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Great Lakes Region Hosta College

Great Lakes Region Hosta College

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2022 Registration

  • Saturday 18 Mar 2023

Saturday 18 Mar 2023

8:40 am – 9:40 am Session 1

1001 Painting Cement Mushrooms

Marilyn RuffRoom 118

This is just a fun thing to do … the adorable 4″-6″ handmade cement mushrooms will be already made & painted with a base coat of primer for you. Each participant will choose 2 mushrooms & paint them from an assortment of colors.  All the paints & brushes will be provided.  Just be sure to bring along a container such as an empty shoebox, etc. & some sheets of newspaper or other packing material to transport your mushrooms back home with you. This project is fast & easy & so much fun & everyone can do it !!!

Pay $12.00 fee here

I have about 23 years gardening experience with hostas & I have over 800 varieties of hostas. I am particularly obsessed with miniature hostas & I have over 200 varieties of miniature hostas in my collection.
Sat 8:40 am – 9:40 am
14 max

1003 Cypripedium Orchids

Glen PaceRoom 221

There are more than 40 species of the treasured Lady Slipper Orchid and the average gardener can grow certain species of these beautiful plants with some basic soil amendments or with a sunken pot filled with the medium the plants require. The presentation covers what is growing at Pace Gardens and a glimpse of some of the hybrids being produced for garden culture as well as how to grow a hardy Cypripedium in a sunken pot.

Mr. Pace is a Registered Nurse by trade and a botany enthusiast as a means of relaxation. He has written many PowerPoint presentations on gardening subjects including Side-Veneer Grafting, Cypripediums, Color and Texture in the Spring Garden, Fostering the Unconventional, and other subjects related to a Woodland Garden. Glen has been propagating multiple plants by rooting, layering, and grafting. He is known for pushing the hardiness envelope with his unique collections of plants. Glen enjoys teaching others about his style of gardening and about the plants for which he holds great passion.
Sat 8:40 am – 9:40 am
30 max

1002 Hosta & Shady Friends

Bob IiamesRoom 115-117

This PowerPoint will guide you through the culture, care and many uses of hosta. We will spend most of our time seeing and discussing the many and varied plant  friends that hang out with hosta. Some you may know but many will be new to you. Join me for an informative look at some new plant friends to introduce to your hosta garden.

Bob is a groundskeeper at the 173-acre Lange Estate in Ludlow Falls. He is a member of the American Conifer Society and current president of the Miami Valley Hosta Society.
Sat 8:40 am – 9:40 am
60 max

1004 Hosta – 101

Fred AndersonRoom 302

This presentation is a thorough overview of being a Hosta collector based on years of experience. Come and learn the mistakes I have made to get this experience. Topics include identification, purchase considerations, where to plant, how to feed and handling pests and diseases that want to put a damper on your hobby.

After retiring in 2014, Fred accidently took up gardening and is now totally out of control. The 7.5 acre wooded property called Anderson Estate sits on top of a hill overlooking the Smoky Mountains so has become an expert in gardening on slopes. About four acres of the property are under garden and the hardiness zone is 7a. Fred is the president of the East TN Hosta Society and has a collection of over 500 different Hostas. He became a master gardener in 2016 and sits on the boards of the three horticultural organizations. Apart from Hostas he is an avid plant collector of Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Camellias, Holly’s, Conifers, Tropicals and native plants. Fred welcomes garden clubs and the public with visitations during the year.
Sat 8:40 am – 9:40 am
45 max

1005 Jazzing Up The Garden

Don RawsonRoom 412

Is your garden looking tired and old? Is it rather dull and boring? Well then, it’s time to get out of the gardening rut and add some eye-popping street appeal to your landscape. This is a lighthearted (downright humorous!) presentation covering eight simple steps to spiff up your lawn and garden including the addition of garden art…all in order to make your gardening paradise unique, appealing, and memorable. Let’s jazz up the garden!

Don lives on four acres near Grand Rapids, MI. He and his wife have many flower gardens in which they grow hostas, irises, daylilies and other perennials. Don enjoys hybridizing new hosta cultivars and rock hounding … which explains why his landscape is filled with many one-of-a-kind hostas, as well as, unusual rocks and boulders. Don currently serves as the president of the West Michigan Hosta Society and the co-chairman of the Nomenclature Committee of the AHS.
Sat 8:40 am – 9:40 am
60 max

1006 Advanced Hosta Hybridizing

Bob SolbergRoom 417

What does the future of hosta hybridizing hold? What is the next hot trend? Are hosta flowers the next big thing? Are minis still exciting? Who will produce the plants?

Bob Solberg is owner of Green Hill Farm Inc., introducing new hostas to the wholesale and retail hosta community. He is a hosta hybridizer with over 100 hosta introductions, publisher of the Green Hill Gossip newspaper, AHS Historian, and Regional Director of the Dixie Region.
Sat 8:40 am – 9:40 am
29 max

1007 365 days of Bloom

Ronald SchilbAuditorium

I will provide temperate outdoor plant varieties that will provide 365 outdoor bloom for at least zone 5 and likely zone 4.  I will talk about various plants that cover all seasons, not just winter.

Pay $1 Class Fee Here

Mr. Schilb is the owner of Schilb Landscape Services. Metroparks Master Organic Gardener Graduate Graduate of Cincinnati Zoo Garden Class Series Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association Certified Technician Ohio Department of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Certification Professional Horticultural Technician, Cox Arboretum, Island Park, Sunrise Park, 11 years International Society of Arbiculture Certified Arborist, 5 years Volunteer Curator Wegerzyn Witch Hazel Collection, 20 years
Sat 8:40 am – 9:40 am
50 max

1008 Go To Garden Tools

Mary AlbrechtRoom 221A

A refresher course on the use of tools and maintaining them. Class taught with a Powerpoint and a selection of tools for demonstration. Come with
questions.

Mary is the ETHS Communications Director and a plant professor at University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
Sat 8:40 am – 9:40 am
30 max

1009 Running on Empty

Mary Lee MinorRoom 223A

When we think we have absolutely nothing in our gardens with which to design or are ‘running on empty’ we become resourceful. Floral design ideas will be presented applying the attributes of hosta foliage such as color and textural interest.  I will demonstrate how to make three fresh designs from start to finish.

Mary Lee has been a garden club member for over 55 years. As her family moved all over Ohio she launched new garden clubs. She initiated a design series for the Dawes Arboretum. Currently she is an accredited flower show judge for the Ohio Association, serving as an instructor in design at schools for Exhibitors and Judges. She provides programs, workshops and enters flower shows She writes a weekly newspaper column titled "Over the Garden Fence" and holds together two junior garden clubs, a 38-year endeavor. For many years she has provided designs for the Ohio State Fair, her own Crawford County Fair and recently the North West Ohio Gladiola Show at Lakeside. She spent 30 years teaching elementary school.
Sat 8:40 am – 9:40 am
30 max

9:55 am – 10:55 am Session 2

2001 Painting Cement Mushrooms

Marilyn RuffRoom 118

This is just a fun thing to do … the adorable 4″-6″ handmade cement mushrooms will be already made & painted with a base coat of primer for you. Each participant will choose 2 mushrooms & paint them from an assortment of colors.  All the paints & brushes will be provided.  Just be sure to bring along a container such as an empty shoebox, etc. & some sheets of newspaper or other packing material to transport your mushrooms back home with you. This project is fast & easy & so much fun & everyone can do it!!!

Pay $12.00 fee here

I have about 23 years gardening experience with hostas & I have over 800 varieties of hostas. I am particularly obsessed with miniature hostas & I have over 200 varieties of miniature hostas in my collection.
Sat 9:55 am – 10:55 am
14 max

2002 Cohesion vs Chaos

Bob IiamesRoom 115-117

Are you a plant nut like me? Do you love to buy hosta and plants in general? Do you get home and wonder, “How am I going to plant these so they don’t look like soldiers in a row? Join me for a look at some gardens and gardeners who have solved the collector’s garden dilemma. See how they have created a cohesive look in their gardens through the use of color, texture,  shape and form. We will talk about how to put it all together so you CAN have one of everything and still have a beautiful and  harmonious garden. 

Bob is a groundskeeper at the 173-acre Lange Estate in Ludlow Falls. He is a member of the American Conifer Society and current president of the Miami Valley Hosta Society.
Sat 9:55 am – 10:55 am
60 max

2003 Hellebores

Glen PaceAuditorium

There are more than 40 species of the treasured Lady Slipper Orchid and the average gardener can grow certain species of these beautiful plants with some basic soil amendments or with a sunken pot filled with the medium the plants require. The presentation covers what is growing at Pace Gardens and a glimpse of some of the hybrids being produced for garden culture as well as how to grow a hardy Cypripedium in a sunken pot.

Mr. Pace is a Registered Nurse by trade and a botany enthusiast as a means of relaxation. He has written many PowerPoint presentations on gardening subjects including Side-Veneer Grafting, Cypripediums, Color and Texture in the Spring Garden, Fostering the Unconventional, and other subjects related to a Woodland Garden. Glen has been propagating multiple plants by rooting, layering, and grafting. He is known for pushing the hardiness envelope with his unique collections of plants. Glen enjoys teaching others about his style of gardening and about the plants for which he holds great passion.
Sat 9:55 am – 10:55 am
60 max

2004 Benedict Garden

Esther BenedictRoom 223

Will cover specialized planting techniques for alpines, bog plants and crevice gardens. Also seed sowing and starting ferns from spores.

I have been gardening for over 35 years and particularly enjoy propagating, and seed sowing. This has lead to the development of Benedict’s Nursery, which specializes in alpines and other unusual plants. With the help of my husband, we maintain numerous display gardens, including sand beds, shady tufa crevice garden, hypertufa troughs, bog beds and a sunny crevice bed.
Sat 9:55 am – 10:55 am
30 max

2005 Labelling your Collection

Fred AndersonRoom 302

When you have lots of similar plants, it is impossible to remember all the cultivars. Labelling your plants allows you to educate yourself of the names, makes it a lot more interesting when visitors tour your garden and marks your garden in the winter. Learn about some new stake options and the economical and permanent labelling system to give you the professional look.

After retiring in 2014, Fred accidently took up gardening and is now totally out of control. The 7.5 acre wooded property called Anderson Estate sits on top of a hill overlooking the Smoky Mountains so has become an expert in gardening on slopes. About four acres of the property are under garden and the hardiness zone is 7a. Fred is the president of the East TN Hosta Society and has a collection of over 500 different Hostas. He became a master gardener in 2016 and sits on the boards of the three horticultural organizations. Apart from Hostas he is an avid plant collector of Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Camellias, Holly’s, Conifers, Tropicals and native plants. Fred welcomes garden clubs and the public with visitations during the year.
Sat 9:55 am – 10:55 am
30 max

2006 What’s New in Hostas

Don RawsonRoom 412

This presentation shows many of the newest hosta introductions on the market including those from both the United States and Europe. See the latest and greatest new cultivars which will get you excited and make your wish list even longer!

Don lives on four acres near Grand Rapids, MI. He and his wife have many flower gardens in which they grow hostas, irises, daylilies and other perennials. Don enjoys hybridizing new hosta cultivars and rock hounding … which explains why his landscape is filled with many one-of-a-kind hostas, as well as, unusual rocks and boulders. Don currently serves as the president of the West Michigan Hosta Society and the co-chairman of the Nomenclature Committee of the AHS.
Sat 9:55 am – 10:55 am
45 max

2007 Ground or Containers?

Bob SolbergRoom 417

In the ground or in pots, what is best for you, what is best for your hostas? We will discuss the pros and cons of both as well as share growing tips for success in both situations. Landscape solutions to upgrade your hosta garden.

Bob Solberg is owner of Green Hill Farm Inc., introducing new hostas to the wholesale and retail hosta community. He is a hosta hybridizer with over 100 hosta introductions, publisher of the Green Hill Gossip newspaper, AHS Historian, and Regional Director of the Dixie Region.
Sat 9:55 am – 10:55 am
60 max

2008 Make America Beautiful

Chas WagnerRoom 218

The class will give practical steps to beautify your town or city.

Chas is a retired middle school educator and, with his wife, are caretakers of Grimshaw Glen – a historic industrial site with gardens which started before the Civil War.
Sat 9:55 am – 10:55 am
30 max

2009 Running on Empty

Mary Lee MinorRoom 223A

When we think we have absolutely nothing in our gardens with which to design or are ‘running on empty’ we become resourceful. Floral design ideas will be presented applying the attributes of hosta foliage such as color and textural interest. I will demonstrate how to make three fresh designs from start to finish.

Mary Lee has been a garden club member for over 55 years. As her family moved all over Ohio she launched new garden clubs. She initiated a design series for the Dawes Arboretum. Currently she is an accredited flower show judge for the Ohio Association, serving as an instructor in design at schools for Exhibitors and Judges. She provides programs, workshops and enters flower shows She writes a weekly newspaper column titled "Over the Garden Fence" and holds together two junior garden clubs, a 38-year endeavor. For many years she has provided designs for the Ohio State Fair, her own Crawford County Fair and recently the North West Ohio Gladiola Show at Lakeside. She spent 30 years teaching elementary school.
Sat 9:55 am – 10:55 am
30 max

11:10 am – 12:10 pm Session 3

3001 1st Lunch Period

Dining Commons

Sandwich Choices: Chicken Salad Croissant or BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Soup Choices: Broccoli Cheese or Garden Vegetable
Pasta Salad, relishes with dip, fresh fruit, tossed salad, cookies & brownies
Assorted canned pop, iced tea, table service

Buffet / Cafeteria Style
Sat 11:10 am – 12:10 pm
250 max

3002 Painting Cement Mushrooms

Marilyn RuffRoom 118

This is just a fun thing to do … the adorable 4″-6″ handmade cement mushrooms will be already made & painted with a base coat of primer for you. Each participant will choose 2 mushrooms & paint them from an assortment of colors.  All the paints & brushes will be provided.  Just be sure to bring along a container such as an empty shoebox, etc. & some sheets of newspaper or other packing material to transport your mushrooms back home with you. This project is fast & easy & so much fun & everyone can do it!!!

Pay $12.00 fee here

I have about 23 years gardening experience with hostas & I have over 800 varieties of hostas. I am particularly obsessed with miniature hostas & I have over 200 varieties of miniature hostas in my collection.
Sat 11:10 am – 12:10 pm
14 max

3003 Fostering the Unconventional

Glen PaceAuditorium

Cultivation of plants that are rare, unusual, and some that are beyond explanation. Pictorial guide from Pace Gardens of many types of decorative trees, shrubs, vines, and perennials and their most common means of propagation.

Mr. Pace is a Registered Nurse by trade and a botany enthusiast as a means of relaxation. He has written many PowerPoint presentations on gardening subjects including Side-Veneer Grafting, Cypripediums, Color and Texture in the Spring Garden, Fostering the Unconventional, and other subjects related to a Woodland Garden. Glen has been propagating multiple plants by rooting, layering, and grafting. He is known for pushing the hardiness envelope with his unique collections of plants. Glen enjoys teaching others about his style of gardening and about the plants for which he holds great passion.
Sat 11:10 am – 12:10 pm
60 max

3004 The Race for Red

Doug BeilsteinRoom 221A

This course will review the history of red petioles and flowers and show their current status, plus who’s working on them Blushing in hosta will be examined with the latest results shown.

Doug has spent over 25 years hybridizing hosta. One of his cultivars, H. World Cup was recognized as Hosta of the Year in 2018. He feels he is on the right track now working with tetraploids and the reds. Doug was AHS President between 2011 and 2013. Doug has participated in Hosta Roundtables at the AHS national conventions.
Sat 11:10 am – 12:10 pm
45 max

3005 Who’s your Mama

Donna McMillenRoom 216

A little bit of history and the “genealogy” as known (or at least suspected!) behind some of our favorite hostas. This will be a power point presentation with handouts.

Donna McMillen has been a member of Midland Hosta in northeast Ohio since 2008. Past and now current president of Midland. Past board member and presenter for Great Lakes Hosta. Donna has been a life-long gardening enthusiast and hostaholic. She also enjoys "playing" with cement and creating/sharing lots of art forms for the garden.
Sat 11:10 am – 12:10 pm
45 max

3006 All About Hostas

Don RawsonRoom 412

This PowerPoint presentation covers much general information for the beginning and semi-advanced hosta gardener including a brief survey of hosta species, how to plant a hosta, fertilizer and mulch, watering techniques, and hosta problems such as slugs, deer, crown rot, hosta virus X and nematodes. Class notes are offered with the presentation.

Don lives on four acres near Grand Rapids, MI. He and his wife have many flower gardens in which they grow hostas, irises, daylilies and other perennials. Don enjoys hybridizing new hosta cultivars and rock hounding … which explains why his landscape is filled with many one-of-a-kind hostas, as well as, unusual rocks and boulders. Don currently serves as the president of the West Michigan Hosta Society and the co-chairman of the Nomenclature Committee of the AHS.
Sat 11:10 am – 12:10 pm
60 max

12:25 pm – 1:25 pm Session 4

4001 2nd Lunch Period

Dining Commons

Sandwich Choices: Chicken Salad Croissant or BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Soup Choices: Broccoli Cheese or Garden Vegetable
Pasta Salad, relishes with dip, fresh fruit, tossed salad, cookies & brownies
Assorted canned pop, iced tea, table service

Buffet / Cafeteria Style
Sat 12:25 pm – 1:25 pm
250 max

4002 Midwest Butterflies

Ruth BowellRoom 115-117

What do Midwest butterflies need, how do they use gardens, and how can you create a garden for their benefit? These questions (and more) will be answered along with several handouts so you can make 2023 your best butterfly season yet.

Ruth Bowell has a passion for gardening for wildlife with a particular emphasis on butterflies and moths. She has created and certified her home backyard and is involved with several community science projects. She also owns and operates The Milkweed Patch, LLC, a native plant nursery in Troy, Ohio.
Sat 12:25 pm – 1:25 pm
52 max

4003 Long & Winding Road

Sandra WilkinsRoom 223

We will look at seasons of life in a garden, the ever changing landscape…gradually and peacefully, with adjustments along the way.  Then, in a moment the landscape is forever changed…and finding the long and winding road back. 

Sandy is a long-time gardener, and Mother of the Hosta College, it is a delight to watch it continue to become better all the time, and an honor to share stories with fellow gardeners. I look very forward to seeing old friends.
Sat 12:25 pm – 1:25 pm
60 max

4004 How to Compete

Beth VeldeyRoom 220

Anyone can enter a hosta show.  Using slides and handouts, instructor will discuss how to select leaves and prepare containers, how to groom entries, what to do at the show, and discuss how entries are judged.

Beth Veldey has been a Master Gardner, and is a past president of both the Central Ohio Hosta Society and Metropolitan Daylily Society. She is a Master Judge and has been co-chairing hosta shows since 2002. Beth uses her hosta as models for oil paintings and colored pencil drawings.
Sat 12:25 pm – 1:25 pm
30 max

4005 Hydroponic Propagation

Lisa QuiggleRoom 412

Hydroponic propagators can be used to create multiple clones of a plant. It can also be used to rescue hostas that have lost most of their roots or have lost their roots during division. Propagators are also used to root hardwood cuttings of shrubs during the winter months. We will discuss available propagators, supplies, techniques and new methods. Learn how to make clones of your garden plants to create an impressive border or to quickly multiply a plant to increase your plants for hybridization.

Lisa was introduced to gardening by her grandmother, a Czech immigrant, whose garden was on a very steep hillside in southeastern Ohio. Every inch of the garden was filled with plants just like the garden catalogs, everything grew! Lisa gardens just outside of Hell, Michigan where she grows hostas, rhododendrons, sun and shade plants. When she isn’t gardening Lisa works as a toxicologist for the State of Michigan.
Sat 12:25 pm – 1:25 pm
60 max

4006 The Bald Eagle

Jon MinardRoom 221

This is a slideshow of the Bald Eagle and the story of how Ohio went from 4 nests in 1972 to 707 in 2021! We will see the steps taken by Federal and local governments to save the eagle for future generations.

My story with eagles starts in 1996 when I became a nest monitor volunteer for ODNR after seeing an eagle in the wild for the first time. I began taking classes on how to watch and report on eagle activity and was assigned a nest to report data. I am now watching about 17 in Knox County alone! I have given many classes to various groups as well as taken students from Kenyon College out to sites. I'm married to my Photographer wife Debbie Hurlbert and we make quite a team in the field.
Sat 12:25 pm – 1:25 pm
30 max

1:40 pm – 2:40 pm Session 5

5001 Kokedama

Ruth BowellRoom 121

Kokedama moss balls or “string gardens” are a unique way to garden vertically.

Kokedama is a Japanese method of planting a houseplant in a self-contained moss ball planter that can be hung or displayed on a saucer. As you create your own Kokedama during this session, you will learn the process of correctly mixing soil, choosing plants, and wrapping your moss ball as well as at home care and maintenance. Best of all, your Kokedama will be ready to take home and enjoy.

Pay $20 Fee for Materials

Ruth Bowell has a passion for gardening for wildlife with a particular emphasis on butterflies and moths. She has created and certified her home backyard and is involved with several community science projects. She also owns and operates The Milkweed Patch, LLC, a native plant nursery in Troy, Ohio.
Sat 1:40 pm – 2:40 pm
17 max

5002 What’s Wrong With my Plant?

Dave & Leslie DannaherRoom 223A

Over the years we’ve received hundreds of emails about plants that just don’t look quite right to the only thing that’s left is a stick in the ground.  Join us as we look at the pictures and information sent with them to see if you make the correct diagnosis!!!

Dannaher Landscaping & Nursery is a small family owned and operated business located in Galena, OH. Started by Dave in 1978, he was joined by his wife, Leslie, in 1980 and both have degrees from the Ohio State University in Horticulture
Sat 1:40 pm – 2:40 pm
40 max

5003 Hosta Companions

Tom RabungRoom 115-117

This lecture will feature a slide show of my favorite companion plants for hostas.  We will discuss the general planting guidelines and growing requirements for the various perennials, shrubs and trees that make great companion plants in your hosta garden.  Foliar nematodes and their host plants will also be discussed. I will also provide some planting/design options for difficult planting locations. A short question and answer period will follow the presentation.  Resource  material will be available.

I opened Emerald Forest Nursery when I retired in 2005 using property surrounded by unharvested Norway spruce trees. This provided an ideal growing location to support my love of hostas, as well as, other shade perennials. The nursery continued to expand to include sun loving perennials and native cultivars. Emerald Forest is a certified Natural Wildlife Habitat, Monarch Way Station, and Emerald Necklace Neighbor Habitat focused on providing plants for our enjoyment and pleasure well as supporting our native wildlife. The American Horticultural Society, AHS, North Coast Hosta Society, the Natural Wildlife Federation are among the many gardening societies I belong to.
Sat 1:40 pm – 2:40 pm
60 max

5004 Daylilies

Dr. Charlie HarperRoom 218

Get the lowdown on one of the most underappreciated perennials you can bring into your garden.  You’ll learn about the unique characteristics of daylilies with pointers on how to make them grow and flourish.  We’ll take a look at the various flower forms and incredible array of colors and patterns.  You’ll get to see the latest trends in hybridization and take a peek into the likely future of this essential perennial.

Dr. Harper (Charlie) is the past President of the American Daylily Society’s Region 2, which includes the States of Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. He’s the Vice President of the Black Swamp Hosta and Daylily Society in Toledo, OH.
Sat 1:40 pm – 2:40 pm
35 max

5005 How to Compete

Beth VeldeyRoom 220

Anyone can enter a hosta show.  Using slides and handouts, instructor will discuss how to select leaves and prepare containers, how to groom entries, what to do at the show, and discuss how entries are judged.

Beth Veldey has been a Master Gardner, and is a past president of both the Central Ohio Hosta Society and Metropolitan Daylily Society. She is a Master Judge and has been co-chairing hosta shows since 2002. Beth uses her hosta as models for oil paintings and colored pencil drawings.
Sat 1:40 pm – 2:40 pm
30 max

5006 Tall Bearded Iris

Pam RawsonRoom 222

If you are looking for easy and carefree, an Iris bed is not for you.  Pam has been growing Tall Bearded Iris for over 20 years.  In this class, I will share basic Iris care, pests and diseases and will show you why all the work is worth the reward.  This will be a PowerPoint presentation with class notes. 

Pam lives on four acres near Grand Rapids, Michigan. She and her husband have many flower gardens in which they grow hostas, irises, daylilies and other perennials. Pam enjoys walking through the gardens and painting outdoor metal art. Pam currently helps in the West Michigan Hosta Society and enjoys gardening with Iris.
Sat 1:40 pm – 2:40 pm
29 max

5007 Growing Calendar

Bob SolbergRoom 417

What do we do and when to make our hostas happy? Growing tips, buying tips, when to fertilize, irrigate and divide your hostas.

Bob Solberg is owner of Green Hill Farm Inc., introducing new hostas to the wholesale and retail hosta community. He is a hosta hybridizer with over 100 hosta introductions, publisher of the Green Hill Gossip newspaper, AHS Historian, and Regional Director of the Dixie Region.
Sat 1:40 pm – 2:40 pm
90 max

5008 Camellias – 101

Fred AndersonRoom 302

Camellias are known as the queen of the winter garden blooming from September through to May. Although hybridizers have come a long way with cold hardiness, this presentation is for participants in zone 6 & above. Come and learn all about growing this evergreen shrub in your garden and enjoy their wonderful blooms when everything else has gone sleep for the winter.

After retiring in 2014, Fred accidently took up gardening and is now totally out of control. The 7.5 acre wooded property called Anderson Estate sits on top of a hill overlooking the Smoky Mountains so has become an expert in gardening on slopes. About four acres of the property are under garden and the hardiness zone is 7a. Fred is the president of the East TN Hosta Society and has a collection of over 500 different Hostas. He became a master gardener in 2016 and sits on the boards of the three horticultural organizations. Apart from Hostas he is an avid plant collector of Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Camellias, Holly’s, Conifers, Tropicals and native plants. Fred welcomes garden clubs and the public with visitations during the year.
Sat 1:40 pm – 2:40 pm
30 max

5009 Rhododendrons

Lisa QuiggleRoom 412

How many of us have said “Rhododendrons?  I have the purple one and the red one.” Reconsider rhododendrons in your garden, just like hosta there are plenty of options. The American Rhododendron Society held their delayed 2020 convention in 2022 in the Pacific Northwest. The convention presented many plants of different sizes, colors, leaf shapes, and variegation. With proper siting many of these can be grown in our area. We will discuss the plants, gardens and suppliers to reconsider your use of rhododendrons in your landscape.  

Lisa Quiggle works as a toxicologist at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, but in her spare time, she’s a gardener at heart. Lisa is involved with the Ed Elslager Hybridizing Society and organizes club events and serves where needed. Her garden is overflowing with both named hosta varieties as well as a palette of seedlings from hybrids made by herself and her friends.
Sat 1:40 pm – 2:40 pm
60 max

2:55 pm – 3:55 pm Session 6

6001 Who’s your Mama

Donna McMillenRoom 216

A little bit of history and the “genealogy” as known (or at least suspected!) behind some of our favorite hostas. This will be a power point presentation with handouts.

Donna McMillen has been a member of Midland Hosta in northeast Ohio since 2008. Past and now current president of Midland. Past board member and presenter for Great Lakes Hosta. Donna has been a life-long gardening enthusiast and hostaholic. She also enjoys "playing" with cement and creating/sharing lots of art forms for the garden.
Sat 2:55 pm – 3:55 pm
30 max

6002 CHAD, Disease

Dr. Charlie HarperRoom 218

Are you ready for some useful humor, built around some gardening tips? This class may be just the ticket. You’re going to learn about an affliction had by many gardeners, known by the acronym CHAD. You probably know someone who has this problem; they might really benefit from the knowledge you’ll be able to share after completing this class. You’re going to learn about some of the symptoms, including “Bed Creep,” the typical non-solution to the problem. Have I piqued your curiosity? Sign up, and all your questions will be answered!

Dr. Harper (Charlie) is the past President of the American Daylily Society’s Region 2, which includes the States of Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. He’s the Vice President of the Black Swamp Hosta and Daylily Society in Toledo, OH.
Sat 2:55 pm – 3:55 pm
30 max

6003 Pollinators

Tom RabungRoom 115-117

In the ground or in pots, what is best for you, what is best for your hostas? We will discuss the pros and cons of both as well as share growing tips for success in both situations. Landscape solutions to upgrade your hosta garden.This class will begin with an overview of the pollination process, types of pollinators and what we can do to improve the current state of pollinators. What is the difference between habitat and gardening when it comes to pollinators? Which annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs should be included in our gardens that will attract pollinators with their nectar or pollen rich flowers? How does garden design, site selection and bloom time cycles effect the attraction of pollinators?  Is it better to plant natives or cultivars and what should garden maintenance and fall cleanup will also be addressed.  A short question and answer period will follow the presentation.  Resource materials will be provided.

I opened Emerald Forest Nursery when I retired in 2005 using property surrounded by unharvested Norway spruce trees. This provided an ideal growing location to support my love of hostas, as well as, other shade perennials. The nursery continued to expand to include sun loving perennials and native cultivars. Emerald Forest is a certified Natural Wildlife Habitat, Monarch Way Station, and Emerald Necklace Neighbor Habitat focused on providing plants for our enjoyment and pleasure well as supporting our native wildlife. The American Horticultural Society, AHS, North Coast Hosta Society, the Natural Wildlife Federation are among the many gardening societies I belong to.
Sat 2:55 pm – 3:55 pm
60 max

6004 Cellphone Photography

Debbie Hurlbert-MinardAuditorium

With cell phone cameras being so good with photos more and more people are taking more photos with cell phones why not have fun with your phone and learn some tips how to improve these photos.

Everyone please bring a cell phone to class.

Debbie is the 2016 winner of the AHS Photo Contest (Hosta Close-up); or as the Hosta Journal states: “has won more awards in the photo contest than any other member”. She was also doubly honored as the Gladys Thomas Judge of the Year and as the winner of the Faye Collins McGinnis Designer of the Year at the 87th Convention of the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs.
Sat 2:55 pm – 3:55 pm
90 max

6005 The Race for Red

Doug BeilsteinRoom 221A

This course will review the history of red petioles and flowers and show their current status, plus who’s working on them Blushing in hosta will be examined with the latest results shown.

Doug has spent over 25 years hybridizing hosta. One of his cultivars, H. World Cup was recognized as Hosta of the Year in 2018. He feels he is on the right track now working with tetraploids and the reds. Doug was AHS President between 2011 and 2013. Doug has participated in Hosta Roundtables at the AHS national conventions.
Sat 2:55 pm – 3:55 pm
30 max

6006 Hungry Eyes

John SmeadRoom 220

Tips to help your hosta garden look more appealing to humans and less appealing to pests.

I enjoy a wide range of interests including horticulture, human physiology, nutrition, Ray Peat, houseplants, Japanese, running, weight lifting, skiing, guitar. Recently, I learned how to juggle. Daddy to Opie, the Basset Hound. I am the owner of a small hosta and perennial business.
Sat 2:55 pm – 3:55 pm
45 max

6007 Heronswood

Lisa QuiggleRoom 412

Heronswood Garden was established in 1987 and was the home of plant Explorer Dan Hinckley and his partner Robert Jones. The famous Heronswood Nursery was operated on the property. Heronswood was sold in 2000 to the Burpee company who soon after filed for bankruptcy and closed the garden. In 2012 the garden was purchased by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe who have resurrected the garden. We will go on a tour of the garden which will provide many shade gardens design ideas along with uncommon plant selections. The gardens feature a very large table trough, a fernery and a formal bog garden. We will see plenty of ideas to incorporate in your garden design.

Lisa was introduced to gardening by her grandmother, a Czech immigrant, whose garden was on a very steep hillside in southeastern Ohio. Every inch of the garden was filled with plants just like the garden catalogs, everything grew! Lisa gardens just outside of Hell, Michigan where she grows hostas, rhododendrons, sun and shade plants. When she isn’t gardening Lisa works as a toxicologist for the State of Michigan.
Sat 2:55 pm – 3:55 pm
60 max

6008 FAQs

Bob SolbergRoom 417

A wide-ranging discussion of hosta topics from choosing the right fertilizer to defining hosta sizes and how long it takes to produce a new hosta. There will be time for your questions too. A little opinion, philosophy, and fact.

Bob Solberg is owner of Green Hill Farm Inc., introducing new hostas to the wholesale and retail hosta community. He is a hosta hybridizer with over 100 hosta introductions, publisher of the Green Hill Gossip newspaper, AHS Historian, and Regional Director of the Dixie Region.
Sat 2:55 pm – 3:55 pm
29 max

6009 Long & Winding Road

Sandra WilkinsRoom 223

We will look at seasons of life in a garden, the ever changing landscape…gradually and peacefully, with adjustments along the way.  Then, in a moment the landscape is forever changed…and finding the long and winding road back. 

Sandy is a long-time gardener, and Mother of the Hosta College, it is a delight to watch it continue to become better all the time, and an honor to share stories with fellow gardeners. I look very forward to seeing old friends.
Sat 2:55 pm – 3:55 pm
30 max

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Banquet

7001 Chicken Piccata

Dining Commons

Sat 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

7002 Pasta Primavera

Dining Commons

Sat 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

7003 Beef Stroganoff

Dining Commons

Sat 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

7004 Gluten-free Pasta Primavera

Dining Commons

Sat 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

7005 Companion Chicken Piccata

Dining Commons

Sat 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

7006 Companion Pasta Primavera

Dining Commons

Sat 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

7007 Companion Beef Stroganoff

Dining Commons

Sat 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

7008 Companion Gluten-free Pasta Primavera

Dining Commons

Sat 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

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Inspiration

“Gardening is the work of a lifetime: you never finish.”


“No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.”

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