were given. There were no pictures, no data, and Mr. the name of which I changed to one more proper. Eisel accepted them that way. Why, we will never know, and in the years that followed, I sent in most of Then last spring, a letter from H. Richard Klose notified

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 5

THE REST OF PETER RUH’S PRESENTATION, TO THE WINTER SCIENTIFIC MEETING, ON ERIC SMITH’S TARDIANA CROSSES

Then last spring, a letter from H. Richard Klose taken, the plant, along with the ruler and the number informed me that his father had passed away six months attached to it were clearly visible. The number on the ago. But the nursery Heinz founded was alive and well. Avery sticker was then put in my notebook, where all The letter was in English. It requested that, since I had the information on the plant is given. The number was registered so many hostas of others, would I register the also written on the top of the registration sheet as well as ones I had purchased from them in 1992, giving credit to on the back of the photos. Thus several all-green hostas his father, Heinz Close. I agreed to this by return letter. could be registered at a time. I started this in 1991. The first cross using tardiflora was tardiflora x ventricosa, So this past summer I gathered them up. I found that and was done by George Arends in 1911. This plant going beyond what I had purchased, I had 21 from was named h. ‘Tardiflora hybrida,’ which I registered in Heinz Klose. Ten of these were German tardiana with 1992. Germanic names. Only through registratioin will the names be spelled correctly. So many who offer to help Now for an interesting tidbit. Draw circle about a nowadays are not well voiced in spelling German quarter of an inch across. [This is almost exactly the names. When registered, the names are correct. Though width of a pencil eraser.] Cut the circle in half, thus two some registrations of tardiana hostas will not be listed on sections. Make another division, criss cross. you should the registration form as “tardiana,” they should be. have four sections. Now make two more criss-crossed diameters, and you will have eight sections. This is Some of what I have given you came from an article by what Paul Aden did with H. ‘Blue Danube’ TF2x24. I Diana Grenfell, who wrote an obituary on Eric B. Smith, bought one these hostas in 1981 from him. It is said that published in The Hosta Journal of the American Hosta he used a ringstand with a plate, a surgeon’s scalpel, and Society. Other bits and pieces are from George Schmid. a magnifying glass to cut the basal plate of the plant into And with the help of Mark Zilis, I was able to date most eight sections. So what I bought was a tiny piece with of the tardiana of Heinz Klose. I never met Eric B. two roots coming out of the bottom and a little green Smith, but through his hostas and his letter, I feel I got top. It was the only H. ‘Blue Danube’ TD2x24 that I to know him very well. got. This for $20!

Two hostas were never registered by the BHHS, Dorset I would like to finish my lecture this morning with a Charm TF1x1, and Dorset Flair TF1x4. When received poem of inspiration: in 1981, in the box with these two hostas there was a letter from Julie Morss which revealed that Eric Smith Heights by great men reached and kept and Julie Morss had named them together. This was on Were not attained by sudden flight, the registration, but the registrar or whoever made up the But they while their companions slept “Silver Book” had omitted her name. When I first Were toiling upward in the night. received the Silver Book, I was appalled at the number of mistakes therein — so many mistakes that, at the [“The Ladder of St. Augustine,” by Henry Wadsworth time, I sent in five pages of errors, which were never Longfellow] heeded. Hopefully in 2019, when the Silver Book becomes Golden, all these errors will be corrected.

To date, I have registered 375 hostas. Some of them are ours and many, many belong to others. My days of hosta registration are over, with only a few left to do. Who among you will take up where I’m leaving off?

I recommend the following method to register hostas on the long form. I use a rigid white ruler, used in hanging Editor’s Note: Peter Ruh has filled us in on some wallpaper, with inches marked on one side and Hosta History, to help us more fully understand millimeters on the other. I gave every hosta registered a and appreciate the beautiful blue hostas known as number, and put this number on a round Avery label, “the Tardianas.” After careful perusal of the list, and attached it to the ruler. When the photograph was H. ‘Halcyon’ is still my favorite! ITJ

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 6

CHART 1 FROM PETER RUH’S PRESENTATION: ERIC SMITH’S TARDIANA CROSSES

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 7

CHART 2 FROM PETER RUH’S PRESENTATION: THE GERMAN TARDIANA

Color pictures remind us that spring will come! Top left, Iowans won six out of ten “Best of Section” Awards in Division I of our Hosta Show in St. Louis last June — from left to right, De Etta Montgomery, Cheryl Hird, Ron Simmering, Scott Hildebrandt, and Ed Schulz, Sr.; top right, Color Parade, photo by Chuck Finke; middle right, Wolverine, photo by Scott Hildebrandt; Ice Age Trail, photo by Mark Zilis; bottom left, Tambourine, photo by Bob Keller; middle left, Northern Exposure, photo by Chuck Finke.

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 8

(Continued on page 10)

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 9

WINTER SCIENTIFIC MEETING HYBRIDIZING WITH A DIFFERENCE By Olga Petryszyn, Chesterton, Indiana

I can’t really say that my method of hybridizing is different but perhaps I look at the process differently.

Striving to keep creations true to form as an artist would, I hope to leave an indelible mark of beauty on the earth. Being named as one of the top 10 hybridizers in the United State and being a master judge, keeps me extra challenged to do it right. Locally I am known as ‘The Hosta Lady’ or ‘Indiana’s Breeding Sensation’ (I think the plants are sensational). I pour a lot of creative passion into making new cultivars for you to enjoy.

My love affair with Mother Nature did not just happen. There were and are many people in my life that put me on this path. Born on a small Mennonite farm in Illinois, I was shown the start of the miracles of life from a tiny seed. Throughout my childhood in Chicago, my mother recognized my interest in the earth and made sure I had plenty of garden space and garden chores. To this day I’d rather plant than weed.

My college years were creatively spent at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. One of my instructors, late master gardener Bill Brincka, quickly became one of my best friends. Bill opened my eyes further as an artist and taught me techniques for reading the landscape. Bill showed me how to hybridize hostas and my first crosses began in 1986. I became hooked, visiting as many gardens as I had time and enjoyed the minds and personalities of each creator.

Through scientific hybridizing, I painstakingly process each new plant, culling for years until I am satisfied with the new creation. Each new introduction has been observed for at least 10 years, scrutinizing its stature and stability. When a hosta really talks to me and wins my heart, I know it’s ready to greet the world. My favorite hostas are the really big ones. I really want to see them. In naming them, I try to think of them in terms of places or events in the United States. I call it the ‘Americana Series’. Visit www.thehostalady.com

If you decide you want to try scientific hybridizing, remember, you are not only playing match maker, but also having sex in the garden. To this day I’ve never met an unhappy bumblebee or butterfly in the throat of a flower. As mature adults, please hybridize responsibly—otherwise your garden will be filled with run away hostas. You’ll feel guilty about throwing them away and might be tempted to give some to your neighbors to support. The idea here is to cull early.

First you have to choose your mates. Think of your hostas’ personalities. Relate them to the personalities of your friends if you’d like. We’ve all known someone that might not be real attractive but has a great personality (maybe heavy substance). You think,

(Continued on page 11)

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 10

(Continued from page 10) gee, if someone would only get to know them. The light bulb goes on and you think of your real attractive friend but this person has little personality (pretty to look at but weak). You introduce them. Chances are they have great kids.

Sit quietly in your garden and observe. Get in tune with the rhythm of nature around you. The trees, birds, smells and lighting. Pretty soon you will really notice what your hostas have to offer. It may be a ruffled edge, blue color, tall vase shape, deep ribbing, unusual shaped leaf, flowers to die for, etc.

Before sunset, pick out your female (mother, female or seed pod hosta) that you will use. Locate the flower bud or buds that will open the next day. Be sure to pinch off all the lower spent flowers. Carefully open the bud and pinch off the petals and stamens. Pinch, don’t pull; she’s delicate and doesn’t like rough handling. Take care not to touch or damage the pistil that you will leave behind. See www.thehostalady.com under hybridizers work. Now take a small tag. I use small paper price tags with strings available at the office supply store. Write her name on it. Example H. Montana 3 X. The number is how many pods you just prepared. Tie this on the stem on top of the prepared flowers. The reason for stripping the flower is so it will not attract a bee or other insects. The next morning, take a stamen with ripe pollen on the anther and powder the nose (stigma end of the prepared pistil) of the female until you can see the pollen on. The more the better. Her stigma should be sticky in order to hold the pollen and be receptive. If she has accepted her mate, the sperm will follow the style to the ovary and fertilize her egg (No, you will not witness this part). Write on the tag his name immediately. You will not remember later, trust me. Records are critical. Example H. Montana 3 X Independence Day.

Not all hostas will set seed. Experimenting will tell you unless a friend knows. By the way, hostas do not like hot days for mating. Cross success rates are low. She either hates the heat or the sperm dies before it reaches its destiny. Sometimes she will set seed but change her mind and drop the pods prematurely. In the fall, pick your ripe brown seed pods, clean the outer pods off and place the small black winged seeds in coin envelopes. Write the cross on the envelopes. Now you are ready to prepare your trays for planting. I really do not want to deal with hostas any more for a while so I put the envelopes in an airtight container and refrigerate them. I start my seeds on Groundhogs Day.

This has always been my method. Take standard planting trays with drainage holes and fill them with a wet combination of 50% milled sphagnum moss and 50% perlite. This is a sterile mix; thus no mold or damp-off should occur. Wear a nose mask while mixing, the fine dust is not so great on the lungs. The mix must be wet to start. Do not fill trays dry and then try to water them. I fill the trays close to the top with the medium. Then place the trays into larger trays that have no holes. Seeds are placed right on the surface and covered with plastic lids. Each row is marked again to keep records. Also, a book is documented. Sections of the trays are kept separated with pieces cut from plastic mini- blinds. Very economical. Place trays under regular fluorescent shop lights so the lights are 1” away from the tops. The warmth will help the germination rate. In one to two weeks you will see the seeds sprout. When the tops of the plants touch the top of the (Continued on page 12)

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 11

(Continued from page 11) domes, remove the domes. Keep the medium moist. Use an average solution of fertilizer that is diluted by 50%. Lights are kept on 24 hours a day until removed for planting outdoors. I raise the lights as needed, keeping the bulbs about 2 “ above the seedlings.

When it’s warm enough outside, prepare your bed and choose only your best, strongest seedlings. Throw the rest away! I know it’s painful. Feel the guilt and do it anyway. About 10% make it into my observation beds. Within 5 years, about 2 % remain as I throw more out. If there is a hosta that is strong, distinctive, slug resistant and all out knock down gorgeous, you may decide to honor the plant with a registration. If not, just share them with your friends. After all, it really is all about those we love.

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WINTER SCIENTIFIC MEETING BOB SOLBERG:IN SEARCH OF RED PETIOLES, AND BEYOND By Barbara J. Carlson, Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Many years ago, my husband and I courageously had our first garden visit for experienced National Hosta Society members. We had many basic hostas, but our visitors screamed in delight as they caught sight of a substantial plant with bright red petioles at the back of the garden. (It was in actuality an old, vigorous stand of rhubarb!) This mistake was repeated over & over again as each carload of hostaphiles arrived. This was accompanied by much laughter from those who had already made the same mistake. We hosta connoisseurs have always wanted to believe in the possibilities of more red on hostas, and Bob Solberg was here to tell us what has been learned and how we can help speed-up the process of achieving still more red on hostas.

We became cognizant of the many variations that are included in the general category of "red petioles" by viewing slides and hearing information provided by our mentor. Some petioles have sparsely-spaced small red dots, giving the appearance that they are speckled. Others have red dots so closely crowded together that the petioles appear to be solid red. We also viewed

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 12

MIDWEST REGIONAL HOSTA SOCIETY

HOSTA SHOW SCHEDULE

DUBUQUE, IOWA JULY 8-10, 2004

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Friday, July 9, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Show Chair Edwin W. Schulz Entry Pre-Registration Edwin W. Schulz Registration Chair Jean Schulz Classification Co Chairs Irwin Johnson Scott Hildebrandt Ron Simmering Terri Simmering Placement Co Chairs Joanne Johnson Bruce Rehmke Judges, Clerks Chair Irwin Johnson Tabulation Chair Carolyn Hamilton Midwest Sneak Preview Chair Edwin W. Schulz Schedule Chair Edwin W. Schulz

GENERAL RULES

1. Anyone who grows hostas may enter the show. 2. All entries may be received 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday July 8 and 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 9. Judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 9. 3. Division III Trough or Container, Division VI Design for Dubuque, and Division VII Sneak Preview, Seedlings and Sports entry is by pre-registration only. Write, phone or e-mail entries to Edwin Schulz, 14941 Ryan Road, Peosta, Iowa 52068, 563-556-6076 or [email protected]. Division VI is limited to 5 arrangements in each of the 4 classes because of space limitations. 4. Panels of AHS judges, including at least one Master Judge per panel, shall do all the judging of Divisions I through IV. Each panel shall be the final authority for each class it judges. The American Hosta Society Point Scoring System, shall be used to break a tie, and for judging major awards. Judges appointed by Irwin Johnson shall do all judging of Division I-IV. All decisions of the judges are final. 5. During the judging, only those directly involved in the judging process (judges, show chair, classification chair and assistants, AHS Exhibition Chair, and AHS Judges Chair) will be permitted in the show room. 6. A blue, red, yellow, and white ribbon will be awarded for First, Second, Third, and Fourth places, respectively, in class or sub-class only if merited. “Best of Class”, “Best of Section”, “Best of Show” (restricted to (Continued on page 14)

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 13

(Continued from page 13) registered hostas and recognized species), and “Best Seedling or Sport award”: ribbons will be awarded to the most outstanding entries, if merited. A “ Sweepstakes” ribbon will be awarded to the exhibitor receiving the most blue ribbons in Division I, Horticulture. 7. Any exhibitor not a member of the Midwest Regional Hosta Society who wins an award higher than Best of Class will be invited to join the MRHS: if the exhibitor refuses membership, the judges may give the award to the next qualified entry, or leave the award vacant for that year. 8. Care will be taken, but no responsibility shall be incurred by any person, group, or organization for any accidents, damages, injuries, thefts, or commissions or omissions or any kind or nature arising from this Hosta Show.

DIVISION I – HORTICULTURE (Cutleaf)

1. All entry tags and containers for the Horticulture Division will be furnished. 2. Horticulture Division entries are limited to 20 per exhibitor or garden. Containers will be available on a first- come, first-served basis. 3. An exhibitor may enter more than one horticultural specimen in a single class provided each entry is a different variety. All horticulture entries must have been grown by the exhibitor. 4. All leaves shown must be representative of the plants as a whole, and must be taken from plants approaching maturity. 5. Entries in Sections I through V (Registered Cultivars and Species), Section XI (Youth Exhibits), and Section XII (Unregistered Named Cultivars) shall consist of one leaf. 6. Entries in Sections VI through X (Unregistered Sports and Seedlings) shall consist of two leaves. Sports shall be indicated on the entry tag as “ Sport of (Name of Cultivar) ”. Seedlings shall be indicated on the entry tag as “Seedling (Hybridizers Identifying Number) ”. 7. (The requirement for tan and gray colored entry tags has been deleted. All entries may be exhibited using the universal white entry tag.)

8. The following sections have been approved for use in Division I at all accredited American Hosta Society Shows: Section I – Giant-Leaved Registered Cultivars and Species Section II – Large-Leaved Registered Cultivars and Species Section III - Medium-Leaved Registered Cultivars and Species Section IV – Small-Leaved Registered Cultivars and Species Section V – Miniature-Leaved Registered Cultivars and Species Section VI – Giant-Leaved Unregistered Sports and Seedlings Section VII – Large-Leaved Unregistered Sports and Seedlings Section VIII – Medium-Leaved Unregistered Sports and Seedlings Section IX – Small-Leaved Unregistered Sports and Seedlings Section X – Miniature-Leaved Unregistered Sports and Seedlings Section XI – Youth Exhibits of Registered Cultivars and Species Displayed in Alphabetical Order Youth exhibitors must be 18 years old or younger on date of show. Section XII – Unregistered Named Hosta Cultivars Displayed in Alphabetical Order Leaves receiving blues in this section are counted towards Sweepstakes Award.

9. The following Color Classes are to be used within all Sections of Division I: Class 1 – Green (All Shades) Class 2 – Blue (All Shades) Class 3 – Yellow (All Shades) Class 4 – White Margined

(Continued on page 15)

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 14

(Continued from page 14) a. Yellow, White or Chartreuse Center b. Green to Blue Center Class 5 – Yellow Margined a. Yellow, White or Chartreuse Center b. Green to Blue Center Class 6 – Green or Blue Margined a. Yellow, White or Chartreuse Center b. Green to Blue Center (distinct from margin color) Class 7 – Streaked or Mottled Class 8 – Others (including early season variants)

JUDGING REGISTERED CULTIVARS AND SPECIES ENTRIES DIVISION I, SECTIONS I – V and SECTION XI

Form and Size ……………………………………….. 25 points Color and Pattern ……………………………………. 25 points Texture ………………………………. 15 points Substance 15 point Condition and Grooming ……… …………………. 15 points Labeling …………………………………………… 5 points TOTAL ……………………………………………….100 points

FOR JUDGING UNREGISTERED SPORTS AND SEEDLINGS DIVISION I, SECTIONS VI – X

Distinction …………………………………………... 25 points Color and Pattern ……………………………………. 15 points Form and Size ……………………………………….. 15 points Substance …………………………………………….. 15 points Texture ……………………………………………….. 15 points Conditioning and Grooming …………………………. 10 points Labeling ……………………………………………… 5 points TOTAL ……………………………………………….100 points

JUDGING UNREGISTERED NAMED HOSTA CULITVARS DIVISION I, SECTION XII

Form and Size 25 points Color and Pattern 25 points Texture 15 points Substance 15 points Condition and Grooming 15 points Labeling 5 points TOTAL 100 points

DIVISION II – CONTAINER GROWN HOSTA

Section I – Container Displays Not Exceeding a Total Height or Width of 18 Inches Section II – Container Displays With Height or Width of Greater Than 18 Inches Container Grown Hosta entries must have been grown by the exhibitor and must be established in the containers in which they are grown. Only registered cultivars or hosta species may be exhibited in this division and only one hosta may be grown in each container. Container and plant must be clean. The plant should be centered in the container. Inner containers or container liners are allowed but the inner container or liner must not be visible. With the exception of a single variety of indigenous moss used as a ground cover, no other living plant material is allowed in a container display. FOR JUDGING CONTAINER GROWN HOSTA DIVISION II

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Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 15

(Continued from page 15) Color and Pattern ……………………………………. 25 points Form and Size ……………………………………….. 25 points Condition and Grooming .. … … … … … …. 15 points Container ...... 10 points Substance …………………………………………….. 10 points Texture ……………………………………………….. 10 points Labeling ……………………………………………… 5 points TOTAL ……………………………………………….100 points

DIVISION III – TROUGH/CONTAINER GARDENS ARRANGED FOR EFFECT

Section I – Concrete Composite Section II – Ceramic, Terra Cotta, Bronze and Other Metals Section III – Baskets Section IV – Natural Materials, Stone, Wood, etc. 1. Self-contained trough/container gardens of any size may be entered for judging as an arrangement. The trough/container must be entered with a show entry tag, recording an exhibitor number and class. The Registration Committee will assign a tag number to the entry tag. One copy of the tag will remain with the trough/container; one will be placed on a ring for the judging team. Do not separate the tag; the Registration Committee will separate it after the tag number is added. 2. Hostas must be a strong focal point of the entry. 3. No artificial plant material is allowed: accessories are permitted. 4. Individual plants need not be entered individually. However, if the exhibitor would like to identify the plant material, an identification of ledger card to the side of the exhibit is desirable. 5. Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place may be given in each class, if merited. 6. A Grand Award trough/container winner may be selected according to this point scale: FOR JUDGING TROUGH/CONTAINER GARDENS ARRANGED FOR EFFECT DIVISION III

Variety ……………………………………………….. 20 points Condition ..…………………………………………… 30 points Arrangement …..…….……………………………….. 30 points Container Relative to Arrangement…………………… 20 points TOTAL ……………………………………………….100 points Two-thirds of the accredited judges must vote to give a Grand Award. The single trough/container with the most award ballots and with over 80 points will be the Grand Award winner. A “no” vote consists of the ballot sheet being filled out as “No Award.” A simple majority of votes will give the award to a trough/container. The judges may re-ballot to attain a majority of votes for a single trough/container. In this event, the Judges Chairperson will specify the three entries with the most votes. 7. Any exhibitor not a member of the Midwest regional Hosta Society who wins the “Grand Award” will be invited to join MRHS> If the exhibitor refused membership, the judges may give the award to the next qualified entry, or leave the award vacant for the year.

DIVISION IV – EDUCATIONAL DISPLAYS

FOR JUDGING EDUCATIONAL DISPLAYS DIVISION IV

Educational Value …………………………………… 50 points Clean Presentation, Uniform and Educational Signs, Originality Staging………. ……………………………………… 50 points Attractive, Lighting, Neat TOTAL ……………………………………………….100 points

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Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 16

(Continued from page 16) DIVISION V – Non Competitive Exhibits Entries in the Non Competitive Division are not judged. The exhibit may be a single cut leaf, a hosta bloom scape, a container grown plant, or any other display deemed to be of interest to the show observers. However, the plant material must be hosta predominant, the exhibit must be tastefully presented, and the material must be in good condition. The Show Chair may bar placement of any exhibit that does not meet these requirements.

DIVISION VI – ARTISTIC DESIGN Great River Hostas 1. Hosta leaves must be the predominate foliage in the design. Some dried and/or treated plant materials and hosta blooms are permitted, but no artificial flowers, fruit, or foliage may be used. Contrived flowers made from hosta leaves are permitted. 2. Classes are open to all amateur arrangers. An exhibitor may make one (1) entry per class. Plant material need not be grown by the exhibitor, but the design must be the work of the exhibitor. 3. Staging for Class V will be on white covered tables. Overlays and accessories are permitted but should not exceed dimensions stated in class rules. The Placement Committee reserves the right to move an entry to improve spacing if the exhibitor is unavailable to do so. 4. Pre-registration is required as stated in item 3 of General Rules. 5. Blue, red, yellow, and white ribbons will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th places respectively in each of the design classes. An Artistic Design Award for “Best of Show” will be awarded in this division. (Any exhibitor not a member of the Midwest Regional Hosta Society who wins this award will be invited to join MRHS. If the exhibitor refuses membership, the judges may give the award to the next qualified entry, or leave the award vacant for the year.) 6. Designs may be placed from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday July 8 and 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 9. Judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 9 7. A panel of Federated Garden judges will judge this division. Point Scoring for the Design Division is: Conformance (to schedule requirements 20 points Design (elements, principles) 42 Artistic concept (selection, organization) 12 Expression (interpretation of class) 10 Distinction (marked superiority in all aspects) 16 Total points 100

Class I – Limestone Bluffs and Green Valleys - Use all natural materials. No artificial accessories will be allowed. Display should incorporate the extremes of height and depth of terrain and the variety in the Mississippi valley. Maximum size- 36” wide by 30” deep. Class II – Get the Lead Out- The tri-state area was a historic area for lead mining and refining. The theme now is an expression to “hurry up” or “get moving.” The display should express motion. Yellow leaves and red/purple pedioled leaves should be featured. Accessories permitted. Maximum size – 24” x 24”. Class III – Dubuque Blues – This entry is to consist of mostly blue leaves. Music and rhythm should be incorporated into the arrangement. Accessories permitted. Maximum size – 30” x 30”. Class IV – Flats and Bluffs – In early Dubuque the laboring class often lived in the flats (river flood plain) while many of those that could afford it lived up the hill in more substantial dwellings. Incorporate large and small leaves into the design. Accessories permitted. Maximum size – 24” x 30” .

DIVISION VII – SPECIALTY DIVISION Midwest Preview Seedling and Sport Plant Show (Continued on page 18)

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 17

(Continued from page 17)

1. Exhibitors must be a member of the American Hosta Society or the Midwest Regional Hosta Society. 2. A maximum of 5 plants per exhibitor is allowed. Exhibitors must indicate on convention registration form the number of plants they are entering. 3. A minimum of two divisions, all of an identical type shall be entered. Bloom scapes may be removed or left in tact at the discretion of exhibitor. 4. Seedlings and sports will be judged separately. 5. All plants will be exhibited in a black plastic pot, pot size to be determined by the exhibitor. 6. Any foreign substances on plant will result in disqualification. Only potting soil is allowed in pot. No taping, staking or other means of support or repair is allowed. 7. Plants appearing to exhibit nematodes, viruses or other diseases or pests will not be allowed in the exhibition room. 8. The judging panel will critique the top 12 to 15 plants. The critique is open to all convention participants. 9. All plants must remain in the exhibition area until tear down/clean up Saturday evening. 10. An attendant will be in exhibition area during viewing times but convention assumes no responsibility for exhibits. 11. A maximum of 75 plants will be exhibited and judged. Management has the right to further reduce the limit of entries per exhibitor if entries exceed 75 plants. Please enter only note worthy plants. Classes Seedling Description Sport

Class 1 Green(All Shades) Class 1 Class 2 Blue (All Shades) Class 2 Class 3 Yellow (All Shades) Class 3 Class 4 Variegated/lighter Margin (All Shades) Class 4 Class 5 Variegated/lighter Center (All Shades) Class 5 Class 6 Splashed or Irregular Variation Class 6

FOR JUDGING SEEDLINGS AND SPORTS Distiction 35 points Color and Pattern 20 Points Form 15 Points Substance 15 points Condition and Grooming 10 points Clump size (as expressed by number of divisions) 5 points TOTAL 100 POINTS

1. Only unregistered, unnamed seedlings and sports are eligible for this Division. 2. Blue, red, yellow and white ribbons will be awarded in each class if entry merits same. 3. Since each entry in this division is a unique entity the judges are to evaluate each plant based on previously designated point system. 4. Judges will select “Best Seedling” and “Best Sport” from plants awarded blue ribbons. 5. Special ribbons will be awarded to “Peoples Choice” for the Seedling and Sport which receive the most votes from registered convention attendees.

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 18

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 19

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 20

Midwest 'Great River' 2004 Convention Schedule

Thursday, July 8, 2004 12 noon - 5:00 pm - Vendors setup in meeting rooms on1st floor 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Leaf show setup in Blue Moon Room on lower level 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Registration in Hotel Main Lobby 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Receive auction plants in 'Betsy Ann Meeting Room' on 1st floor 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Vendor sales in Meeting Rooms on 1st floor 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Receive Hosta Show and Sneak Preview seedlings, and sports plant entries in Blue Moon Room on lower level 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm - Hospitality room open

Friday, July 9, 2004 8:00 am - 11:30 am - Receive hosta leaf show entries in Blue Moon Room on lower level 9:00 am -12:00 pm - Registration in Hotel Main Lobby 8:00 am - 11:30 am - Receive 'Sneak Preview' plants in Blue Moon Room on lower level 9:00 am - 12:00 pm - Receive auction plants in 'Betsy Ann Meeting Room' on 1st floor 9:00 am - 12:00 pm - Late vendor setup in Meeting Rooms on 1st floor 9:00 am - 5:00 pm - Vendor sales in Meeting Rooms on 1st floor 11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Show Judges lunch and instructions in 'Iowa Meeting Room' on1st floor 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm - Judging of leaf show and Sneak Preview plants in Blue Moon Room 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm -Attendee Judging of 'Sneak Preview' seedlings and sports. 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Hosta show and Sneak Preview open to public in Blue Moon Room 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Picnic at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Explanation of Judging of 'Sneak Preview' which is open to attendees 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm - Hospitality room open 9:30 pm - 10:30 pm - Silent auction in halls

Saturday, July 10, 2004 6:00 am -7:00 am Deluxe continental breakfast in Grand Ballroom 7:00 am - 7:25 am Buses load in front of hotel 7:30 am - 12:30 pm Tour of Host Gardens 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Receive auction plants in 'Betsy Ann Meeting Room' on 1st floor 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm - Lunch Deli Buffet in Grand Ball Room 1st floor 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Vendor Sales in vendor rooms 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Hosta show and Sneak Preview open to public in Blue Moon Room 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm - Business meeting in Grand Ball Room 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Auction in Grand Ball Room. 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Vendor tear down 6:00 pm -7:00 pm - Cocktails at hotel cash bar 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Awards Banquet and featured Speaker, Bob Olson in Grand Ball Room 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm Convention tear down 10:00 pm - 11:00 pm - Hospitality room open

Sunday, July 11, 2004 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Optional Garden Tours

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 21

BOB SOLBERG: IN SEARCH OF RED PETIOLES, AND BEYOND [continued from page 12] petioles that seemed to be purple. They also were not solidly colored, but were irregularly speckled. Our speaker explained that the presence of a natural, translucent "white" wax on each red dot on the petioles causes the optical illusion that the petioles are purple. When the wax is gone, the petioles will be red, he told us. He also informed us that the base color of the petiole itself can effect a color change, and as an example, he mentioned that translucent red dots on top of white petioles yields the appearance of pink petioles! Can we achieve red up into the veins of the leaves? Can we produce red onto the leaves themselves? Bob showed us a slide taken the first week of June this year. We viewed a dazzling plant from Tony Avent that had an abundance of red on the leaves, but within several weeks these leaves had shriveled up. The question is: Was there too much red on the leaf? Can it photosynthesize enough to be functional? SO MANY QUESTIONS...NOT ALL THE ANSWERS YET AVAILABLE... HERE CAME THE CHALLENGE PART OF BOB SOLBERG'S PRESENTATION ... ACCOMPANIED BY EXCELLENT GUIDANCE How could we speed-up success in our quests for red? Our speaker requested a show of hands of those in the audience who had attempted breeding, hybridizing, selectively crossing hostas in their own gardens. (He was not asking those commercial growers who have been directly involved in these professional pursuits.) Many in attendance raised their hands. Who knew where to begin? Bob Solberg knew, and he gave us both information and direction. Hostas have 60 pairs of chromosomes. Where does the red come from? Anthocyanin. Low phosphorus and cold soil temperatures cause a hosta to manufacture more of that pigment.. He recommended that the number one way to increase the red factors in a plant is by crossing existing plants that are already known to have red factors Species that contribute red factors: H. clausa, H. hypoleuca, H. kikutii, H. longpipes, H. pycnophylla, H. rupifraga, H. siebodii, H. tardiflora, H. tsushimensis, H. venusta, and H. yingeri. Our expert reported that crosses with H.sieboldiana and One Man's Treasure (H. longpipes hypoglauca) produced good red petioles where the pollen parent passed on the red. He added that the trait or traits for red petioles also appear to be dominant traits. "Which plants should we cross?" was asked. Bob's valuable response was, "Put the best on the best we have. But also, use plants with good color for parents, even if they have red only halfway up the petioles." Bob asked those in attendance if anyone had results with seedlings of hostas that have white flowers (such as sieboldiana, tokudama, montana and plantaginea) produce red petioles? One response was that such a cross had resulted in a creamy white flower and some red on the petiole, but no record had been made of the other parent. Was the offspring flower pure white or was there a little purple on it? The responder did not remember. I imagine that there were

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Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 22

(Continued from page 22) BOB SOLBERG: IN SEARCH OF RED PETIOLES, AND BEYOND non-professionals present at this meeting who for the first time began considering the prospects of keeping and sharing exacting records. Our speaker asked that those who were willing to record and report the details and results of their "red on hostas experiments" to him include their failures as well as their successes. It is inevitable that the more detailed information submitted on this subject, the faster all of us can achieve progress in our search for red petioles and beyond. Perhaps for one moment we were all envisioning a collaborately-achieved glorious plantaginea with thick red petiioles. Send your results to: Bob Solberg..Fax: 919-383-4533 — E-Mail:[email protected]

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AWARDS GIVEN AT MRHS HOSTA SHOW , ST. LOUIS, 2003

DIVISION I - HORTICULTURE

BEST OF SHOW - H 'GUARDIAN ANGEL,' DE ETTA MONTGOMERY, DAVENPORT IOWA

BEST SPORT OR SEEDLING - 'LITTLE WONDER'-'POPO' SEEDLING, SCOTT HILDEBRANDT, NORWALK, IOWA

SWEEPSTAKES - [MOST BLUES, DIVISION I] SCOTT HILDEBRANDT, NORWALK, IOWA

SECTION I - H 'GUARDIAN ANGEL,' DE ETTA MONTGOMERY, DAVENPORT IOWA SECTION II - H. 'YELLOW RIVER,' KIM LARSEN, WEST ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA SECTION III - H. 'MINUTEMAN,' EDWIN SCHULZ, PEOSTA, IOWA SECTION IV - H. 'BLUE BLUSH', CHERYL HIRD, DUBUQUE, IOWA SECTION V - H. 'FROSTED WAVES,' RON SIMMERING, BETTENDORF, IOWA SECTION VI - H. 'COOKIE CRUMBS,' CODY HUBER, FRANKLINTON, NORTH CAROLINA SECTION VII - SPORT OF nigrescens 'ELATIOR,' NANCY SOLBERG, FRANKLINTON, NORTH CAROLINA SECTION X - SPORT OF 'HALCYON,' SCOTT HILDEBRANDT, NORWALK, IOWA SECTION XI - UNKNOWN SEEDLING, CRAIG PLAHN, KIRKWOOD, MISSOURI SECTION XII - 'LITTLE WONDER'-'POPO' SEEDLING, SCOTT HILDEBRANDT, NORWALK, IOWA

DIVISION II - CONTAINER-GROWN HOSTAS BEST OF SHOW - H. 'LITTLE WONDER,' PAGE FORSEE, HARRISON, ARKANSAS

DIVISION III, TROUGH/CONTAINER GARDENS ARRANGED FOR EFFECT BEST OF SHOW - CONCRETE COMPOSITE, GOLDA EWALT, PEORIA, ILLINOIS

DIVISION IV - EDUCATIONAL DISPLAYS [NONE]

DIVISION V - ARTISTIC DESIGN BEST OF SHOW - CLASS V, "ST. LOUIS BLUES," BONNIE EVENSON, BARABOO, WISCONSIN

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 23

(Continued on page 25)

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 24

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 25

WINTER SCIENTIFIC MEETING MARK ZILIS: HOSTAS OF DISTINCTION By Scott Hildebrandt, Norwalk, Iowa

Mark began his talk by stating this was initially to be a one year topic when it began in 2000. However, it has developed into an annual event now going into it's fifth year. He presented a good slide show that covered various aspects of his speech. Mark then reviewed the Hostas of Distinction from 2000 through 2003 to keep us in suspense before unveiling this year's 2004 chosen hosta H. pycnophylla, a species from Japan.

2000 H. sieboldiana 'Elegans' -- He considers this the #1 hosta introduction of all time.

2001 'Sum & Substance' -- Makes a great garden centerpiece plant and you can create an entire garden using this hosta alone.

2002 'Halcyon' -- Our most durable hosta and Mark feels if an evergreen hosta were ever to develop, it would come from the 'Halcyon' gene pool.

2003 H. plantaginea -- A species from China that has large, fragrant flowers and is the only night-blooming hosta. In addition, more than 100 seedlings and sports can be traced back to it.

As he was debating what hosta to choose for his talk this year he stated that H. montana 'Aureomarginata' was the hosta that first got him sold on hostas & thus began his involvement in the hosta world. H. 'Gold Standard' was another consideration as it is at the center of a great hosta sport wheel.

Mark's hybrid philosophy is to make crosses with the craziest things you can find. By using this philosophy, you will be rewarded with some interesting results to make your keeper seedling selection choices from. He suggested trying 'Uzu-no-Mai' X 'Sum and Substance', though 'Uzu-no- Mai' has difficulty surviving much less thriving long enough to bloom for most growers.

From the Japanese Island of Oshima comes H. pycnophylla where it grows wild in colonies with white-backed, medium green 7.5" long x 6.5" wide leaves having purple petioles. It is much more vigorous & grows in clump form when cultivated in the home garden setting than in the wild, where single leaf divisions are often the norm. It has recumbent scapes that lay prostrate to the ground & hang down with white bracts on the scape, a unique and distinguishing factor.

Some H. pycnophylla hybrids include:

‘High Kicker' -- a registered seedling not often found or seen in many gardens

(Continued on page 27)

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 26

(Continued from page 26)

MARK ZILIS ON HOSTAS OF DISTINCTION

‘Riptide' -- also a registered seedling most likely from H. pycnophylla

‘Phantom’ — from ‘Riptide’ but does not have recumbernt scapes

‘Tutu'- H. pycnophylla x 'Donahue Piecrust'

‘Babbling Brook'-a seedling of 'Tutu' with very long scapes that arch over the mound

'Nancy Gill' ('Sum & Substance' x H. pycnophylla)

'Shirley Vaughn'--variegated F2 seedling x H. pycnophylla from Kevin Vaughn's program

'Cutting Edge' from Hideko Gowen's cross of 'Salute' x H. pycnophylla which many of us saw for the first time in her garden during the 2000 AHS Convention

'Paradise Red Delight' from Marco Franzen which appears to be a selfed seedling of H. pycnophylla.

Some of the best crosses have come from Japan and were made by Mr. Hajime Sugita. Peter Ruh obtained some seeds from these hybridization efforts that resulted in the following (H. longipes x H. pycnophylla) Peter Ruh registered at least four seedlings from this crossing: 'Bloody Mary', 'Dragon's Blood', 'Doctor Fu Manchu', & 'Strawberry Delight' (H. kiyosumiensis x H. pycnophylla) From this cross came 'Inland Sea', which was also registered by Peter Ruh.

Some gold leaved H. pycnophylla hybrids include: 'Gilt by Association' from Kevin Walek who found it growing in a row of seedlings at Ran Lydell's and was given permission by Ran to take it home.

The seeds from this planting originally came from another Japanese collector, Toyozo Nakayama, via Peter Ruh. 'Tequila Sunrise' from Greg Johnson's cross between 'Spritzer' x H. pycnophylla.

H. hypoleuca is most likely closely related to H. pycnophylla as it has very similar foliage (medium green, white backed, purple petioles) having a slightly larger (2-3") leaf blade. It also is grows in mainly one leaf divisions in the wild but more clumpish in form when grown in the home garden. They are now a few hundred miles apart in Japan, but can be found growing in similar conditions. After over 1000 years of separation however, each has developed its own distinctive traits. H. longipes is another species that shows some similarities to H. pycnophylla.

In closing, Mark offered a challenge to the large and fast growing field of hosta hybridizers. He would like to see a plant with a 6-foot recumbent scape appearing to crawl across the ground and believes this to be a possibility when using H. pycnophylla in their hybridization attempts.

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 27

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 28

WINTER SCIENTIFIC MEETING

GLENN HEROLD: “MAJOR MINOR” BULBS

By Ray Rodgers, Bartonville, Illinois

I’ve always thought that these articles should be more than just a regurgitation of the information provided to those in attendance. So, I have provided just enough presentation detail for the readers not in attendance to get a feel for what they missed, preceded by information on the speaker.

Glenn Herold was introduced as a Professor of Horticulture at Illinois Central College (ICC). Glenn referred to himself as the token “non-hosta person” speaker. Based on this comment, one could quickly question in their mind why Glenn was presenting at a meeting focused on hostas. Glenn has spoken on other topics at previous WSMs. His presentations don’t typically focus on hostas, but being well aware of why he was asked to speak, he cleverly always relates his topic to the hosta garden, occasionally interjecting bits of humor along the way. Having a little fun at the expense of our beloved Tom Micheletti, Glenn suggested plant name “Michailovskyi” was Tom’s name when he “got off the boat”.

Glenn will quickly point out that he is not a hosta person. Before you start booing or looking for something to throw, let me clarify that this self proclamation speaks more to Glenn’s well rounded interests in horticulture than it does to what one may perceive as a lack of interest in hostas.

During his 25 year tenure at ICC, he has provided leadership for the creation and continual expansion of the college’s botanical gardens. Although these gardens incorporate many types of plants, there is a strong hosta presence. Glenn is a past president of the Central Illinois Hosta Society (CIHS) and was the Convention Chair when the CIHS hosted the 1998 AHS National Convention in Peoria. In addition, Glenn was a key member of the CIHS team responsible for the creation of the Classic Hosta Garden, established 2000, at the ICC Arboretum. Being an educator, Glenn is more interested in species hostas than he is the newest introductions. One of his current hosta related plans is to expand ICC’s hosta species collection. Anyone wishing to contribute to this effort should contact Glenn.

(Continued on page 30)

When there’s snow on the ground, we can look at pictures! Top left, Ginko Craig, White Christmas, and Northern Exposure, photo by Bob Keller; top right, Arisaema sikkokianum, photo by Irwin Johnson; middle right, Leading Lady, photo by Chuck Finke; Bottom right, Benedict Arnold, photo by Bob Keller; bottom left, Revolution, showing its green speckling, photo by Irwin

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 29

(Continued from page 29) GLENN HEROLD: “MAJOR MINOR” BULBS

In his opening comments, Glenn made a plea for the audience to become authors to document the history and knowledge of the more senior hosta people.

Glenn’s presentation was basically on plants starting from bulbs (including some started from rhizomes, tubers, and corms) that work well in hosta gardens. He opened his presentation with basic planting tips: Plant at a depth of three times the length of the bulb in well drained soil; if the soil is on the heavy side, don’t plant as deeply. Don’t be overly concerned when preferences call for full sun, because this mainly relates to the blooms and many varieties bloom prior to trees foliating. In addition to providing an informative handout for future reference, his PowerPoint presentation included pictures and descriptions of many plants, including bloom times, special needs, and planting tips.

It quickly became clear that Glenn felt that tulips and daffodils do not belong in the hosta garden, with the exception of the smaller species plants. Glenn feels that most Alliums (ornamental onions) work well with hostas, but cautioned to stay away from Allium tuberosum (Garlic Chives) as they freely seed.

Some of Glenn’s additional comments were as follows:

§ Glenn never deadheads any small bulb plants and he lets them go down naturally. § Plant Fritillaria imperialis (Crown Imperial) bulbs on their side as the open scaly bulb can trap water and rot. Place sand in the bottom of the planting hole. Exceptional drainage is critical. § Fritillaria meleagris (Guinea Hen Flower; Chequered Lily) omits an odor; don’t plant next to the house. § Use Iris cristata (Crested Iris) as a border plant or between hostas, as the foliage doesn’t fade away. § Leucojum (Snowflake) colonizes and is easy to grow. Foliage hangs around but is compatible with hostas. § Puschkinia scilloides libanotica (Striped Squill) is on Glenn’s Top 10 list. Author’s note: I just love this plant. It increases over the years and you will occasionally find one several feet away from the colony, but it is by no means invasive.

Even though it does not come from a bulb, Glenn noted that Virginia Blue Bells is an exceptional wild flower and the foliage dies down about the time hostas come up.

It is unlikely Glenn will ever be as attracted to hostas as much as most of us, but with a little encouragement and support of his hosta initiatives, maybe we can challenge him to get more involved in other projects. There is always room for the knowledge another professional horticulturalist can bring to our local, regional and national societies.

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 30

COGITATIONS OF AN OLD CODGER By Irwin Johnson, Elm Grove, Wisconsin

THANKS

Many people deserve thanks for their actions leading to this, the biggest Hosta Leaves we have ever published. First, thanks to Tom Micheletti and his many able helpers from the host Northern Illinois Hosta Society, who put on the annual Winter Scientific Meeting. Second, thanks to the speakers, who, as always, donate their time for this event. Two of them, Olga Petryszyn and Peter Ruh, even wrote up their own presentations. We appreciated the “repeat performances” by Glenn Herold, Bob Solberg, and Mark Zilis, and we were delighted to welcome Mike Shadrack to our winter doings.

Thanks also to our reporters, who write up speakers’ presentations: Barbara J. Carlson, Scott Hildebrandt, Pete Postlewaite, and Ray Rodgers are all “repeat reporters.” And our colored pictures would not be here wthout the efforts of those hosta lovers who send me pictures, in this case, Chuck Finke, Scott Hildebrandt, Bob Keller, and Mark Zilis. Finally, thanks to Joanne Johnson, who proofreads the copy and catches almost everything.

ICE AGE TRAIL

Veteran Midwest Region members will remember the “gift plant” at our 2002 convention in Madison. Ice Age Trail is a streaked seedling of Big Daddy, discovered by Mark Zilis and his staff at Q and Z Nursery in Rochelle, Illinois. Mark’s staff reports that the plant is the hottest one they sell, and is all sold out for this

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 31

MINUTES, MRHS BOARD MEETING JANUARY 16, 2004, SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS

A meeting of the MRHS board was held on Friday, January 16, 2004, prior to the Winter Scientific meeting in Chicago, Illinois. Tom Micheletti, President; DeEtta Montgomery, Vice President; Scott Hildebrandt, Treasurer; and Irwin Johnson, Newsletter Editor were in attendance.

A motion was made by DeEtta and seconded by Scott to accept the minutes of the July board meeting, as published in the Fall 2003 newsletter. Motion carried.

Scott Hildebrandt, Treasurer, gave the following report, as of 12/31/03: Savings - $5834.34 Checking - 620.36 Strong Account - 23,671.54 Total - $30,126.24 Scott advised our expenses came in under budget for 2003 and he proposed budget of $10,000 for 2004. A discussion followed on how to obtain new members.

DeEtta advised she would buy Isabel Bloom statues as Midwest Regional Awards for the National Hosta Show. Motion was made by Scott and seconded by DeEtta. Motion carried.

A decision was held on our tax exempt status. A deposit of $200.00 was paid to Don Uecke to do paperwork; it is possible we may get a tax refund. It is hoped to get this completed by the summer convention.

The MRHS by-laws need to be reviewed and some wording changed. In question is the tenure of officers and of the Regional Director for AHS. Tom Micheletti will review the by-laws and rewrite the sections in question. The changes will be sent to the board so a motion can be made and a vote taken. Irwin will then publish the changes in the newsletter prior to convention where a vote will then be taken at the general membership meeting.

The following grants were approved by the board and will be submitted to the general membership for approval at the meeting in June: Foxfire Gardens - $100 (Motion-DeEtta, Second-Scott) VanderVeer- $1700 (Motion-Scott, Second-DeEtta) Muscatine Arboretum - $700 (Motion-DeEtta, Second-Scott) AHS $2000 for a searchable database for Journal (Motion- Scott, Second-DeEtta) Bickelhapt Arboretum-$1500 (Motion-DeEtta, Second-Scott)

(Continued on page 33)

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 32

(Continued from page 32)

Illinois Central - $1000 (Motion-Scott, Second-DeEtta) Olbrich - $900 (Motion-DeEtta, Second-Scott) AHS - $1800 for 6 garden signs for National Display Gardens in Region 5 (Motion-Scott, Second-DeEtta) All motions carried.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

DeEtta Montgomery, Secretary pro tem

Addendum: An email vote was taken on the following proposed by-law changes. A motion was made by Scott Hildebrandt and seconded by Carolyn Hamilton and motion carried.

Current bylaws are included with proposed changes being underlined:

Article VI-OFFICERS AND DUTIES Section 1 The officers of the Society shall consist of the following: PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY, TREASURER, IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT and AHS REGIONAL DIRECTOR. These officers shall constitute the Executive Committee.

Section 7-The Regional Director to the American Hosta Society (AHS) shall also serve on the Board of Directors for the AHS, and act as a liason between the AHS and the Midwest Regional Hosta Society (MRHS). He/ she shall communicate between the Board of Directors of the AHS and the Executive Committee of the MRHS.

ARTICLE VII-TERMS OF OFFICE It currently reads:

Section -1 The term of all officers who constitute the Executive Committee is two years. Two consecutive terms constitute maximum tenure for one office, excluding appointment for vacancies occurring to fill unexpired terms. Elections shall be held annually as necessary.

This change explains that the term of all officers is 2 years, and 2 terms can be served for any one position. It leaves open the possibility of serving 2 terms in other positions.

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 33

GARDEN QUOTES

Glen Williams of Vermont and Charlie Packard of the UK collected the folloiwn garden quotes from famous people. Thanks to both of them for this collection; below are just a few:

“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

“A child said, ‘What is grass?’ fetching it to me with full hands. How could I answer the child? I do not know what it is any more than he.” — Walt Whitman

“Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.” — Erma Bombeck, Modern Maturity, May/June 2001

“Did you ever meet a gardener, who, however fair his ground, was absolutely content and pleased? ...Is there not always a tree to be felled or a bed to be turfed? ...Is there not ever some grand mistake to be remedied next summer?” — The Reverend Samuel Hole (1819-1900)

“The best way to get real enjoyment out of a garden is to put on a wide straw hat, hold a little trowel in one hand and a cool drink in another, and tell the man where to dig!” — Charles Barr

“Some ladies asked me why their plant had died. They had gotten it from the very best place, and they were sure thay had done their best for it...... They had made a nice hole with their new trowel, and for its benefit thay had bought a tin of concentrated fertilizer. This they had emptied into the hole, put in the plant, and covered it up and given it lots of water, and — it had died! And yet these were the best and kindest women, who would never have dreamed of feeding a new-born infant on beefsteaks and raw brandy.” — Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) from Wood and Garden

“In fine weather the old gentleman is almost constantly in the garden; and when it is too wet to go into it, he will look out of the window at it by the hour together. He has always something to do there, and you will see him digging, and sweeping, and cutting, and planting, with manifest delight; and in the evening when the sun has gone down, the perseverence with which he lugs a great watering-pot about is perfectly astonishing.” — Charles Dickens (1812-1870) “Sketches by Boz’

“To forget how to dig the earth and tend the soil is to forget ourselves.” — Gandhi

“Gardens cannot be considered in detachment from the people who made them.” — Derek Clifford

“Bulb: Potential flower buried in Autumn, never to be seen again.” — Henry Beard

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 34

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 35

MIDWEST REGIONAL HOSTA SOCIETY MARCH 2004 NEWSLETTER

Irwin Johnson, Newsletter Editor 13685 Watertown Plank Road Elm Grove, WI 53122 ([email protected])

First Class Mail

YOUR DUES MAY BE OVERDUE!

Please look at the label above, and check the number after your name. Is it “03?” If so, your dues ran out December 31, 2003. Many of our members are in this situation. To bring yourself up to date, please send a check for $10 per year, made out to “MRHS,” to Carolyn Hamilton, 909 Mississippi Blvd., Bettendorf, Iowa 57222. You are invited to send dues for more than one year, in order to make life easier for our hard-working secretary and treasurer, and to avoid being nagged every year.

You will get a reminder about this if you attend our convention in Dubuque this July, but you will not get another newsletter next fall unless your dues are paid. The cut-off date for membership renewal is now August 1st.

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 36

Midwest Regional Hosta Society Newsletter, March 2004, page 37