“W newsletter - Oct.pdf · Wisconsin - Madison: The Vegetation of Wisconsin, an Ordination of...
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central illinois hosta society October 2013 www.cihshostaclub.org volume 19, issue 8
Connie’s Corner
ell, here it finally is the end of the
season, the time for dreaming and
planning.” One year ago I wrote that
very line. And here I am with still work to do in the
garden. Thank goodness the snow will soon fall and
what doesn’t get done will have to get through!
The last two years serving as your president have
been a joy for me. Even though I hate to speak in
front of people; I was glad that I stepped outside of
my comfort zone. Everyone has been so kind during
my term and I hope that you will continue to do so
with your new president, Deb McCollum.
We all had a great time at our banquet this year. A
small story to share with you about what happened
to me on the way home. When we were taking
down the decoration (the big bouquets) I quickly
grabbed several to put in my office and on my desk
and had piled them in on the front seat of my little
car. So in setting the stage, my front seat was filled
with cut grasses and hosta leaves. I went the back
way through Pekin coming home and as I
approached the Pekin Bridge from the west, I caught
a car out of the corner of my eye on the other side of
the road, totally black. D@@# it was a cop! I
prayed please don’t turn your lights on and then he
did. I prayed please don’t turn around and he did. I
prayed please don’t turn your flashers on, and guess
what? He did. I pulled over and got my license out
as he approached the car. He calmly took it from me
and asked if I knew why he pulled me over. I
replied, “I believe I was speeding.” “Yes, you were
Connie, and do you know how fast you were going?”
“No, but it must have been pretty fast for you to pull me
over,” I answered. “Yes, you were going 61 in a 45
zone, he sternly replied.” (oops) Sidebar – if anyone
knows that road you know how easy it is to speed
there! So then he asks me if I had proof of
insurance. As I reached for the glove box, through the
grasses and leaves, he asked what I had there. I
explained that I was coming from our hosta banquet and
these were the table decorations. He said, “I tell you
what Connie, I’m going to let you go this time but
please slow down.” I thanked him and assured him I
would, and probably drove 40 the rest of the way! So
was he a hosta lover or just a kind cop????
Well, the next time we’ll meet again is in March. I will
have a different job in the club, but a job that I am
looking forward to. Nothing I like better than shopping
for hosta. Spring will be just around the corner then and
we’ll all be ready for some sunshine and dirt. I hope
everyone has a wonderful winter, and that we get
enough snow!!!! I can’t believe this is the last time I’m
saying this- Keep your hands warm!
Your Prez, Connie Z _______________________________________________
Webmaster Needed!!! We are looking for a Webmaster! It entails a little time
each month to update the site. Even if you have little or
no computer experience, we can get
you started with some very brief
training. If interested, contact anyone
on the CIHS Board. It’s a great way to
be involved with the organization.
“W
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Officers President Deb McCollum 309.361.4284 [email protected] Vice Presidents Gloria Hicks, Jeanette Smith 309.266.7761, 309.387.6549 [email protected] [email protected] Second Vice Presidents Shirley Metz, Donna Cothrell 309.263.7103, 309.694.7648 [email protected] [email protected] Third Vice President Deb Schoedel 309.699.2762 [email protected] Recording Secretary Sue Eckhoff 309.925.5267 [email protected] Corresponding Secretary Maggie Keesey 309.447.5218 [email protected] Treasurer Dan McConnell 309.243.5925 [email protected]
To join: Central Illinois Hosta Society $10/year, form on back cover Midwest Reg. Hosta Society $20/2 years, Send dues to: Kristine James, Membership 523 E. Calhoun Street Woodstock, IL 60098 American Hosta Society $30 individual, $57/2 years $34 family, $62/2 years Send dues to: Sandie Markland AHS Membership Secretary Post Office Box 7539 Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
________________________________________________________________
What Works! During his presentation, Rob Mortko and members in the audience mentioned
several products that they have used with great success for various problems in
their gardens.
Osmocote Pro - a slow release coated fertilizer sold by various companies one
of which is Scotts. This is the fertilizer Rob uses in his greenhouses.
Deadline - a very hard little turquoise pellet which contains yeast (to attract the
slugs) and Metaldehyde which causes them to stop feeding and kills them.
Deadline contains 4% Metaldehyde. The exclusive DB27 attractant system
lures slugs and snails toward the bait.
Sluggo - a blend of an iron phosphate based ingredient and bait
additives. Pellets, that are not ingested by snails or slugs, will biodegrade and
become part of the soil in your garden. The bait additives are attractive to snails
and slugs and lure them from their hiding places. Once snails or slugs ingest
Sluggo, they stop eating plants and die within 3-6 days. Sluggo is approved for
organic gardening.
Bayer Advanced All-In-One Rose and Flower Care or Bayer Advanced
Disease Control for Roses, Flowers and Shrubs – 3 systemic products in one
that control insects, diseases and fertilizes. This is an excellent product to use to
control Southern Blight on hostas. Read the label to make sure one of the active
ingredients is Tebuconazole. According to Rob, Tebuconazole is the key
chemical needed to treat this fungus.
________________________________________________________________
2014 CIHS Calendar If you are interested in opening your garden
for a meeting in 2015, please contact Gloria Hicks,
Jeanette Smith or a board member.
March 18, 2014, 6:30 pm
Speaker: Ella Maxwell
Freedom Hall
349 W. Birchwood Street, Morton
April 15, 6:30 pm, Potluck
Speaker: Genny Gibbs
Freedom Hall
349 W. Birchwood Street, Morton
May 20, 6:30 pm
Connie Zuercher’s Garden
1448 W. Birchwood, Morton
June 11-14
American Hosta Society Convention
Cedar Rapids, IA
June 17, 6:30 pm
Janet Steen’s Garden
305 Maywood, Morton
Bus Trip
TBA
Midwest Regional Convention
TBA
July 15, 6:30 pm
Roth Daylilies
140 Roth Auction Road, East Peoria
August 19, 6:30 pm
Auction
Freedom Hall
349 W. Birchwood Street, Morton
September Banquet
TBA
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___________________________________________
The CIHS Board
President: Deb McCollum
Vice President: sets up meetings events and
potluck; Gloria Hicks & Jeanette Smith
Second Vice President: works with V. P. to set up
meetings; sets up auction & banquet; Donna
Cothrell & Shirley Metz Third Vice President: plans bus trip; Deb
Schoedel
Recording Secretary: records and presents
meeting minutes; Sue Eckhoff
Corresponding Secretary: mails thank you notes,
cards, correspondence and does Solberg order;
Maggie Keesey
Treasurer: maintains accounts, pays bills; writes
checks; Dan McConnell
Publicity Chairmen: notifies media of meetings
& events; Shelly Baldini
Education Chairmen: promotes education at
meetings; Ella Maxwell, Bob Streitmatter
Ways and Means Chairmen: hosta of the month
and fund raising; Connie Zuercher
Historian: keeps scrapbook and history of club,
Donna Cothrell Parliamentarian: advises board on parliamentary
procedure; Shirley Metz
Librarian: maintains library; Ella Maxwell
Webmaster: Al Kuhlman
Membership Chairmen: maintains members list
and accepts membership dues; Kathy Allen
Hospitality: sets up refreshments and beverages;
Mike & Sally Pula, Bill & Toni Cottrell
Garden Walk Chairman: John Machens
Publication Chairmen: writes and assembles
newsletter; Bob Streitmatter
___________________________________________
Editor’s Note I always try to print tree-related
articles in the fall issues, since it is a time to
celebrate trees and a great time to plant most trees.
It even gets better…Glenn explores trees that are
better suited for hosta gardens.
t is a well-known fact that in order to grow hostas
successfully, you need to have some shade.
Partial shade is considered the ideal amount for
most hostas. Too much shade restricts growth, and too
little increases the water requirements and risks
scorching the leaves of the hostas. However, the below
ground characteristics of the tree also play a role in the
successful hosta garden. It is this feature that we will
consider.
What characteristics are ideal for the hosta garden tree?
As mentioned above, dappled shade is most desirable.
Also, minimal twig and fruit drop keeps the ground
clean and reduces maintenance. Strong wood is a must.
The tree roots should provide minimal competition
with the hostas for water and nutrients, and provide
adequate space for both to develop. Let us examine
that root system further.
The first root that comes from the embryo of a seed is
the primary root, also called the radicle. In
gymnosperms, such as pines and spruces, and
dicotyledonous plants (most deciduous trees and
shrubs) it forms the taproot. Lateral roots develop from
the primary, both near the root tip and near where the
root and stem meet. In gymnosperms and dicots, the
taproot continues to survive and functions in taking up
water and nutrients.
In a monocot, such as grasses, daylilies, and hostas, the
taproot is short lived. New roots come from
adventitious root buds that develop on stem tissue near
the soil surface. The root system that develops is
fibrous, and generally shallower than the root system
of dicots. It is because of this that monocots are
generally more sensitive to soil moisture stress than
dicots.
The depth of the tree's roots depends on many factors,
such as soil structure, soil texture, and moisture
content. All affect the oxygen present in the soil. It is
important to remember that roots grow between soil
particles. This is the space in the soil taken up by air
and water. Like the top of the plant, roots also need
oxygen to grow and survive. Roots do not search for
oxygen and water. If both are present to their
satisfaction, the roots will grow. Therefore, the depth
of rooting or the extent of a root system is entirely
dependent on the oxygen and moisture levels. In most
trees the vast majority of the feeder roots, those that
take up water and nutrients, are within 6” of the soil
surface, though some may penetrate to a meter 3’ or
more. The spread of a root system usually extends well
beyond the drip line of the tree. In other words, the root
system of a tree is shaped more like a pancake than a
carrot. Prairie plants, which include both monocots and
dicots, are well known for their deep root systems. I
Trees for the Hosta Garden
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They have evolved in an environment that often
includes extended periods of drought, necessitating
their need to take up moisture from deeper regions of
the soil. However, prairie soils typically are of a silt
loam or clay loam texture, excellent structure allows
the roots, and oxygen, to penetrate to depths
uncharacteristic of most plants.
In order to predict the suitability of tree species for
the hosta garden, I turned to a book that I first used
during my graduate days at the University of
Wisconsin - Madison: The Vegetation of Wisconsin,
an Ordination of Plant Communities by John T.
Curtis, University of Wisconsin Press, 1959. In my
graduate studies, Dr. Ed Hasselkus often referred to
trees as "river bottom trees" or "timber trees." River
bottom trees are native on floodplains and subject to
periodic flooding or high water tables. Timber trees
are on soils that rarely stay saturated for extended
periods. Communities of Dr. Curtis' book that would
be considered river bottom include trees such as
Willow, Cottonwood, River birch, Swamp white oak,
American Elm, Green ash, Silver maple, and trees
that have followed the river systems north such as
Honey locust, Ohio buckeye, and Sycamore. Timber
trees include many oak species (white, red,
chinkapin, bur, etc.), Basswood, Hickory, Sugar
maple, Beech, White and Blue Ash, Kentucky
Coffeetree, Black walnut, and Black cherry. Curtis
also includes Red maple in the timber tree category.
This may be true of those native to Wisconsin, but in
other areas of its native range it grows in the
wetlands and thus would be classified as a river
bottom tree.
River bottom trees must be able to survive under a
wide range of conditions, including flooding and
drought. The soil is often low in oxygen, or has poor
structure. The trees have adapted by developing a
shallow, dense root conditions. Though we see a lot
of them in our neighborhoods, and they can survive
where other trees fail, they are not always ideal
candidates for the hosta garden because of their
aggressive, dense roots, which compete with the
hosta roots.
Though Curtis examines only trees native to
Wisconsin, we have the luxury of using trees from
around the world. Let's examine some of those that I
have successfully used or seen being used in the
hosta garden, starting with trees in the small (below
25 feet) category.
Small maples make excellent companions for hostas in
the shade garden. Unlike their tall relatives, small
maples are native upland understory trees, mainly
found in the Orient. They have evolved with other
plants in close proximity and thus do not present the
root competition that their taller American and
European natives do. Some of my favorites are
cultivars of the Fullmoon maple Acer japonicum such
as 'Green Cascade' and 'Aconitifolium', the Ivy-leaved
maple Acer cissifolium, Paperbark maple Acer
griseum, Nikko maple Acer maximowiczianum, Three-
flowered maple Acer triflorum, and most of all a
hybrid between Acer pensylvanicum and Acer
tegmentosum called 'White Tigress'. Most of these have
outstanding foliage, fall color, and bark interest.
Another small tree worthy of incorporating into the
hosta garden is the northern U.S. species Blue Beech
Carpinus caroliniana, also known as American
Hornbeam or Musclewood. This birch relative has
sinewy bark interest and may have excellent fall
foliage color.
Sweetbay Magnolia Magnolia virginiana is native to
the Southern US, where it becomes a tall tree, but is
hardy to the north where it stays in the small range.
Flowers are borne sporadically through the summer
and provide outstanding fragrance for the garden. I
have planted herbaceous plants, including hostas, right
up to the trunk without any problems.
Trees in the
medium (maturing
at 25-40’) category
are rare compared
to the other size
classes. One of
the best is our
native Hop-
hornbeam Ostrya
virginiana (pictured at right).
Related to both birches and hornbeams, it has fine bark
texture and interesting hop-like fruit. Problems are
rare with this tough upland tree. Another group of
medium trees is the yellow-flowered Magnolia hybrids
that include the Cucumbertree magnolia Magnolia
acuminata as one of their parents. 'Butterflies' is an
outstanding cultivar. Some references rate these as
small trees, but with the tall Cucumbertree in its blood,
it is likely to reach over 25’. A third medium-sized tree
to consider is the Korean Mountain ash Sorbus
alnifolia. Unlike the European Mountain ash, this one
has few problems with diseases. Flowers, fruit, and an
interesting bark pattern will have you wondering why
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we don't see this tree used more often. Eventually, it
may get into the tall category.
Tall trees (over 40 feet at maturity) are the backbone
of the shady hosta garden. As mentioned earlier,
those of upland origin provide the least root
competition and most drought tolerance. Hickories
Carya are excellent trees, but many are difficult to
transplant and slow growing. Bitternut Hickory
Carya cordiformis is one of the easier species to
transplant and grows at a medium rate on good soil.
American Beech Fagus grandifolia is one of the
dominant trees of the Eastern deciduous forest. Its
bronze fall color and smooth gray bark provide off-
season interest. Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba is
known by all but shied away from by many because
of its perceived slow growth rate. However, on
decent soil it grows at a moderate rate and has no
insect or disease problems. Another underutilized
native tree is the Kentucky Coffeetree Gymnocladus
dioica. In its infancy it is a hard sell because of
sparse branching, but develops into a fine
moderately-dense tree. Plant the cultivar 'Stately
Manor' if you don't want to take chances on fruit
developing in middle age.
A couple of excellent trees that may not be hardy in
the far north are Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua
and Tulip tree Liriodendron tulipifera. Both are
hardy in southeast Wisconsin, but may not make it
further north. Sweetgum is known for its outstanding
fall color and star-shaped leaves, while Tulip tree
also has an interesting leaf shape. Tulip tree flowers
resemble those of magnolias, to which it is closely
related.
I mentioned Cucumbertree Magnolia Magnolia
acuminata earlier as a parent of the yellow-flowered
magnolia hybrids, but it is a fine tree in and of itself.
Though it doesn't have notable flowers or fall color,
its large leaves provide a bold texture, which matches
well with hostas, and it is disease free. Native to the
Alleghenies, it has excellent hardiness in the
Midwest.
Many oaks provide excellent shade for the hosta
garden. White oak Quercus alba, Chinkapin oak
Quercus muehlenbergii, Red oak Quercus rubra, and
Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa are all notable upland
trees. Even the riverbottom species, Swamp White
oak Quercus bicolor, is compatible with understory
plants. Chinkapin oak was named the 2009 urban tree
of the year.
Though I haven't had much experience working with
the many elm hybrids now on the market, I will end
this article by mentioning the two that are considered
the best of the bunch. They are 'Accolade,' (pictured
below) a cross between Ulmus japonica and Ulmus
wilsonii, and Triumph™ ('Morton Glossy'), a cross
between 'Accolade' and 'Vanguard.' I would appreciate
any feedback you have on using these plants in the
hosta garden, or with any others that you deem worthy.
Small Trees for the Hosta Garden:
Mature at less than 25’
Acer japonicum Fullmoon Maple 'Green Cascade'
Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' Cutleaf Fullmoon
Maple
Acer cissifolium Ivy-leaved Maple
Acer griseum Paperbark Maple
Acer maximowiczianum Nikko Maple
Acer 'White Tigress' White Tigress Maple
Acer triflorum Three-flowered Maple
Carpinus caroliniana Blue Beech; American
Hornbeam
Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay Magnolia
Medium Trees for the Hosta Garden:
Mature between 25 and 40’
Ostrya virginiana Hop Hornbeam
Magnolia 'Butterflies' Butterflies Magnolia
Sorbus alnifolia Korean Mountainash
Tall Trees for the Hosta Garden:
Mature over 40’
Carya cordiformis Bitternut Hickory
Fagus grandifolia American Beech
Ginkgo biloba Maidenhair Tree
Gymnocladus dioica Kentucky Coffeetree
Liquidambar styraciflua American Sweetgum
Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip tree
Magnolia acuminata Cucumbertree Magnolia
Quercus alba White Oak
Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak
Quercus macrocarpa Bur Oak
Quercus muehlenbergii Chinkapin Oak
Quercus rubra Red Oak
Ulmus 'Accolade' Accolade Elm (lower right)
Ulmus 'Morton Glossy' Triumph™ Elm
By Glenn Herold, Cedarburg,
WI; retired professor at ICC and
former CIHS President; reprinted
from the spring issue of the
Midwest Hosta Society Newsletter
“Hosta Leaves” (issue # 72)
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…Čzech it Out! The 2014 AHS Convention is less than a year
away. Harshbarger Hosta Society is excited to be
your hosts for this convention. We have been
planning and working hard to make your visit to
Iowa a positive experience, and the convention a
memorial one. The convention will feature
optional bus tours on Wednesday and Thursday
to showcase our local culture and cuisine
The Amana Colonies are a world renowned
tourist destination that offers old world German
charm.
The National Czech and Slovak Museum and
Library celebrate the culture and heritage of
thousands of Czech and Slovak immigrants to
Linn and Johnson counties.
Of course, the real reason for attending the
convention is for the hostas and gardens.
The rich black soil of the heartland provides an
excellent environment for beautiful gardens
accented with the creative flavor of Middle
America.
We have 10 exciting gardens for you to visit
on Friday and Saturday
More optional gardens on Sunday as you
return home
Harshbarger Hosta Society is excited and proud
to be hosting the 2014 AHS convention. We will
have the Collins Road Marriott Hotel to
ourselves to enhance the experience.
Come to the
convention
to… See our Hostas!
Sample our
Heritage (be sure to check out
yours)
Experience our Warm Midwestern
Hospitality
See some great convention gardens
Come to Cedar
Rapids
June 11-14, 2014
Vitáme Vás (We welcome you)
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Trees for Winter Interest In keeping with Glenn’s article I included a list of Trees with
noteworthy winter characteristics such as foliage, flower, fruit,
seeds, bark, branching and/or form. Genus and/or species are
noted in italic and spp. designates multiple species.
Fir Abies spp.
Red Maple Acer Rubrum
Japanese Maple Acer palmatum
Alder Alnus spp.
Serviceberry Amelanchier spp.
Birch Betula spp.
Hornbeam Carpinus spp.
Shagbark Hickory Carya ovata
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood Cornus mas
Dogwood Cornus spp.
Contorted Filbert Corylus avellana 'Contorta'
Turkish Filbert Corylus colurna
Hawthorn Crataegus spp.
Beech Fagus spp.
Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba
Common Witchhazel Hamamelis virginiana
Juniper Juniperus spp.
Flowering Crab Malus spp.
Spruce Picea spp.
Pine Pinus spp.
Shingle Oak Quercus imbricaria
Sumac Rhus spp.
Pussy Willow Salix spp.
Arborvitae Thuga spp.
Hemlock Tsuga canadensis
Summer is the time for outdoor living. The experts at Green View can design and build
a landscape that suits your lifestyle.
Visit us on facebook or at www.greenview.com for a fresh look at our landscapes, seminars,
events and sales
Knowledgeable Garden Center Staff • Beautiful quality plants Award-Winning Landscaping & Maintenance Services
www.greenview.com • 309.243.7761 2700 W. Cedar Hills Drive, Dunlap
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Central Illinois Hosta Society P.O. Box 3098 Peoria, IL 61612-3098
First Class Postage
Check us Out!!!!
www.cihshostaclub.org
Newsletter Deadline: 20th of the preceding month Submit items for publication to: Bob Streitmatter 309.264.4813 [email protected]
CIHS Membership Form (please print)
Name(s)____________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________ City______________________________State_________ Zip__________
Phone_________________E-mail _______________________________
Dues are $10/year: new renewal Amount. Enclosed ____________
Make check payable to CIHS; mail check and form to: Central Illinois Hosta Society, P.O. Box 3098, Peoria, IL 61612-3098
For information regarding dues or membership, contact Kathy Allen at 309.645.7908 or [email protected]