2025 Class List

1006 – Everyone Knows How to Plant a Tree (correctly) Right! – Pam Bennet
Everyone has likely planted a tree in the past but did you plant it for longevity? Far too often we see trees planted too deep. A secondary root system develops when this happens which can lead to long term issues for the tree.  Participants will learn about the root structure of a tree and will have the opportunity to dig into a sample of a potted tree to determine if the roots are developing correctly for the life of the tree.
Limit: 25

Bio:  Pam is an Ohio State University  Professor, an award winning author for her book ‘Garden-pedia’ and serves as the State Master Gardener Volunteer Program Director and Horticulture Educator for OSU Extension in Clark County. She  specializes in herbaceous ornamental plant trials and has been All-America Selections judge since 2012. She presents programs on annuals and perennials as well as other landscape topics locally, statewide, and nationally. Pam has also lectured internationally in seven countries. She is President of the Clark County Park District Commission, and a Board member of the Hartman Rock Garden and The Abilities Connection. She is the Past-President of the Friends of the Ohio Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden.

1007 – Birds, Bugs & Botany: Connections to the Natural Realm – Judy Semroe
This program illustrates the amazing connections between birds, insects, and plants. Each of these groups utilizes the others in the natural history of their behavior, food gathering, protection and life cycles. Learn how these important interrelations can influence human lives, illustrate the critical importance of insects, and create the natural beauty around us.

Bio:  Judy is the founder of Chrysalis in Time‚ the first Ohio chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Judy also serves on the board of the Ohio Ornithological Society (Conservation Committee) and the Ohio Biological Survey. She has co-authored two natural history guides, “Dragonflies & Damselflies of Northeast Ohio” and “Goldenrods of Northeast Ohio: A Field Guide to Identification & Natural History.” For more than 20 years, Judy was a Conservation Specialist in the Natural Areas Division of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. As a former Petroleum Geologist and science teacher, Judy loves to learn about and share her passion for the natural world through field trips, interpretive programs, and photography. 

1008 – Current Topics on Hostas – Bob Solberg
A wide-ranging discussion of hosta topics at the forefront of Hostadom today. There will be time for your questions. This is a student driven class. A little opinion, philosophy, and fact.
Limit: 29

Bio: Bob Solberg is the 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.

1009 – Pruning Connifers and Deciduous Plants – Dave & Leslie Dannaher
“Pruning Conifers and Deciduous Plants” for the beginner and intermediate gardener. Dave will explain and show you the “how tos” of pruning plants such are Weeping Norway Spruce, Emperor I Japanese Maple, Gold Mops Chamaecyparis, Paper Bark Maple and others at his own nursery. 

Bio: Dave Dannaher began his career in horticulture by planting a garden and tending to the fruit trees in the orchard at the family home in Columbus, OH. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1978 with a B.S. in Agriculture. During his sophomore year in college, he started Dannaher Landscaping as a sole proprietorship and later incorporated his business in 1994. Dannaher Landscaping, Inc. became well known for its unusual patio designs, multi-level decks and “wow factor” plants. Dave decided to focus on propagating unusual plants on his three and a half acres in Galena, OH and then using them in his landscapes. He had four rules for propagation: the plant had to be interesting, the plant had to be hardy, the plant had to be disease and insect free, and it had to be easy to grow. Today, Dave continues to adhere to those rules. He propagates and sells his plants at the nursery and at various events throughout the year. His introductions to the industry include ‘DannaSpire’ Lace Bark Elm, ‘Little Leslie’ American Fringetree and ‘Mottled Molly’ Lace Bark Elm.

1010 – Twilight Hybridizing – A Senior’s Perspective – Doug Beilstein
What’s an old-timer do when his eyesight is failing, his hands shake, his memory is spotty and his growing space is limited? Come see if there is a solution!   

Bio: Hybridizing of hosta started with growing OP seeds in the mid 90’s. Each subsequent summer, designed crosses were made and the following fall and winter, seedlings were grown and culled. The month of May results in planting the seedlings in raised beds or pots. These efforts have led to 80 + registrations of new hostas.   

Our interest in hosta led us to the American Hosta Society and its annual convention, attending over 25+ years. It has been an honor to serve in several elected offices in the American Hosta Society, the VP Honors and Awards, Executive VP- conventions coordinator, and President of the American Hosta Society ( AHS -2012-13). I enjoy memberships in 3 Ohio hosta clubs and a hybridizing club in Michigan (Ed Elslager group ). In 2026, our hometown, Dublin, Ohio, will play host to the AHS National Convention. With my fellow co-chairs, we have a wonderful convention planned. Our hybridizing efforts and growing area will be on tour. We are already excited to have you visit.   

Return to the top

SECOND HOUR

2001 – Learning About and Grinding your Own Wheat Berries to Make Bread – Don Ruff
We will each be learning about red wheat berries, white wheat berries and Einkorn wheat berries. Each person will be grinding grain on a Diamant Grain Mill. Each person will get three cups of ground wheat berries to take home.
Fee: $6 – Limit:12

2002 -Pruning Basics – Bob Iiames
Are your trees out of shape? Are your shrubs over grown? Come and learn basic pruning techniques so you can have the shapeliest plants on the block. We will discuss how to prune common trees and shrubs in your yard. We’ll also discuss the best time of year to prune and the tools you need.     

Bio:  Bob is a groundskeeper at the 173-acre Lange Estate in Ludlow Falls. He is a Miami Valley Hosta Society member and current Director of the Central Region of the American Conifer Society.

2003 – Trillium; More Than the White One – Glen Pace
A pictorial guide of more than forty of the accepted forty-nine species of Trillium, plus additional slides of specie selections, hybrids, and some unusual and rare double forms.  Each specie’s origin and habitat is covered.  Propagation by seed and vegetative means is discussed.   Handouts available for PowerPoint pictures. Trillium Sources, list of Accepted Species, and an Identification Key by Susan Farmer are available as additional handouts for an additional copying fee.

Bio:  Glen is a retired Registered Nurse and a botany enthusiast as a means of relaxation.  He is still an instructor for the Emergency Nurses Association teaching the Trauma Nurse Core Course. His gardening enthusiasm started more than 50 years ago, with a neighbor giving a 5-year-old child a bouquet of Salix discolor (Pussy willow) which rooted while he was enjoying their catkins.  Since that first tree Glen has been propagating multiple plants by rooting, layering, and grafting.  He has written many Power Point Presentations on gardening subjects including: Side-Veneer Grafting. He enjoys teaching others about his style of gardening and about the plants of which he holds great passion.  Glen is known for pushing the hardiness envelope with his unique collections of plants and enjoys the past time of working in his private woodland garden, Pace Gardens in Clio, MI.  
“I break so many of the traditional gardening rules, you wouldn’t think I would be teaching gardening. 

2004 – Giants and Minis – Josh Roggenbuck
A review of some of Walters Gardens most recent and future introductions for the front and back of your Hosta border.

Bio:  Josh Roggenbuck has been in agriculture all of his life. Growing up on a sugar beet farm and working from young childhood, he found his passion for plants at a local Christmas tree farm and then a landscape nursery. He attended Michigan State University to obtain his degree in Horticulture before building a greenhouse and garden center with his parents and operating it for nine seasons. Josh is now employed by Walters Gardens, North America’s leading producer of perennial liner plants with over 1000 varieties in their main catalog. They supply plugs and bare root plants to nurseries, greenhouses, and mail order companies throughout the US and Canada. Josh oversees sales in the Midwest and supports the company’s initiatives with retail companies and landscape designers. Last and most important, Josh resides in Mid-Michigan with his wife Sarah and daughters Stella and Hattie.

2005 – It Doesn’t Have to be All or Nothing!  Incorporating native plants into your established  garden- Pam Bennett
The “buzz” word today is all about pollinators.  Contrary to what you see on social media, you don’t have to have an all native plant garden.  Learn the basics to attracting pollinators and about native plants that work well in the established garden.

Bio:  Pam is a Professor with The Ohio State University and serves as the State Master Gardener Volunteer Program Director and Horticulture Educator for OSU Extension in Clark County. She specializes in herbaceous ornamental plant trials and has been All-America Selections judge since 2012. She presents programs on annuals and perennials as well as other landscape topics locally, statewide, and nationally. Pam has also lectured internationally in seven countries. She is President of the Clark County Park District Commission, and a Board member of the Hartman Rock Garden and The Abilities Connection. She is the Past-President of the Friends of the Ohio Governor's Residence and Heritage Garden.
Pam is the co-author of an award-winning book, Garden-pedia, An A-to- Z Guide to Gardening Terms and writes a weekly gardening column for eight counties receiving the Cox Publishing brands. She was awarded the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association Service Award and the National Association of County Agriculture Educators Ohio Distinguished Achievement Award and the Distinguished Service Award for the National Association of Agricultural Agents.
Pam was born and raised in Springfield and is married to Rick Bennett. They are the proud parents of Springfield’s first female police Chief. They have three children and five grandchildren.

2006 –  Conifer Cognition (Knowing in the Broader Sense) – Jay Park
A fast paced, PowerPoint, rollercoaster ride through the world of conifers.  This presentation is designed to answer basic questions such as planting, texture, color, growth, and propagation of conifers for the garden.

Bio:  Jay is a 1976 graduate of Purdue University of Veterinary Medicine and has paracticed  Small Animal Medicine for 38 years, retiring in 2014. In 1978, with wife, Tess, they have reclaimed an overgrown 3.3 acres including 1 acre woods. They began by identifying the 50 trees of Indiana then removing undesirable trees and invasives.  Interest in woody plants has evolved into not just planting higher quality trees but collecting conifers and landscape gardening. They live in Zone 5 north of Indianapolis and restored and added to their 1905 cottage-style farmhouse.
Jay is a member of the  American Conifer Society and American Hosta Society since 1997. They have received the Distinguished Service Award from the ACS, and have organized ACS garden tours in Indianapolis area 2006, 2009, 2015, and 2021 as well as had our garden open for other club’s events.
He has attended decades of Conifer Society educational meetings and Hosta College. At the 2007 National Hosta convention he was voted Garden Award for Best Companion Plants.  Parkwood Garden has been featured in 4 national magazines and a gardening book.

2007 – Attracting Beneficial Insects to the Home Garden Habitat –  Judy Semroe 
This program highlights a sampling of beneficial insects that are desirable to have in our yards and gardens. Information will be presented as to the natural history of these creatures, how to attract them to your yard, their connection to pollinators, and why they are important.

Bio:  Judy is the founder of Chrysalis in Time‚ the first Ohio chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Judy also serves on the board of the Ohio Ornithological Society (Conservation Committee) and the Ohio Biological Survey. She has co-authored two natural history guides, “Dragonflies & Damselflies of Northeast Ohio” and “Goldenrods of Northeast Ohio:   A Field Guide to Identification & Natural History.” For more than 20 years, Judy was a Conservation Specialist in the Natural Areas Division of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. As a former Petroleum Geologist and science teacher, Judy loves to learn about and share her passion for the natural world through field trips, interpretive programs, and photography. 

2008 – Advanced Hosta Hybridizing 2024 New Trends and Projects – Bob Solberg
What are the new breeding lines that we are seeing, or do we really hybridize hostas rather randomly and not for specific traits? What is the role of hosta species? Hybridizing goals and how best to achieve them will be discussed. Then maybe a little show and tell.
Limit: 30

Bio: Bob Solberg is the 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.

2009 – Garden for Wildlife: Habitat Certification from the National Wildlife Federation – Bethany Gray
VIRTUAL CLASS:   Learn about the steps necessary to certify your yard, school, business, church or local park with the National Wildlife Federation as a wildlife habitat. We will discuss providing natural food sources and shelter for wildlife with native plants and trees as well as appropriate supplemental bird feeding. Learn how to increase the declining pollinator population on your property and how the removal of invasive plants helps birds and wildlife. Other tips include making brush piles, pesticide reduction/elimination, leaving some of the leaves and appropriate use of nest boxes. Some Citizen Science programs and apps will also be reviewed to share your observation data with scientists. 

Bio: Bethany Gray has a degree in Education from Wittenberg University and is an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) in the greater Dayton area. She has also been a certified Habitat Ambassador for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) since 2018. In 2020, she worked with a team in the Village of Yellow Springs to certify the entire community with NWF, one of only three certified communities currently in Ohio. She is the co-founder of “Operation Bluebird,” a citizen science partnership with Yellow Springs Public Schools and Tecumseh Land Preservation Association, the subject of an article by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at NestWatch.org.  She is also a recipient of two statewide awards—the 2018 Blue Feather Award by the Ohio Bluebird Society and the 2018 OCVN Education, Stewardship & Citizen Science Award by the Ohio State College of Food, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences. She served as Chair of the Glen Helen Association Board (a privately managed nature preserve) for two years and as a Board member of Tecumseh Land Preservation Association for six years. She is a past presenter for Hosta College, the Midwest Native Plant Society, the Ohio Bluebird Society, Ohio State Parks and Aullwood Audubon Center among others.

.

2010 – Introduction to Foraging – Sarah Daley
This class addresses some of the benefits and dangers of foraging as well as its relevance to gardeners. It primarily focuses on the general processes of identifying plants within the context of foraging.
Fee $1 Limit: 40

Bio:  I grew up in Mercer County Pennsylvania and I enjoy foraging as well as most arts and crafts. I will graduate from Pennsylvania Western University by May 2025 with a Bachelors degree in Social Work and an associate’s degree in psychology and hope to work in either a school or as a parole officer. I  have had the privilege of enjoying my employment, working the better part of a decade at my favorite greenhouse. This may have been what ignited an interest in gardening, but my love for foraging was something instilled in me at a young age. Growing to appreciate both gardening and foraging has allowed me insight into the overlap between the two. Enjoying them both means that I can more closely observe the life stages of wild plants without leaving my home, while having a background in foraging opens my perspective on domestic plants.

Return to the top

THIRD HOUR

3001 – First Lunch Choice of Chicken Salad Croissant or Glazed Ham Sandwich Your choice/s of the following:
Chili, Pasta Salad, Fresh Relishes with Dip, Fresh Fruit Bowl, Tossed Salad, Cookies and Brownies, Assorted Drinks

3002 –Advantages of House Wrens in Your Garden  (If you build it they will come.) – Glenn Jable
We will explore the biology and habits of the tiny, active and feisty bird with the bubbly song. These “hole dwellers” are my only method of slug control in my garden. You too can employ your own “migrant workers” in your garden and enjoy their antics and song. They work “cheep.”   You will then build a wren house from a dried gourd to take with you. All necessary materials and tools provided. 
Fee: $5 Limit:15

Bio:  Glenn is a retired entomologist with a life-long passion for plants, nature and building things.

3003 – Attracting Uncommon Birds to your Backyard Habitat – Judy Semroe 
Join in for an overview of some of the more uncommon birds that could make your home habitat their home! Natural history, and other helpful information will be featured to assist you in creating an oasis to encourage them to settle in and provide great enjoyment to the observer

Bio:  Judy is the founder of Chrysalis in Time‚ the first Ohio chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Judy also serves on the board of the Ohio Ornithological Society (Conservation Committee) and the Ohio Biological Survey. She has co-authored two natural history guides, “Dragonflies & Damselflies of Northeast Ohio” and “Goldenrods of Northeast Ohio:   A Field Guide to Identification & Natural History.” For more than 20 years, Judy was a Conservation Specialist in the Natural Areas Division of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. As a former Petroleum Geologist and science teacher, Judy loves to learn about and share her passion for the natural world through field trips, interpretive programs, and photography. 

3004 –Six Gardening Myths Debunked – Mary Albrecht
There are gardening beliefs not grounded in science. We will discuss why understanding plant growth cycles is important to pruning; that “organic” fertilizers are chemicals; the good and bad about organic weed control methods; are organic pesticides safer than synthetic ones; the truth behind water droplets burning leaves;  why gravel in the bottom of the pot is a bad idea.

Bio:  Dr. Mary Lewnes Albrecht, Professor Emerita, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, received her BS in horticulture from Rutgers, and her MS and PhD from OSU. She considers helping to lay the foundation for the UT gardens, Knoxville, as one of her most significant contributions to horticulture. After retirement, Dr. Albrecht continues her involvement with the UT Gardens, the State Botanical Garden of Tennessee, as an Adopt-a-Spot volunteer in the Cornelia Hall Tranquility Hosta garden, an AHS display hosta garden. As the Communications Director for the East Tennessee Hosta Society, she handles their newsletter, website, and Facebook Page.

3005 – Thriving in the Dead Zone – Perennial Survivors for Dry Shade – Pat Greeson
Why do so many shade perennials gradually disappear or poop out in our area? The truth is they may not be cut out to live in our harsh dry desert like shade. They are also probably great food for deer! We will look at perennial varieties that will flourish with very low maintenance in the toughest spot to garden in, and that will make it as natural deer deterrents. As a member of the Natorp’s team, Pat will show you the keys to success in your own yard, or in your retail client’s yard or landscape design.

Bio: Patrick Greeson is a lifelong resident and Gardening Enthusiast of Southern Clermont County Ohio who has been employed by the Natorp companies for the past 39 years; consisting of 20 years of retail experience & 19 years in grower/sales. Patrick has gained a wealth of knowledge through research and trial and error in his own garden. He is a master certified Ohio Certified Nursery Technician. He is also the President of Taking Root- an urban and re-forestry campaign in the Greater Cincinnati area.

3006 – Water in the Landscape – Bill Eagleson
The usage of water in the landscape can be a very engaging element.  From simple bubbling rocks and small fountains to large scale ponds and waterfalls.  We will explore the pros, cons and maintenance of the joy of water in the landscape.

Bio:  Graduated from Purdue Univ. in 1980 with a degree in Landscape Mgmt.  Have been working in the industry since. Opening Eagleson Landscape Co Inc in 2004 offering Design, Installation & Maintenance at the residential level.  Rebranded as Eagleson Meadows in 2020 when we started the cut flower farm aspect of the biz.  We have an extensive garden in which we host various garden groups and events. The most recent being the Midwest Hosta Regional tailgate.  The next event will be our annual plant sale, Sat. June 7, 2025 with multiple vendors as well as tours of the garden.

3007 –  Best Trees for a Hosta Understory – Macy  Reynolds
The shade from trees provides a perfect place to plant and grow hostas.  Learn which trees are good companions with hostas when you consider water needs, leaf drop, and curb appeal.  

Bio:  After retiring from a public teaching career, Macy Reynolds became a Master Gardener. In addition to her education, she also completed three Ohio state certifications in weeds, trees, and insects.  These spawned an interest in native plants and their benefits to native habitat.  Additionally she recently completed Master Gardener classes on native bees and enjoys observing and photographing them throughout the growing season. Her own native plant gardens and trees are on field trips for the Midwest Native Plant Conference of which she is a founding member.  As a volunteer, she heads a group who manage and weed the Yellow Springs Women’s Park that borders the Little Miami Bike Path with all native plants and shrubs. This park draws visitors from many states and lures photographers of flowers and butterflies.  She is also a member of the Yellow Springs Tree Committee. 

3008 – Best Internet Websites for the Hosta Gardener – Don Rawson
The Internet has a vast amount of information easily available for those who wish to use it. In this class, we will survey the best online resources for hosta gardening information. In addition, we will cover the most popular mail-order websites for those wanting to acquire new hostas and companion plants for their gardens. Class notes are offered with the presentation.

Bio:  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. 

Return to the top

FOURTH HOUR

4001 – SECOND LUNCH Choice of Chicken Salad Croissant or Glazed Ham Sandwich. Your choice/s of the following:
Chili, Pasta Salad, Fresh Relishes with Dip, Fresh Fruit Bowl, Tossed Salad, Cookies and Brownies, Assorted Drink

4002 – All About Hostas – Don Rawson
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 will be provided with this presentation.

Bio:  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. 

4003 – Midwest Gardening for Butterflies, Moths & More – Ruth Bowell
What do Midwest butterflies and moths need, how do they use gardens, and how can you create a garden for their benefit (and the benefit of so many others!!) without planting a butterfly bush? These questions and more will be answered along with several handouts so you can make 2025 your best butterfly and moth season yet.

Bio: Ruth Bowell owns and operates The Milkweed Patch, a small native plant nursery that specializes in plants beneficial to butterflies and moths.  Ruth is a butterfly citizen scientist who has been learning about butterflies since childhood.  Her home backyard in Troy, Ohio provides habitat for butterflies, pollinators, and many other native wildlife species. This one-acre suburban lot is certified by several wildlife habitat organizations and was a survey plot for the 2020 Ohio Bee Survey. Ruth is also an active member of Wild Ones.

4004 – “50 Ways to Kill your Hosta”- Rob Mortko
VIRTUAL CLASS:  We’ve all killed a hosta or two along the way, but what really went wrong? In this class we will take a look at the many ways to kill a hosta, most of which we influence as gardeners. What do hosta like and dislike? This light hearted presentation aims to not only help reduce your failures, but help you grow better hostas.

Bio: Rob is a retired chemical engineer. His passion for shade gardening and hostas has grown over the past 35+ years since he and his wife Sheri moved into their shaded woodland home in Olathe, Kansas. Their shade gardens have been featured on various public garden tours, on local TV, and in “Kansas City Homes and Gardens Magazine”. For 20 years Rob operated Made in the Shade Gardens – a retail and mail-order hosta specialty nursery. Rob is now devoted full-time to Made in the Shade Tissue Culture – a plant tissue culture laboratory specializing in hosta propagation.
Rob has registered six hostas including “H. Stitch in Time.” Rob is a frequent speaker at hosta clubs and gardening groups across the country. He has served on the Executive Board of the American Hosta Society, on the boards of the American Hosta Growers Association and Midwest Regional Hosta Society, and as a Contributing Editor for The Hosta Journal. Rob was the 2024 recipient of the Alex J. Summers Distinguished Merit Award from the American Hosta Society.

4005 – It’s Greek to Me. The Story of Plant Names– Mary Albrecht
A history of how we got to where we are with plant names – scientific and common names. Why scientific names are important and why common names are confusing. Of course, with modern taxonomic techniques, even scientific names aren’t as stable. So why does this happen? The story behind how things work will be revealed!

Bio:  Dr. Mary Lewnes Albrecht, Professor Emerita, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, received her BS in horticulture from Rutgers, and her MS and PhD from OSU. She considers helping to lay the foundation for the UT gardens, Knoxville, as one of her most significant contributions to horticulture. After retirement, Dr. Albrecht continues her involvement with the UT Gardens, the State Botanical Garden of Tennessee, as an Adopt-a-Spot volunteer in the Cornelia Hall Tranquility Hosta garden, an AHS display hosta garden. As the Communications Director for the East Tennessee Hosta Society, she handles their newsletter, website, and Facebook Page

4006 –Waking up your Lawn – Mike Liston
Recommendations for what gardeners should be doing during the early spring to get their lawns off to a good start. I will discuss the following cultural practices for a typical growing season: mowing, aeration, irrigation, overseeing, fertilization, weed, thatch, insect, disease and pest control.  I will discuss fertilization using both “chemical” and “organic” sources. Pest, insect and weed control discussions will include both “chemical” and “natural” methods of control. Discuss things to consider when choosing a professional service. I have a common-sense approach to lawn care where I focus on doing the things that keep turfgrass healthy with minimal use of pesticides. 

Bio:  BS from The Ohio State University College of Agriculture- Agronomy major . Worked in the Green Industry with experience in turf care, horticulture, tree care/arboriculture. I have 14 years teaching experience.  I have taught both middle school and high school science. I currently teach agronomy, horticulture, urban forestry and natural resources at Tolles Career and Technical Center.

4007 – Jumping Worm Discussion – Lisa Quiggle
Unfortunately, if jumping worms are not already in your garden they may be making an appearance soon. Jumping worms have recently been found in some gardens of Michigan while gardeners in other areas have been dealing with them for years. Come learn what they are, how to slow their spread and some control measures. Be prepared to share your experiences and as a group we can discuss some best practices and what others are doing to prevent the spread.

Bio: 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.

4007 – What Makes a Perennial Plant a Proven Winner Perennial Plant? –  Josh Roggenbuck
Come on a journey to Walters Gardens to see how our New Plant Development Team hybridizes and selects some of the best genetics for gardeners!

Bio:  Josh Roggenbuck has been in agriculture all of his life. Growing up on a sugar beet farm and working from young childhood, he found his passion for plants at a local Christmas tree farm and then a landscape nursery. He attended Michigan State University to obtain his degree in Horticulture before building a greenhouse and garden center with his parents and operating it for nine seasons. Josh is now employed by Walters Gardens, North America’s leading producer of perennial liner plants with over 1000 varieties in their main catalog. They supply plugs and bare root plants to nurseries, greenhouses, and mail order companies throughout the US and Canada. Josh oversees sales in the Midwest and supports the company’s initiatives with retail companies and landscape designers. Last and most important, Josh resides in Mid-Michigan with his wife Sarah and daughters Stella and Hattie.

Return to the top

FIFTH HOUR

5001 –Welcome Summer Into Your Garden With Planting Strategies to Aid Nature – Judy Semroe  
Home garden habitats can be an important location for all types of natural creatures to live and thrive as we find that usable habitats for them are diminishing. This program will outline some helpful planting & design tips to aid in supporting their needs and inviting them to stay through the summer season and beyond.

Bio:  Judy is the founder of Chrysalis in Time‚ the first Ohio chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Judy also serves on the board of the Ohio Ornithological Society (Conservation Committee) and the Ohio Biological Survey. She has co-authored two natural history guides, “Dragonflies & Damselflies of Northeast Ohio” and “Goldenrods of Northeast Ohio:   A Field Guide to Identification & Natural History.” For more than 20 years, Judy was a Conservation Specialist in the Natural Areas Division of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. As a former Petroleum Geologist and science teacher, Judy loves to learn about and share her passion for the natural world through field trips, interpretive programs, and photography. 

5002 –Where do Trees Come From? -Pat Greeson
Trees surround us in our environment and in our everyday lives, but not all trees grow naturally in every situation. Unlike many garden plants, trees require many years before they can become an impactful addition to the landscape. We will look at how trees are produced and sold in a commercial setting, and at the artificial conditions they require from beginning to maturity. We will also explore the pitfalls and trials that will ultimately lead to success and can make trees an invaluable addition to the urban setting.

Bio: Patrick Greeson is a lifelong resident and Gardening Enthusiast of Southern Clermont County Ohio who has been employed by the Natorp companies for the past 39 years; consisting of 20 years of retail experience & 19 years in grower/sales. Patrick has gained a wealth of knowledge through research and trial and error in his own garden. He is a master certified Ohio Certified Nursery Technician. He is also the current President of Taking Root- an urban and re-forestry campaign in the Greater Cincinnati area.

5003 – Crevice Gardening in a Trough – Esther Benedict
Short Power Point covering the basics of planting and plants to use in crevice troughs.
Limit: 25

Bio:   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.

5004 – Woodland Gardening with Rhododendrons – Eric Osterling
Rhododendrons have long been important in American woodland gardens. The genus includes not only the large leafed evergreen types we are all familiar with but also the small leafed types and all azaleas. All types feature beautiful spring flowers but many offer foliage that contributes year round beauty to the garden and blends well with other plants. Learn about the culture and varieties that succeed in the Great Lakes region. Find where to go for more information and sources of better varieties.

Bio:  Eric Oesterling, Retired Penn State Extension Agent, Westmoreland Co., Pa.

5005 – Digging, Dividing and Transplanting Hostas  – Don Rawson
You have probably dug hostas with a shovel and cut them apart using a sharp knife. But is that the best procedure for digging and dividing hostas, even the large ones? This class is both for the beginner as well as the seasoned gardener. We will examine the root system of hostas, discuss when and how to divide them, and give tips on how to plant them.

Bio:  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. 

5006 – Nighttime Navigators: The Fascinating World of Bats – Sarah Stankavich
VIRTUAL  Join us for a fascinating class that delves into the world of bats! We’ll chat about interesting bat biology, including how they navigate using echolocation and why they hang upside down. Learn about the importance of bats to ecosystems and why we want them in our neighborhoods (but not our houses – we can talk about that too.) Finally, we’ll dive into the art of gardening for bats—discover how to design bat-friendly gardens that attract these incredible creatures while supporting biodiversity.

Bio: Sarah holds a B.S. in biology from The University of Akron and an M.S. in biology from Eastern Washington University. She worked as a project manager for four years at the Luquillo Long-term Ecological Research site in El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico, and also worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, where she helped coordinate numerous bat research projects across the state. Sarah joined Bat Conservation International in 2021 and now lives in San Antonio, Texas, where she serves as the coordinator for BCI’s white-nose syndrome research across the state.

5007 -American Hosta Society Judges Clinic I and II – Chuck Zdeb    This is a two hour class
The first part of Judges Clinic I will be completed at home prior to Hosta College.  You will receive a study guide and questionnaire via email from the instructor. This must be obtained well prior to the class. The study guide and questionnaire will pertain to a downloadable PDF  from the AHS website entitled “American Hosta Society Judges Handbook.”  You may also purchase this handbook from the AHS.   Bring this handbook with you to class.  When you arrive at Hosta College you will turn in your open book questionnaire. This two hour class is the second part of Clinic I.  We will practice judging hostas.  Information for completing Clinic II will be given in class.  Clinic II is an online exercise which will include a study guide and final questionnaire.
If you are interested in taking this class email Chuck Zdeb   (t ) for your study guide and questionnaire.

Bio: For the past 3 years I have served as both Shows Chair and Judging Training Chair for the AHS. I have been a leaf show judge for almost 40 years. In the past I served as Awards and Honors VP and also as VP Judging and Exhibitions. I live just outside Atlanta Ga with my wife and two Dachshunds. I was one of the board members of the original Dixie Regional Hosta Society and have served on the board of the Ga Hosta Society. in various capacities for 40 years. In Jan I will give up both AHS positions and turn them over to younger smarter people

5008 – Trends in Hosta Popularity over the Years Part 2; High End Hybridizing in the 1990’s– Bob Solberg
This time we will look back to the 1990’s and look at the work of elite hosta hybridizers, Kevin Vaughn, Eleanor Lachman, and Mildred Seaver and their association with Hatfield Gardens

Bio: Bob Solberg is the 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.

5009 – Butchart Gardens in the Early Spring – Lisa Quiggle
Butchart Gardens is a 55 acre garden located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The garden has over 900 varieties of bedding plants on display with a staff of 50 gardeners who are continuously maintaining the display from plants grown in 25 greenhouses. We will go on a tour of the early spring garden which is filled with over 160,000 tulips in 185 varieties, 80 varieties of daffodils and over 90 varieties of other bulbs. These are combined with early flowering spring plants providing many ideas that could be duplicated in your garden. The garden also has Japanese maples, flowering cherries and plums and other early spring flowering trees. These along with many spring flowering containers will provide many ideas for your garden and remind us the spring is coming.

Bio: 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.

5010 – Are those Bees on my Hosta Flowers? – Macy Reynolds
As you observe your hostas bloom in late summer, you may notice several varieties of bees trying to get to the nectar.  These bees are generally not honey bees, but they are native bees who have devised ways to get to the nectar.  Learn to identify these bees, become familiar with their habits, and find out where they nest.  Gardeners are often not aware of these bees since they don’t produce honey for people and don’t sting.  But they provide many benefits to your gardens, and we will talk about them.

Bio:  After retiring from a public teaching career, Macy Reynolds became a Master Gardener. In addition to her education, she also completed three Ohio state certifications in weeds, trees, and insects.  These spawned an interest in native plants and their benefits to native habitat.  Additionally she recently completed Master Gardener classes on native bees and enjoys observing and photographing them throughout the growing season. Her own native plant gardens and trees are on field trips for the Midwest Native Plant Conference of which she is a founding member.  As a volunteer, she heads a group who manage and weed the Yellow Springs Women’s Park that borders the Little Miami Bike Path with all native plants and shrubs. This park draws visitors from many states and lures photographers of flowers and butterflies.  She is also a member of the Yellow Springs Tree Committee.

Return to the top

SIXTH HOUR

6001 – Hiding in Plain Sight:  Amazing Camouflage in Nature – Judy Semroe 
This program will present and discuss examples of how animals, insects and plants mislead and deceive in order to survive in nature. Revealing patterns, coloration, behavior, and much more will attest to the astounding world of Nature! Be prepared to test your observational skills!

Bio:  Judy is the founder of Chrysalis in Time‚ the first Ohio chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Judy also serves on the board of the Ohio Ornithological Society (Conservation Committee) and the Ohio Biological Survey. She has co-authored two natural history guides, “Dragonflies & Damselflies of Northeast Ohio” and “Goldenrods of Northeast Ohio:   A Field Guide to Identification & Natural History.” For more than 20 years, Judy was a Conservation Specialist in the Natural Areas Division of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. As a former Petroleum Geologist and science teacher, Judy loves to learn about and share her passion for the natural world through field trips, interpretive programs, and photography. 

6002 – Tall Bearded Iris – Pam Rawson
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.
Limit:  30

Bio: 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 Iris gardening.

6003 – Starting Native Plants from Seed – Ruth Bowell
Starting native plants from seed is rewarding but can be frustrating. Most native plant seeds contain germination inhibitors which must be overcome if you want success. We will explore the requirements for starting several native plants from seed and discuss a few different strategies for success. This session also introduces you to collecting, cleaning, storage, and preparation of native plant seeds. You will prepare the seed of two native plants of your choice ready to take home and germinate, and you will receive several handouts.
Fee: $5 Limit: 25

Bio: Ruth Bowel owns and operates The Milkweed Patch , a small native plant nursery that specializes in plants beneficial to butterflies and moths.  Ruth is a butterfly citizen scientist who has been learning about butterflies sync childhood.    Her home backyard in Troy, Ohio provides habitat for butterflies, pollinators, and many other native wildlife species. This one-acre suburban lot is certified by several wildlife habitat organizations and was a survey plot for the 2020 Ohio Bee Survey. Ruth is also an active member of Wild Ones

6004 – Macrame Plant Hanger (hands on)- Martha Benedict
Learn the basics of macrame and make an 18″  plant hanger to hold 4″ pot.
Fee: $12 Limit: 12

6005 – Pruning Trees and Shrubs – Eric Oesterling
Pruning is one of the most misunderstood horticultural practices. Good pruning practices enhance the health and beauty of trees and shrubs and improve the productivity of fruiting plants.   On the other hand poor pruning can quickly destroy the natural beauty of any plant. Mr. Oesterling will discuss the why, when and how of pruning woody ornamentals.

Bio:  Eric Oesterling, Retired Penn State Extension Agent, Westmoreland Co., Pa.

6006 – Ornamental Grasses: Diverse and Versitile – John Smead
Astounding !! The diversity and versatility of ornamental grasses is astounding!  The benefits of including thrilling ornamental grasses in your landscape are numerous. Easy to care for, drought tolerant, many can be used with hostas, year round interest, and they supply a much needed vertical element, motion and sound to the garden. Wow! What’s not to love?!  And, since this is Hosta College, we will cover a bit about plant classification and some defining characteristics of grasses.

Bio:  John enjoys a wide range of interests and activities. He has degrees in horticulture, secondary education, and engineering. While Hostas are his favorite perennial, ornamental grasses are a close second. Their beauty, versatility, and almost year round interest make them hard to beat.

6007 – American Hosta Society Judges Clinic I and II – Chuck Zdeb    Requires 5007
The first part of Judges Clinic I will be completed at home prior to Hosta College.  You will receive a study guide and questionnaire via email from the instructor. This must be obtained well prior to the class. The study guide and questionnaire will pertain to a downloadable PDF  from the AHS website entitled “American Hosta Society Judges Handbook.”  You may also purchase this handbook from the AHS.   Bring this handbook with you to class.  When you arrive at Hosta College you will turn in your open book questionnaire. This two hour class is the second part of Clinic I.  We will practice judging hostas.  Information for completing Clinic II will be given in class.  Clinic II is an online exercise which will include a study guide and final questionnaire.
If you are interested in taking this class email Chuck Zdeb   ( ) for your study guide and questionnaire.

Bio: For the past 3 years I have served as both Shows Chair and Judging Training Chair for the AHS. I have been a leaf show judge for almost 40 years. In the past I served as Awards and Honors VP and also as VP Judging and Exhibitions. I live just outside Atlanta Ga with my wife and two Dachshunds. I was one of the board members of the original Dixie Regional Hosta Society and have served on the board of the Ga Hosta Society in various capacities for 40 years. In Jan I will give up both AHS positions and turn them over to younger smarter people

6008 – Full Spectrum Hostas – Bob Solberg
It is color that makes hostas such popular plants. Indeed collectively, hostas can provide all the colors of the rainbow but how do they do it. We will discuss how different colors in hosta leaves and hosta flowers are produced by the plants and how they can be changed by hybridizers.

 Bio: Bob Solberg is the 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.

6009 – Managing Your Lawn –  Michael Vaughn
I will start out with recommendations about what gardeners should be doing early in the season so that they get their lawn off to a good start.  Then I will go into all the other practices gardeners can do to have a nice lawn.  I will make recommendations for “organic” care, “chemical” care and even if you have a lawn service, recommending what to expect.    
Limit: 30

Bio:  Michael received his BS is from The Ohio State University College of Agriculture and with a major of Agronomy.  He has worked professionally in the Green Industry for 40+ years and teaching Landscape/Hort, Agronomy, Natural Resources, Arboriculture and science for 14 years.  He has been gardening since he was a little kid helping his Great Grandfather.

2010 – Pollinator Gardens – Tom Rabung
This class will discuss : The Importance of Pollinators,  What is a Pollinator Garden? Designing to Attract Pollinator, Bloom Time Cycles, and Fall/Winter preparation.  A question and answer  time will follow.

Bio:   Tom is the owner of Emerald Forest Nursery from 2005 to present. He has certificates from the Monarch Waystation and the National Wildlife Habitat. He is a member of The American Hosta Society, Xerces Society, National Conservancy, and the National Wildlife Federation.

BANQUET

The 2025 Banquet will offer 3 entrees: Chicken Marsala ( Mushroom and Marsala wine sauce), Sliced Beef Au Jus, and Roasted Vegetable Lasagna.
Meals include: Parsley Red Skinned Potatoes, Capri Blend Vegetables, Spring Mix with Red Wine Vinaigrette Salad, Rolls/Butter, and Cheesecake with Strawberry Topping or Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting for dessert. Coffee, Water, and Iced Tea are included at $25.00 per person.

Return to the top