NORTHWEST INDIANA

HOSTA SOCIETY

The speaker for our November 10, 2013, meeting is Dolly Foster who will speak on

the Non-Stop Perennial Garden. We will be meeting at our Chesterton meeting

place, the Westchester Public Library. We will have a Pot Luck dinner and

informal meeting Ginny Feyes will coordinate the food. Her phone number is

219-690-1076. Strack & Van Til will provide the chicken, and our members will

provide all the wonderful side dishes. Call to advise what you are bringing and how

many will be attending before November 6th. We will eat at 1 PM, and food can

be brought in at 12:30 for setting up.

Also dues for the upcoming year, 2014, can be paid to Cindy Brito at the meeting

or mailed to her at 8938 Liable Rd, Highland, IN 46322. Dues are $20.00 for

single or household.

Your editor needs a bit of help. We need members to write articles for this

newsletter. Topics could be a hosta you like, a gardening experience, a ‘how to’, or

educational information about shade plants. Please email these to me,

tsneal@netnitco.net, at your convenience. I am also hoping to include a ‘sales’

section in the upcoming newsletters. Anyone with plants or gardening items for

sale, please send me the information you would like published.

Welcome new member, Penny Yelkovac!

MINUTES OF THE NORTHWEST INDIANA HOSTA SOCIETY MEETING SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

The meeting was called to order at 2:00 at our new location in Chesterton by President Brenda Molden who turned the floor over to Ed Berent. Ed promptly introduced our speaker, Jan Koss, Master Gardener. Jan’s program was “Color in the Shade Garden”. Her talk and slide show stressed Unity, Balance, Focal Point and Color. She provided the group with many handouts, including a list of “shady characters”. Questions followed her talk, which was well appreciated by the group. After a round of applause, President Brenda invited all to enjoy our snack break coordinated by our Hostess Sally Mijares. For those who want to reach her by phone, the correct number is 219-276-9551. This will be amended in our newsletter’s contact list. Once again it was brought up about sending out a complete member list to each paid member. After a brief discussion, and positive confirmation of those present, Editor Stephanie Neal will email the current list to those with computers, and a hard copy will be mailed to those without. Treasurer Tony Costello was not in attendance, but had forwarded his 2nd quarter report and the Tail Gate summary to the board. The balance as of 6/30/13 is $8,498.94. Our Tail Gate earned $3,336.41, minus expenses of $2,308.49, leaving a profit of $1,027.92 as of 7/13/13. Our club earned enough from the “Building a Dream in the Country” hosta raffle of beautiful plants from Jambo (Stegeman) and Dark Vader (Indiana Bob), and with a little extra from our treasury, to reach the $1,000 donation goal for Sue Spece’s family. Great Lakes matched our donation, and we received a thank you note from the Spece’s. Planning a bus trip or two was discussed, possibly to Hornbaker’s Garden in Princeton Illinois (near Peoria), and perhaps a side trip to Contrary Mary’s Mendota garden, if time allows. VP Ed Berent will look into the cost of hiring a bus. The trip will be open to members first then opened up to others, in order to fill bus requirements. More will be brought up at our November dinner/meeting. Another possibility could be a bus to the 2014 Tail Gate in Dayton Ohio. Again, this is just in the planning stage. There are some sales in the area: Tim Becich in Knox (on Route 35, west side) email becickperenials.com, 574-772-4019 – Saturday 10 until 4, Sunday 12 until 4. Hosta Bob Castle and his wife Wanda on 421 in Dairyville, 219-843-6045, has lots of old style hostas, for those in the market. It was decided to have a Pot Luck dinner-informal meeting for our November 10th get together, at our Chesterton meeting place. Ginny Feyes will coordinate the food 219-690-1076. Strack and Van Til will provide the chicken, and our members will provide all the wonderful side dishes. Call to advise what you are bringing and how many will be attending before November 6th. We will eat at 1 PM, and food can be brought in at 12:30 for setting up. Dues for 2014 can be paid at the meeting. They are $20.00. Help will be needed to man our booth at the January Porter County Fairgrounds Show. We will donate 2 gift certificates of $25 each for door prizes, one for Saturday and one for Sunday. They will be purchased from our members Barb Ziolkowski and Nancy Beadles. Dan Adams thought the Tail Gate gardeners should receive a thank you of some kind for allowing the group to see their yards.

Events Coordinator Peggy Sierzputowski, will look into the cost of purchasing a decorated rock or brick to give to participants as a thank you gift. More at the next meeting. The mini raffle of items members brought in took place and earned the club $74.00. This money will be used for a donation to our library facility, bus trip expense or other ideas, as they arise. Members are asked to bring a garden-related item to place on the table each meeting date. The board has planned a meeting at Valpo’s Applebee’s on Route 30 for October 23rd at 11:30 to discuss the 2014 schedule of “things to come”. Will share all in the next newsletter. When all business was concluded, Dan Adams moved to adjourn, seconded by Cathy Misch. Respectfully submitted, Ginny Feyes, Secretary

Nematode Research Update David Teager DELAWARE VALLEY HOSTA SOCIETY

Research by Dr. Grewal’s group continues into the fall and winter. As these things sometimes

go, Dr. Grewal has moved from the Ohio State University to the University of Tennessee, but research

progress was not affected.

Preliminary studies on infection pathways have shown, among several findings that the

nematode eggs do not overwinter in open soil but may overwinter in hosta leaf litter, which would

encourage us to do a thorough fall clean-up if infection is suspected. Spring-emergent nematodes were

found in the leaves, crowns, and soil, but, interestingly, not in the roots. (I can imagine, then, that an

upside-down dunk of the crown in an appropriate chemical bath might be effective.)

Research into appropriate chemicals continues, as they find a 100% “test tube” kill rate with a

number of the 25 compounds being tested. These include heavy-hitter chemicals like chlorfenapyr

(Pylon) and strong doses of “organic” treatments like grapefruit seed extract, along with the expected

results from oxidizing treatments like bleach, potassium permanganate, and the peroxide-based

ZeroTol. Further studies will show how effective the treatments are in removing the infestations from

the hostas while letting the hostas survive.

Other studies have focused on transmission of the nematodes. Sadly, but perhaps not

surprisingly, infection occurred when a hosta was planted in the soil that had previously contained an

infected plant. Further studies will determine if there is an effective soil drench to reduce this mode of

transmission.

Benedict Garden Performance Plan the Benedict Garden Performance Awards are winding their way to the

ultimate award for a hosta...

The Benedict Garden Performance Medal

2013 Benedict Garden Performance Medal Winner

The 2013 Benedict Medal was awarded at the AHS Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The winner, which

was chosen from the 2012 Award of Merit winners by Garden Performance Judges across the country,

represents the best-of-the-best, the ultimate hosta. It is a hosta that performs well in gardens in all regions.

H. 'First Frost' (P. Scolnik - 2002)

Benedict Garden Performance Awards of Merit

1. H. 'Blue Angel' (F. Shaw)

2. H. 'Brave Amherst' (W. & E. Lachman)

3. H. 'Sum and Substance' (F. Shaw)

4. H. 'Sun Power' (*P. Aden)

Benedict Garden Performance Honorable Mention Awards

1. H. 'Abby' (P. Ruh)

2. H. 'Aspen Gold' (V. Grapes)

3. H. 'Dorset Blue' (E. Smith & P. Aden)

4. H. 'Jack of Diamonds' (R. Savory)

5. H. 'Love Pat' (F. Shaw)

(* signifies that the originator is undocumented and Paul Aden is currently considered to NOT be the originator as addressed by the registrar)

............If you are not a Garden Performance Judge, become one..............

It is easy to do and the most important requirement is that you love hosta.

CALL FOR: GARDEN PERFORMANCE JUDGES By Meg Dalton The AHS Benedict Garden Performance Awards Plan recognizing performance excellence of individual hosta cultivars in the garden setting began in 2005. The system was approved by the Board of Directors in 2003 and the details of the plan are listed on the AHS website. We need members to apply to become Garden Judges. The plan allows for a maximum of 15% of each Region’s membership to be Garden Judges. What is the Garden Judge expected to do? The requirements are simple and straight forward. First you will be expected to visit and observe hostas growing in as many gardens as possible in your own region. For balloting purposes, your opinions on cultivar performance should be based primarily on your observations of hostas in your region. Recognizing regional performance is an important aspect of this plan. The second responsibility is to vote. A ballot will be sent to you by April 15 of each year. The ballot will list all cultivars eligible for the awards under consideration. You will circle the cultivars that you wish to vote for, using the selection criteria and point scales that are part of the plan to assist you in making your choices. Then return the ballot to the Garden Performance Chair by October 15. That is all you will need to do each year. Who is eligible to become a Garden Judge? Anyone who has: 1. been a member of The American Hosta Society for three years 2. a demonstrated knowledge of hostas 3. a demonstrated ability to visit a representative cross section of gardens in his or her Region. How do you apply to become a Garden Judge? Just download the application form found on the AHS web site (www.hosta.org) fill it out and send to Barbara Jones - Garden Performance Chair, 46 Bartlett Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824. You may also send it to her at her email address bbrownj@aol.com. OR if you cannot access the form at the web site, send Barbara a letter of application listing your number of years as an AHS member, the number of hosta cultivars you grow in your own garden as well as the approximate number of cultivars you have added to your collection in the last five years, and the names of the hosta gardens you have visited in your own Region and at National Conventions during the previous two years. (List a maximum of fifteen gardens.) Based on the information you provide, Barbara will determine if you satisfy the requirements to become a garden judge and will notify you within thirty days of receipt of application. Remember that a maximum of 15% of each Region’s members can participate at one time so apply soon to assure your appointment as an AHS Garden Judge. REV. 1-1-08

Awards 2013 AHS Convention

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"Escape to Wisconsin"

June 13-15, 2013

The complete 2013 awards presentations will be announced in the 2013 Online Journal in November

Alex J. Summers Distinguished Merit Award

Tom Micheletti

Eunice Fisher Distinguished Hybridizer Merit

Award - Olga Petryszyn

Having Fun with Hosta Names (Text from various internet sources)

Mojito (moʊˈhiːtoʊ); Spanish: (moˈxito) Traditional Cuban Highball

Traditionally, a mojito is a cocktail consisting of five ingredients: white rum, sugar, lime juice, sparkling water

and mint (see description below).

Hosta Mojito Mojito (M. B. Vanous, Q & Z Nursery 2008) (‘Avocado’ sport) Medium-large, (16”

x 36”) This tetraploid sport from the ‘Guacamole’ family has rounded dark green,

very heavily substanced leaves that are frosted with white wax in spring and shiny

in summer. The very thick scapes have very large (larger than ‘Guacamole’) light

lavender flowers that are very fragrant. Grows a little slower than ‘Fried Green

tomatoes’ but still very vigorous.

While the foliage is sharp, it is the fragrant flowers that usually bring garden

visitors in for a closer look (and smell).

Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' PP21995

If you're looking to add another wild and crazy elephant ear to your

garden, drink up. Colocasia 'Mojito' (pronounced "Mo-he-toe") is a sport

of Colocasia 'Burgundy Stem' via Colocasia 'Black Marble', discovered at

Florida's Agristarts. Named after the popular Cuban mixed drink, the

amazing leaves are lime green with dark purple flecks throughout...just

too cool! No two leaves will be the same. In moist, rich soils, you can

expect the clump to reach 3', can reach 4-6 feet tall less in drier sites. Best

leaf color is said to be when grown in part sun but will handle full sun as

well. Colocasia's make great container plants and mix well with hostas.

While recipes call for any available variety of Spearmint, the real mojito can only be

made with the true Mojito Mint (Mentha x villosa). This culinary herb, a native to

Cuba, was previously impossible to get in North America but thanks to Toronto mojito

enthusiast Catherine Nasmith who visited Cuba in 2006, we now have the authentic

plant from Cuba. Not just great in beverages, Mojito Mint also makes a great seasoning

for meats and confections

January On-line Auction 2014: But That is a Long Time From Now!

October may seem an odd time to be thinking about sub-zero temps and cabin fever activities coming up

in January of 2014 … WRONG! There is no better time than now to take inventory, make note, and plan

donations for the AHS On-line Auction. 2013 Online Auction showed us all that there exists a great

degree of interest in seed, especially seed from good quality seedlings, rare collector plants, and streaked

breeders. Do not have any of those, hey, there is also interest in seed from classics. Our participants have

widely varying degrees of interest and experience with growing seed. The same holds true of plants, if you

like it … someone else will. This event is the second largest fundraiser for the society each year. Donors

provide a description of plant material, seed, or garden related items and a digital photo. Each item is

posted in an easy to use auction format.

Each year the AHS On-line Auction is held in mid-January. News is distributed via email notices and

upon the AHS website. Enter the AHS website and send a message to the chair, Don Dean, requesting

that your address be added to the mailing group. Changed your service provider or have a new email

address? Be sure to send this news to Don as well.

Much more information will be coming to the membership later. Take a moment now with this message

to have your email included in future messages. Planning for possible donations is even more time critical

while we can see what we have. Give it a thought and consider joining in on the fun and entertainment

when the plant world can seem to have stopped!

On-line Auction Chair

Don Dean

AHS Artistic Design Award

Each year at the American Hosta Society’s Hosta Show, an award is given for “Best Artistic Design”. The award was begun by Theresa Schutt, an early Iowa hosta pioneer, who was given an Honorary Lifetime Membership by ROHS in 1993. In 1995, ROHS took over sponsorship of the award. After Russ O’Harra’s death in 1997, the award was given for several years “In Memory of Russ O’Harra”. For the last two years, Bob Anderson aka “Potter Bob” of Pella has created a one-of-a-kind vase with hosta leaf accents for the award. Above is the lovely vase he created for 2013 along with the recipient of the award, Debbie Hurlbert, Howard, Ohio. Her entry, “Irish Fest”, was judged to be this year’s winner. *Photo of Debbie Hurlbert courtesy of Debbie Hurlbert. Article shared ROHS, Fall Newsletter.

"A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows."

-Doug Larson

Gardening Phobias! By Eve Vanden Broek, Hosta Horizons Newsletter, Russ O’harra Hosta Society, June 2013

People have more fears than you can shake a Zucchini at. There's someone out there, who is

scared of just about anything and everything! If a new, undocumented fear arises, psychologists are more than

willing to create a new name for it. Listed below are gardening related phobias that just might scare the

daylights out of you. Although, we hope that none of them fits you!

Alliumphobia - the fear of garlic

Anthophobia - the fear of flowers

Apiphobia - the fear of bees

Arachnophobia - is the fear of spiders

Ceraunophobia - is the fear of thunder

Dendrophobia - the fear of trees

Entomophobia - the fear of insects

Hydrophobia - the fear of water

Insectophobia - the fear of insects There are so many bugs out there, that they get two

names

(see Entomophobia, above)

Lachanophobia - the fear of vegetables

Lepidopterophobia - the fear of butterflies

Limaxaphobia - the fear of slugs

Molluscophobia - the fear of snails

Mycophobia - the fear of mushrooms Many mushrooms are poisonous.

Perhaps this fear has some merit!?!

Myrmecophobia - the fear of ants

Ombrophobia - the fear of rain

Ophidiophobia - the fear of snakes

Ornithophobia - the fear of birds

Pagophobia - the fear of ice or frost Gardeners are justified in having this one.

Panthophobia - the fear of disease Not limited to plant disease.

Parasitophobia - the fear of parasites

Rupophobia - is the fear of dirt

Scoleciphobia - the fear of worms

Seplophobia - the fear of decaying matter

Watch out for that compost pile!!

Czech It Out!

The 2014 AHS Convention is less than a year away. Harshbarger Hosta Society is excited to be your host 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

The colonies are a world renowned tourist destination that offers old world German charm.

The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library

This Cedar Rapids Museum celebrates 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

Come to Cedar Rapids June 11-14, 2014

Vitáme Vás (We welcome you)

Discover Hostas.........

An invitation to join.....

The American Hosta Society (AHS) is a not-for-profit

organization. The AHS is organized exclusively for

educational and scientific purposes, and especially to

promote, encourage, and foster the development of the

genus Hosta and public interest therein. These purposes are

expressly limited so that the AHS qualifies as an exempt

organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal

Revenue Code of 1954 or the corresponding provision of

any future U.S Internal Revenue Law.

Join the American Hosta Society and receive The Hosta Journal mailed twice a year and have access to a

third issue online in the Members Only section of the AHS website. This publication offers the latest information

on care, feeding, and hybridizing; pictures of new cultivars; and news of upcoming meetings and conventions.

Other membership benefits:

An opportunity to attend national meetings and conventions which offer educational and

scientific presentations, garden tours, judge's clinics, and a chance to see the latest and

best hosta in the hosta show.

A Biennial AHS Membership Directory

The privilege of visiting display gardens throughout the country, many of which are only

open to AHS members.

An invitation to exhibit your favorite hostas and compete for recognition in various AHS

national and regional cut-leaf shows.

Developing friendships with people who share an interest in growing hostas.

Access to Members Only section of the AHS website

Membership Rates(USA)

Individual $30 for one year

Individual $80 for three years

Individual $129 for five years

Individual $900 Life Membership

Family $34 for one year

Family $90 for three years Family $146 for five years

Effective midnight EDT on August 15, 2013, all new and renewal membership registrations will be assigned

to calendar year 2014. No 2013 memberships will be available after August 15, 2013. Individuals who

join/renew after that time will receive the regular welcome letter advising them of the effective date of their

membership (but providing them with the 2013 password) as well as a copy of The Hosta Adventure.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST

(Chicago Time)

Admission: $10

Children under 12 free

Free Parking, Free Seeds

Free Door Prizes

Porter County Exposition Center

IN-49 at Division Road

Valparaiso, IN

The Gardening Show - winner of the Festival of the Year Award -

features presentations by national, regional and local gardening

experts, special lodging & dining packages, a Seed & Bulb

Exchange, Garden Photography Contest, Children's Corner, and

food service, as well as 100 exhibitors and vendors of products and

services for and about gardens and gardening.

Winner, Birds in the Garden

category, 10th Annual

Gardening Show

Winner, Butterflies in the

Garden category, 9th Annual

Gardening Show

Gardening Series Central Library Schedule for 2013 & 2014 - 3:00 PM to

4:00 PM 1919 West 81st Avenue - Merrillville, IN

Beginning October 2, 2013, the garden series will be moved from Tri-Town Safety Village to the

Central Library. The series will be held on the first Wednesday of the month, October, 2013

through March, 2014, with the exception of January, when the program will be on January 8.

Programs will be held at 3:00 P.M. in the lower level meeting room. Presentations are open to the

public and free of charge. The Library will co-sponsor the series with Lake County Master

Gardeners. Plan to attend one or more of the series to increase gardening knowledge. Programs are

subject to change. For more information: email lakecountymastergardeners@gmail.com. The

LCMGA Speaker's Bureau provides educational speakers free of charge to garden clubs, libraries

and community groups.

Nov. 6 - The Renaissance Gardens of Italy by Sharalynne Pasztor

Travel to Italy to see some fabulous gardens and learn about their historical

origins.

Dec. 4 - Beekeeping by Susan Eleuterio

This program provides an introduction to beekeeping including equipment,

resources and plants that attract bees.

Jan. 8 - Heirloom Vegetables by Becky Crabb

Garden catalogues are arriving in the mail. Time to begin planning your

summer vegetable garden. How about trying heirloom tomatoes or beans.

Learn why heirlooms are important to preserve, taste better and where to get

them.

Feb. 5 - Vertical Gardening by Stacey Haskins

Are you short of space in your garden but there are still so many new plants

to enjoy?

How about "growing up". This session will show the latest trends in growing

plants and even edibles on a wall or fence, highlighting the Patrick Blanc

technique of vertical gardening.

March 5 - Lawn Care by Jim Colias

Master Gardener Jim Colias will speak on how to prepare and maintain your

lawn through the coming growing season. Included will be tips on how to

recover from the past year and winter off-season.

H

Gardens on the Prairie 3242 W 169th Avenue

Lowell, IN 46356

2013 Fall Hours Monday-Saturday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday- CLOSED

How to Join the Northwest Indiana Hosta Society

$20 for single or household Jan 1 to Dec 31 New or previous members may join anytime. This entitles you to the newsletter, club plants, member-only offers and events plus free membership in the Great Lakes Region Hosta Society. Make check payable to NWIHS and mail to membership chair: Cindy Brito, 8938 Liable Rd., Highland, IN 46322

As of the 2010 publication of “The Book of Little Hostas” here are the ‘Tiaras’. ‘Golden Tiara’ ‘Diamond Tiara’ ‘Floral Tiara’ ‘Glen Tiara’ ‘Grand Tiara’ ‘Ribbon Tiara’ ‘Streaked Tiara’ ‘Sunny Tiara’ ‘Emerald Tiara’ ‘Lime Tiara’ ‘Margaret Mary Tiara’ ‘Pearl Tiara’ ‘Platinum Tiara’ ‘Royal Tiara’ ‘Russian Tiara’ ‘Silver Tiara’ ‘Gilded Tiara’ ‘Ivory Tiara’ ‘Crystal Tiara’ ‘Heavenly Tiara’ ‘Topaz Tiara’ ‘Amber Tiara’ ‘Flame Tiara’

What should I do with the hosta leaves after they go dormant ?

There are several options. Hosta leaves will decompose, so if you have no problem with the appearance, you

could leave them in place. However, be advised that leaving the decaying leaves in place provides a home for

slugs and other unwanted critters to over winter. Many people chose to compost them and in so doing recycle

nutrients. Finally, if you feel that your hostas may be affected by foliar nematodes you may want to just throw

them away; DO NOT COMPOST THEM!

(Copyright 2009 by the American Hosta Society. See Pests and Diseases )

2013*2014 CLUB CONTACTS

President: Brenda Molden (269) 369-3263

bugjuicebj@hotmail.com

V.P. & Programs/Club Trip: Ed Berent (708) 204-8101

ed_berent@yahoo.com

Secretary: Ginny Feyes (219) 690-1076

charlie-ginny@comcast.net

Treasurer: Tony Costello (219) 923-7227

tcostello@comhs.org

Newsletter Editor: Stephanie Neal (219) 996-6689

tsneal@netnitco.net

Membership: Cindy Brito (219) 923-7227

cmbrito_@msn.com

Hospitality: Sally Mijares (219) 669-9146 No Email

Auction & Annual Plant Sale Chair, Great Lakes Region Rep: Rosie Flitter

(219) 575-0897 rosiesgarden@msm.com

Club Plant Sales: Bev Stegeman (219) 926-4373

stegemandb@comcast.net

Events Coordinator: Peggy Sierzputowski (219) 696-2803

sierzpj@yahoo.com

2013 Hosta Tailgate Chairman: Bob Balitewicz (219) 926-1006

indianabob@csinet.net