Hosta News Scapes - American Hosta Society

Miami Valley Hosta Society
Hosta News Scapes
V O L U M E
1 3
I S S U E
2
J U L Y
2 0 1 0
President’s Letter: Busy Summer
I N S I D E:
Hosta Auction &
April Speaker
2
MVHS Calendar
3
2013 AHS National 3
Convention
Members‟ Corner
4
Officer Elections
and Committees
5
My Favorite Hosta 5
Finfrock Garden
6
Getter Garden
7
Slugs and Snails
8
Summer watering
9
Garden pests
9
“Mice” hostas
10
Local Plant Sale
10
Hostas from Seed
11
Survey Results
12
Benedict Medal
16
Note: Tuesday,
July 13 (The last
newsletter had
the wrong date.)
Summer is here. After a dry
April, May more than made up
for any deficit. The hostas
have taken advantage of all the
moisture and the nemesis of
hostas, slugs, have also. If it
were not for the tiny holes in
the leaves the hosta couldn‟t
look any better. Glenda and I
judged at the Cincinnati Daylily & Hosta Society Hosta
Show on Saturday, June 5 (a
first time event for me). The
judges were asked to be lenient on holes in leaves because
nearly everyone is having slug
problems this year. Glenda
and I did find a couple of hosta
leaves (under the Redbud
tree) that won us blue ribbons
and a Best of Class.
Thanks to Gary Althaus and all
of you, we had another successful auction in May.
We have a lot of exciting
events this summer. A nice
group of MVHS members
toured Marilyn Finfrock and
Deb Getter‟s gardens on June
15. That was followed by a
summer picnic and garden
tour on June 26 at the home
of Hal & Sonja Gegel near
Hillsboro. We have a great
Gene Wogoman, President
overnight bus trip planned to
convention.
the Toledo, OH area on July
They con10 and 11. We will visit nine
cluded that
private gardens, three arbore- it is feasible for MVHS to do so.
tums and one garden center— This means we would need lots
all in two days. Because the
of volunteers to serve (for varigardens are fairly close toous lengths of time) on about
gether there will not be lots of 20 committees (such as registravel time from one to the
tration, auction, vending, proother. In July we will also visit
motion/publicity, bus/
the north gardens of Greg &
transportation, garden tours,
Bette Rau, Saundra Starks in
convention plants, hospitality,
Englewood, as well as
decorations, volunteers, proWengerlawn Nursery for
grams, special events, treasurer
shopping. You will not want
and Hosta Show). We would
to miss these opportunities for also need members to volunfun and fellowship. Everyone is
teer their gardens for a tour.
working hard to have their
gardens ready and beautiful for The MVHS steering committee
will not make a commitment to
us, so be sure to come and
AHS without the approval of
support them.
our members. You will be reThe American Hosta Society
ceiving more communication
has asked Miami Valley Hosta
(in this newsletter and via eSociety to consider hosting a
mail) about this opportunity.
national convention in Dayton This proposal deserves your
in June 2013. A national conserious consideration as we
vention is a four-day event
need your help and support to
with a Hosta Show, garden
have a quality convention. Your
tours, auctions, vending and
input will determine whether
speakers. A steering commitor not we say “yes” to The
tee of MVHS officers and comAmerican Hosta Society.
mittee chairpersons researched the requirements and Looking forward to seeing you
in the gardens! Gene
responsibilities for hosting a
Small-Space Gardens with Big Appeal Tues., July 13
You don’t have to have a huge yard to make a
big impact in your garden. Join fellow MVHS
members as we tour two special gardens north
of town, followed by shopping at Wengerlawn
Nursery, a wholesaler not open to the public.
Tour starts at 6 p.m. at Greg and Bette Rau’s
home on the corner of Algoma Street and
Westbrook Road. (Look for the special fantail
fish!) Then it’s off to Saundra Starks’ unique
garden at 210 Clearwater Court in Englewood.
PAGE
2
Annual Hosta Auction
Thank You Members, Vendors and Friends
Gary Althaus coordinated the auction
Cox Arboretum was filled with
hostas and hosta lovers for our
annual fundraising event. Gary
Althaus did a fantastic job
coordinating the auction that raised
money for the society‟s lectures and
events. Auctioneer Jerry Stichter
kept the bids coming with his
combination of enthusiasm and
humor. Thanks to everyone who
picked up donations or helped at the
auction. Special thanks go to our
plant donors:
Andy's Garden
Berns Nursery Center
Beyond the Greenhouse
Caesars Creek Nursery
Cory's Hosta Gardens
Glenda's Garden
Greenleaf Gardens
Knollwood Garden Center
Marvin's Organic Gardens
Seely's Landscape Nursery
Stockslagers
The Secret Garden
Van Wade
Wengerlawn
Pat Ferguson with her hosta treasures
Member donors included: Gene and
Marcia Bashor, Bob Iiames, Jr., Francis
Jamison, Robin Mann, Joan Stoppelman and Glenda Wogoman.
April Speaker
Gary Harpel shared his wildflower
photos and knowledge with MVHS at
the April meeting at Cox Arboretum.
Calendar
of Events
(Refer to the Yearbook and future
newsletters for details.)
July 10-11 Sat.-Sun.
Overnight Bus Trip to Toledo, Ohio
Includes 9 gardens, 3 arboretums
and shopping. The bus is full. It
will leave Sam’s Club, 6955 Miller
Lane, at 7:00 a.m. Saturday.
Lodging is at Country Inn & Suites,
9790 Clark Dr., in Rossford. For
questions, contact Marcia
Niswonger at (937) 335-2803.
July 13
Tuesday
6:00 p.m.
North Private Garden Tour
Betty and Greg Rau, 5968
Algoma Street, Dayton, OH
Saundra Starks, 210 Clearwater
Ct., Englewood, OH 45322
Wengerlawn Nursery, 6347
Wengerlawn Rd., Brookville, OH
Aug. 10
Tuesday
7:00 p.m.
Meeting at Cox Arboretum
“Perennial Combinations That Pop”
with Bob Iiames, MVHS member, and
self-proclaimed plantaholic. Open to the
Public.
Sept. 11
Saturday
Noon
Joint luncheon meeting with the Hosta
Society of Greater Cincinnati
Manchester Inn in Middletown
Featuring Mike Shadrack, author,
entertaining lecturer, photographer
and tour guide.
Oct. 12
Tuesday
6:00 p.m.
Fall Gathering and Carry-In Dinner
Bob Iiames and Karen Strider-Iiames’
house, 222 E. Wenger Rd., Englewood
MVHS will provide meat & beverages.
Bring a covered dish to share.
Nov. 9
Tuesday
7:00 p.m.
Meeting at Cox Arboretum
“Back Yard Habitat” with guest
speakers Hal Gegel, Ohio Certified
Volunteer Naturalist, and Doug
Horvath, Five Rivers Metro Parks.
Open to the Public.
PAGE
MVHS Exploring Hosting the
2013 AHS National Convention
The American Hosta Society has asked if our gardening group
would consider hosting the 2013 AHS National Convention, which
would be held in the Miami Valley. We consider it an honor to be
considered for this and your MVHS officers are looking into just
what would be involved and the overall feasibility of taking on this
prestigious role.
In the coming weeks, you will receive more information through
emails and newsletters. Before any decision is made about whether
or not to accept this invitation, the matter will be brought before
MVHS members.
For those who haven't personally attended a National Convention
of the American Hosta Society, it is a singular event that brings together passionate hostaphiles from all over the U.S. who want to
increase their gardening knowledge and see how others, like themselves, plan and tend to their personal, private gardens.
The convention's format remains about the same from year to year
but naturally revolves around the unique character and geography
that each region, with its own growing-season differences, involves.
Timing: typically held around the fourth week of June.
Starts Wednesday with optional garden and retail nursery tours.
Thursday activities include seminars, hosta show, hosta auction,
reception buffet.
Friday includes travel by bus to private gardens, an evening banquet with guest speaker, and hosta show awards.
Saturday events often include additional garden tours, garden
lunch, and a closing banquet at the designated convention hotel.
Every day of the convention, over 20 vendors from all over the
country offer hard-to-find hosta plants and many other gardening items for sale; a great shopping opportunity!
Hosting the four-day convention requires a lot of work to successfully plan and conduct an event that is well organized, smartly run,
and fun for all, whether as host volunteers or attendees. If MVHS
were to agree to host the 2013 National Convention, this planning
activity would build over the next two and a half years with the help
of volunteers from among our members. The concept would be to
spread out the work to a manageable level, however, so that many
can participate and feel part of a prestigious event….but so that the
burden does not come to rest on any one or handful of people.
In the near future, you will receive an explanation of the functions of
the various committees that will need to be formed. In the meantime, next time you see Gene & Marcia Bashor and David Rector,
be sure to get their "take" on the 2010 AHS National Convention
they attended just recently in Minnesota.
3
PAGE
4
Member’s Corner
Welcome New Members
Jeanne Cramer, Rawson
Aleesa and Greg Drennen,
Cambridge City, Ind.
Mark and Lisa Fenner, Dayton
Linda Fischer, Centerville
Janet and Mark Garlikov, Dayton
Pat Komarek, Elida
Sheila M. Niswander, Bluffton
Sandy and Joe Oswald,
Kettering
Jan Patton, Lima
Jemima Razaratnam, Dayton
Website Under Construction
Steve Harmon and Karen Strider-Iiames are working
with DigitalSparks to design a new website for our
society. It will include lots of information, a calendar,
photo gallery, a secure member‟s area and the Hosta
NewsScapes newsletter. The site should be ready by fall.
The printing expenses for the newsletter were donated
in the past, but are now incurred by the MVHS at a cost
of $200-$250/issue. We are looking into newsletter
alternatives, but will make sure that our members
without Internet access still receive a printed version of
the newsletter. See the results of our recent Member
Survey beginning on Page 12.
Join the Miami Valley
Hosta Society
Contact Membership Co-Chairs:
Gene & Marlena Mayleben
6972 Mad River Rd.,
Dayton, OH 45459
(937) 435-6814
Or Email: [email protected]
Memberships: Individual $7/year;
Family $10/year
Make checks payable to
Miami Valley Hosta Society
Join the AHS at www.hosta.org
Join the American Hosta Society and receive The Hosta
Journal three times per year, plus other benefits.
Individual:
1 year $30
Family:
1 year $34
2 years $57
3 years $80
2 years $62y@
Steve also has been sending out graphic emails to
announce each meeting and special event. Please let us
know what you think.
Save the Date

Bob Iiames‟ Annual
Rare and Unusual Plant and
Garden Art Sale

Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Bart & Debbie Goodwin
PAGE
Election of 2011 MVHS
officers... and call for
committee volunteers
MY
FAVORITE
HOSTA
H. ‘Jade Cascade’
The MVHS nominating committee is currently
seeking volunteers for committees and club
officers for years 2011 and 2012. This is a
great organization to work with and a great
way to get connected with good people with
a common interest—gardening.
Our officers did a member survey last winter
and at least 10 people said that they would be
willing to serve the club. Now is the time to
step forward. Thank you in advance. It‟s
working with great people like our members
and getting involved that make this club
FUN. Please call one of our nominating committee members listed below.
Steve Longenecker: (937) 901-8722
Hal Gegel: (937) 438-1185
Steve Longenecker says…
The reason I like this hosta is because of its size,
(I like big plants), the deep green leaves, and the
veins in the leaves.
Description from The Hostapedia by Mark R. Zilis:
30" high by 60" wide, upright dark green foliage;
leaf size 18 3/4 long by 10" wide; leaf blade narrowly oblong-ovate with deeply lobed base and
moderately wavy margin; pale lavender flowers
produced from late July on 60" scapes. The hosta
is a seedling selection, NR from Dan Heims, Terra
Nova Nursery, Canby Or.
My H. Jade Cascade is in a lasagna flower bed that
has multiple layers of sand, compost, peat moss,
and dirt that Van Wade, of Wade and Gatton,
encouraged us to make six or seven years ago,
after a trip to his nursery. The bed is still very soft
and easy to dig in. The hosta has done very well
there and has exceeded its normal size, as it is 38"
tall and 70" across. This hosta makes a great
specimen in any shade garden!
14037 Eaton Pike (US #35)
New Lebanon, OH 45345
937-687-2722
5
Marilyn Finfrock’s
Spacious Garden
June 15 South
Garden Tour
PAGE
Deborah
Getter’s
Unique
Garden
6
PAGE
8
Tips to Control Slugs and Snails
Slugs have been a big problem this
year. Here’s some advice from the
American Hosta Society website.
Some slugs feed on our hostas leaving
conspicuous holes in the leaves. The
holes usually are in the middle portion of
the leaf blade and vary with the size of the
slug. The holes may run along between
leaf veins and can be severe enough to
skeletonize an entire leaf or almost an
entire clump. There seems to be no question that the preferred hosta types are
those plants with the species H. plantaginea in the background.
Slugs have been
around for
eons. Not all slugs
are bad slugs
though. Some
only eat decaying
matter and would
not feed on a living
hosta leaf if its life
depended on it.
A few types are
carnivorous and
will feed on other
slugs.
Most of these
(unfortunately)
are also
cannibalistic so
their populations
never reach a very
dense level. The
slugs we worry
about are the ones
that feed on our
hostas and other
plants. This seems
to be the highest
population.
We have three options if we don‟t want
slugs to eat our special plants. Ignoring
them is not one of the options, but it may
be something to consider if we don‟t mind
the occasional hole in our leaves. The
first option is to give them something else
they would rather eat. My slugs would
rather eat lettuce and pulmonarias than
hostas. So I may feed them some of those
crops or just allow them to eat the tastier
one in my garden.
Copper
Another option is to ward them
away. Some nurseries have strips of copper all around their nursery or specific
greenhouses. The copper seems to act as
a barrier. The slugs don‟t seem to like to
cross it. It may be because they get a
slight electrical shock from crossing
it. However, it may also be because the
copper is toxic to their system and they
probably absorb some of it through their
slime and skin. If copper is too expensive
to buy in sheets, we can rejoice in that
there is a government program that subsidizes our plant protection. They call it the
U.S. Mint. They give us tons of copper for
just pennies! Although lining our entire
property with pennies may not be practical for us, one can certainly epoxy a ring
of them together for placing on the
ground to surround special plants.
Commercial products
Other materials are also effective. One
commercial product, Dead-Line, is great
until it washes away in the watering or
rain. I have found that fertilizer works as
well as table salt for killing slugs. It also
works fantastically well for circling troubled plants. I sprinkle a border of any
cheap garden fertilizer about an inch wide
and solid enough that the particles are
slightly piled on top of each other or about
1/16 to 1/8 inch deep. All these will help
keep slugs away from your plants. They
will not protect them from the slugs already in the corral though.
A third option for slugs is to blast them
into kingdom come. Here we have a huge
arsenal at our disposal. Metaldehyde** and
methiocarb** are two very toxic poisons. They are available in many
forms. Fortunately or unfortunately, the
Metaldehyde** breaks down more quickly
in the garden. Both are sometimes used in
baits that can be very effective. Use caution to make sure birds, pets and children
do not eat or even play with the baits as
these products are deadly to other life
forms, too. Some of the baits are very
similar in composition to dog food except
for the poison so choose and use your
baits with extreme caution.
Vinegar and ammonia
Other gentler, friendlier solutions are already in our kitchens. A 10% dose of either vinegar or ammonia is just as deadly if
sprayed directly on slugs. Fortunately, both
household chemicals can also be used by
the plants as fertilizer in small amounts.
The difficulty in using ammonia or vinegar
is that you need to see them to spray
them. This means either foregoing a little
sleep in the evening, getting up early in the
morning or making traps. My preference is
the traps. Since slugs don‟t like hot dry
conditions, they usually hide when the sun
warms up. Favorite places to hide include
under a nice cool rock, board or
mulch. Some people place two boards on
top of each other with a small stick between. This gives slugs a nice comfortable
place to crawl until the stick is removed
and one stomps on the top board.
** Please follow label directions and all
state and federal regulations on pesticide use.
PAGE
Summer Alert – Beware of the Drought
By Rob Mortko
Most reference books on hosta will report
that they are quite adaptable to dry shade
conditions once they have become established. While this may be true, there is also
a practical limit to most generalizations.
During the growing season the hosta rhizome or crown is building reserves that
will be used the following spring. Large
amounts of water are also required to replace the natural transpiration that occurs
with the large leaves. If (as we typically do
in the Midwest) encounter a prolonged
spell of hot, dry weather, the rhizome will
spend reserves to support the plant.
Ever wonder why a hosta appears OK at
the end of the year, but appears much
smaller and/or less vigorous the following spring, or (even worse) fails to reappear altogether the following spring?
This is most likely the result of a decline in the crown mass the previous
summer.
So what to do if we do encounter a typical Kansas City (or Ohio) summer with
day upon day of hot temperatures and
extended dry spells? Avoid the stress
by watering deeply at least once a week
during the summer if we don’t receive
any help from Mother Nature. Optimum moisture is reported between one
and one and a half inches of water per
Cut Worms, Leaf Beetles and Grasshoppers
Cut Worms - These critters can
cause even more damage than slugs
once loose in your garden. Fortunately, these critters also prefer
sunny, dry conditions and seem to be
less of a problem for hosta.
Cut Worms live in the ground and
feed at night, crawling up the plant
and "drilling" holes through the unopened leaves so you have "Swiss
cheese" leaves as the season pro-
gresses. Other damage is leaf
edges are missing on mature
leaves.
Leaf beetles will eat holes in the
center of the leaves between the
veins. Sometimes this can be
confused with slug damage.
Grasshoppers eat from the edge
inward and while can eat an entire leaf, usually leaves partial
week during the growing season. This
is especially important if your hostas
receive significant levels of direct sun
exposure.
Watering time is also important. Watering in the morning will help discourage both slugs and fungal activity.
Use of soaker hoses works well. When
watering blue leafed hostas avoid
overhead watering of the leaves which
can slowly destroy the glaucous bloom
(i.e. the waxy covering that makes a
green hosta appear blue). Residual
water droplets on any leaf which is
followed by sun exposure can also
result in leaf burn.
leaves with chunks of edges missing.
A natural control is the house wren... They
have a tremendous appetite for the critters
(and slugs too). So put up lots of bird houses
and feed the birds in the winter. Don't forget
to give these garden helpers several bird baths
as well.
If all else fails, you can fall back on insect
sprays like Diazinon** for cutworms and
Sevin** for the others. Usually one application will bring things under control.
** Please follow label directions and all state
and federal regulations on pesticide use.
More Slug Control Tips
Here’s a tip from the Central Illinois Hosta Society Newsletter.
Slugs need a moist environment. Watering in the morning as
opposed to later in the day allows the soil surface and atmosphere
to dry out before night-time, thus making the garden less
hospitable for slugs. Mulches can actually increase slug problems
by creating moist hiding places.
And here’s a tip from Joe Haber of Centerport, New York.
Hostas/Daylilies/Perennials/Shrubbery/
Trees/Conifers
Open Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Mon. thru Sat.
(closed Sundays & holidays)
Browse through our many polyhouses for plants that are potted,
labeled, priced and ready-to-go. Retail/Mail Order
WADE & GATTON NURSERIES
1288 Gatton Rocks Rd.; Bellville, OH 44813-8018
Phone: 419-883-3191 Fax (24 Hour) 419-883-3677
Slugs are a bigger problem for small hostas than large ones. My
way of combating the slug is by spreading a topping that forms a
barrier. My formula for this very successful topping is a mixture
of ground egg shells, ground sea shells, and chicken grit. An
occasional sprinkling of Sluggo also helps.
SEELY'S LANDSCAPE
NURSERY
3266 W ALCUTT ROAD; HILLIARD, OH 43026-9636
614-876-1838
9
PAGE
10
Over-run by Mice!
By Bob Leask, From Ontario Hosta Society Newsletter, Spring 2010.
Once upon a time there was a hosta named Minnie Mouse from
Keith Squires but, upon threat of possible legal implications of a
trademark, the name was changed to Missie Mouse when
registered . But recently we have had one introduced as Mighty
Mouse, so who knows where this will take us. But is certainly has
kindled the interest in small hostas.
We have been inundated by the pesky little creatures over the last
couple of years. With the promotion of Blue Mouse Ears (BME) as
Hosta of the Year, we have been simply overwhelmed with the
offspring and variations. It is rumored to be a sport of Blue Cadet.
Green Mouse Ears followed shortly but was this just a reversion to
its natural color or a sport of Blue Mouse Ears?
Blue Mouse Ears Supreme is a streaked sport of BME and is
similar to Royal Mouse Ears.
Cat and Mouse is a thick-leaved, medio-variegated sport of BME
with a chartreuse interior and an uneven blue-green margin. Shades
of green overlap.
Mighty Mouse is a streaked sport and Pure Heart is the whitecentered form to accompany it (for you comic fans).
Mouse Tracks, a cute little streaked hosta out of Mighty Mouse,
features various yellows and creamy whites that streak throughout
its blue/green leaves.
One Iota is a variegated sport of BME with a light green/cream
edge on dark green. This is a forced sport by Jim Anderson and of
course there is a streaked form as well.
Snow Mouse is a BME sport from Marco Fransen with a white
center surrounded by a blue-green border. Leaves are very thick.
Royal Mouse Ears is a
variegated sport of
BME, which is medium
blue-green, with creamcolored streaks. It is
deeply cupped and is
dull on top, with a
Blue Mouse Ears
glaucous bloom underneath.
Frosted Mouse Ears is a tissue culture sport out of Royal
Mouse Ears, developed at Q&Z, featuring a wide, creamy
white margin, a blueish green center and thick substance.
Holy Mouse Ears is another sport from RME and features
thick white leaves with uneven blue-green margins.
Each of the above usually produces a cute little clump of
lavender flowers about three or four inches above the foliage.
They make interesting displays in troughs and planters and at
the front of beds — hopefully raised so they can be
appreciated.
Local Daylily Sale
Majestic Nursery & Gardens
June 26 – July 18
2100 N. Preble County Line Rd.
West Alexandria, Ohio 45381
(Just West of Brookville)
majesticnurseryandgardens.com
(937) 833-5100
P.O. Box 517
3766 Dayton-Xenia Rd — Beavercreek, OH 45432
Toll Free: 888-565-9663 Local: 937-426-0861
Fax: 937-426-3330
www.knollwoodgardens.com
Starting Hostas From Seeds
By Randy Goodwin (Reprinted from Late Winter 2010 Indianapolis
Hosta Society Newsletter, as presented at their February meeting.)
SEED SELECTIONS
Decide what you want to create:
A. For variegation, need “splashed” pod parent, a 7-year process with edged, solid and medio form development needed.
(Green and white striping is called “splashing.”)
B. for yellows, blues, or distinctive forms, solid pod parents
needed; edged and center variegations produce lethal or green
seedlings only
PAGE
11
LIGHTING
A. use fluorescent shop lights
B. 24/7 light cycle or timed with timer from 18 on, to 12/12
also 8/4/8/4 cycle
GERMINATION
A. from 3 to 14 days, 7 average, with an average 33%
germination rate; germination is irregular
B. water from bottom, deters salts build-up and pathogens,
C. with ¼ strength soluble fertilizer. Roots can sit in water for
extended time
E. room temperature should be maintained between 60-70
degrees
‘DAMP OFF’ fungus is the main problem
at germination time
COLLECTING, CLEANING, STORING
A. collect seed only after mature, i.e. 40 days and 40 nights
B. timing differs from one to another, i.e. sieboldianas vs. summer vs. late bloomers
C. dry pods with name tags
D. crushing pod helps speed process
E. separate seeds from pods, then dewing for viability
F. stratification not necessary, but cool storage is recommended for viability
G. create storage container, paper or plastic, with identification
CONTAINERS AND MEDIUMS
A. sterilized container; „Clorox‟ and microwaving
B. use sterile non organic planting medium
C. use of Michigan peat or any soil based medium, prohibited
D. medium examples: Pro Mix, or peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, thru 3-2-1 mixtures
F. moisten medium prior to planting
G. use boiled water to kill fungus, fungus gnats, and algae
PLANTING PROCESS
A. plant in a prepared trench, then cover
B. plant in a scatter, then cover with more medium
C. use bone meal with seeds to increase germination
D. coverage should be 3 times depth of seed
E. uncovered seeds have roots unable to penetrate soil
F. water planted seeds after planting
G. cover with plastic dome
H. place in plastic baggie
F. “Damp Off” fungus is a constant problem; use of Benlate or
Benomyl in a liquid spray deters after planting
G. use of plastic bags
does lead to mildew with
closed environment
CULLING AND
DECISIONS
A. for splashes, thin after
1st or 2nd leaf, eliminating the greens
B. for solids & forms, keep most and cull only after 2nd year.
C. Up potting helps selected seedling gain size, blooming in 1st
year (scapes should be cut off to preserve seedling from energy
drain and death.)
D. Use deep containers for
root growth
E. Use a tool that creates a
deep hole in porous medium
F. Grow in containers until
safe to plant outdoors
G. Continue culling until the
word DISCTINCTION or
UNIQUE applies.
PAGE
12
Results from the MVHS Member Survey
Thanks to all MVHS members who completed surveys. We received a total of 68 surveys (42 responded online and 26 mailed their
responses). Here are the general results. There were additional comments from members which we will share in the future.
1. We are interested in your opinions about the various programs of the Miami Valley Hosta Society -- that is, the meetings,
activities, events, publications, and educational information available to its members. In general, how familiar would you
say you are with these programs?
Very familiar
Familiar
Neutral
Unfamiliar
Very unfamiliar
Total
ONLINE
Number of
Responses
MAILED
Number of
Responses
COMBINED
Number of
Responses
Response
Ratio
19
19
2
2
0
42
10
12
3
1
0
26
29
31
5
3
0
68
43%
46%
7%
4%
0%
100%
Neutral
Somewhat
Agree
Highly
Agree
Total
3
4%
2
3%
10
15%
6
9%
14
21%
5
7%
12
18%
10
15%
1
1%
2
3%
17
25%
12
18%
16
24%
21
30%
15
22%
23
34%
15
23%
24
36%
8
12%
0
0%
47
69%
52
76%
34
51%
34
49%
29
43%
37
55%
36
55%
31
47%
58
85%
65
96%
68
100%
68
100%
67
100%
69
100%
67
100%
67
100%
65
100%
66
100%
68
100%
68
100%
2. Rate the degree to which you agree/disagree with the following statements.
Highly Somewhat
(Top number is the count of respondents selecting the
Disagree
Disagree
option. Bottom % is percent of the total respondents
selecting the option.)
1
0
Membership broadens my knowledge of gardening.
1%
0%
1
1
Membership broadens my knowledge of hosta.
1%
1%
5
2
I am interested in attending MVHS meetings
7%
3%
7
1
I am interested in attending local garden tours.
10%
1%
I am interested to go on one or more bus trips to visit
7
2
gardens.
10%
3%
Event planners provide programs that are interesting to
0
2
me.
0%
3%
1
1
The Society's meetings are well-run.
2%
2%
Participating in the Society's programs allows me to
0
1
meet new people.
0%
2%
1
0
The cost to participate in program events is reasonable.
1%
0%
1
0
Membership dues are reasonable.
1%
0%
3. Please rate your satisfaction with the following aspects of program communications as pertains to the newsletter
HOSTA NEWS SCAPES.
Very
Somewhat
Very
Neutral Somewhat
(Top number is the count of respondents selecting the
Dissatisfied Dissatisfied
Satisfied
Satisfied
option. Bottom % is percent of the total respondents
selecting the option.)
1
0
3
4
60
Timing
1%
0%
4%
6%
88%
0
3
1
8
56
Frequency
0%
4%
1%
12%
82%
0
1
1
5
61
Articles about hosta gardening
0%
1%
1%
7%
90%
0
1
3
11
53
Articles about member activities
0%
1%
4%
16%
78%
1
0
3
12
52
Event announcements and reminders
1%
0%
4%
18%
76%
1
0
0
3
64
Quality of the publication
1%
0%
0%
4%
94%
Total
68
100%
68
100%
68
100%
68
100%
68
100%
68
100%
PAGE
13
4. Please indicate which of the following statements best describes your personal (or household) readership of the Hosta
News Scapes newsletter.
Number of
Response
Responses
Ratio
I rarely read or only skim most issues.
0
0%
I read at least half of each newsletter issue.
I read nearly everything that is published in each issue.
Not sure.
Total
3
65
0
68
4%
96%
0%
100%
5. Please rate each of the following based on your personal preference for how Hosta News Scapes newsletters might be
distributed in the future.
1234Total
Strong
Neutral
Strongly
No Opinion
(Top number is the count of respondents selecting the option.
Preference
Dislike
Bottom % is percent of the total respondents selecting the
option.)
34
23
5
1
63
Printed newsletter mailed to my home.
54%
37%
8%
2%
100%
3
24
30
5
62
Printed newsletter available for pick up at meetings.
5%
39%
48%
8%
100%
33
17
11
0
61
Newsletter distributed by email as a file attachment.
54%
28%
18%
0%
100%
25
22
15
1
63
Newsletter readable and/or downloadable from a website
40%
35%
24%
2%
100%
2
5
0
9
16
Other (comments welcome but not required)
See comments on Page 15.
13%
31%
0%
56%
100%
6. How likely is it that you would recommend membership in the Miami Valley Hosta Society to a friend or colleague?
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Neutral
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
Total
Number of
Responses
61
5
1
0
1
68
Response
Ratio
90%
7%
1%
0%
1%
100%
7. Thinking about all the reasons people may join the Miami Valley Hosta Society, please rate the following in terms of their
importance to you.
Very
Somewhat
Somewhat
Not at all
Neutral
Total
Important
Important
Unimportant
important
(Top number is the count of respondents selecting the option.
Bottom % is percent of the total respondents selecting the
option.)
Monthly meetings to hear an expert speak on a gardening
40
15
5
3
1
64
topic.
63%
23%
8%
5%
2%
100%
Monthly meetings at which to socialize with fellow
21
24
12
6
4
67
members.
31%
36%
18%
9%
6%
100%
Weekend bus trip to exceptional gardens, garden centers,
28
21
11
2
3
65
attractions.
43%
32%
17%
3%
5%
100%
Attend Hosta College (Piqua) to get inspired for spring
26
13
16
7
2
64
gardening.
41%
20%
25%
11%
3%
100%
54
10
0
0
0
64
Hosta News Scapes newsletter.
84%
16%
0%
0%
0%
100%
40
17
8
0
1
66
Local garden hops.
61%
26%
12%
0%
2%
100%
8
1
24
0
10
43
Other (provide comment)
19%
2%
56%
0%
23%
100%
PAGE
14
Member Survey Results cont.
8. The following True / False questions are aimed at establishing an overall profile of
MVHS Membership.
(Top number is the count of respondents selecting the option. Bottom
% is percent of the total respondents selecting the option.)
I have renewed or intend to renew my membership for
2010.
I have access to the Internet at my home or elsewhere.
I use email for personal communications.
I use one or more social networking sites (Facebook,
Twitter, etc.).
I usually try to attend the MVHS hosta auction.
I would consider serving on a MVHS committee.
I would consider volunteering for an officer position.
I would support a small dues increase to help meet higher
expenses.
True
False
Total
68
100%
65
96%
60
87%
13
19%
45
67%
18
28%
5
7%
66
99%
0
0%
3
4%
9
13%
54
81%
22
33%
47
72%
62
93%
1
1%
68
100%
68
100%
69
100%
67
100%
67
100%
65
100%
67
100%
67
100%
Below: Marilyn Finfrock’s garden.
Right: Deborah Getter’s garden
9. Please share your suggestions for improvement of any program.
Answers:
Very satisfied.
Biggest need is for outreach efforts to attract new members.
Love the garden hops, even if I've already been to a particular site. Can never get enough!!!!
I like what I have experienced thus far and I don't have
any suggestions for improvement. Perhaps I will some day
and will be glad to share them if and when that may become a reality.
Please continue to bring in speakers who are very knowledgeable about hostas and gardening in general. Please
continue to involve local garden centers who support our
society (for example, having our fall get together at
Marvin's Organic Gardens).
This group has been well run for many years by a great
group of people. I'm also pleased that the programs aren't
all about Hostas - we love them, but gardening would be
boring if we only stick to one plant. Please continue the
variety of topics. Thanks to everyone who volunteers to
make the group special.
Excellent survey
I can't think of any areas that need improvement. GOOD
JOB by everyone who is willing to participate in the various functions.
We need to alternate meetings between Cox & Wegerzyn
as several clubs do. Those north of town have 45-60 min
drive to Cox. Living in Beavercreek puts me in the middle
of both so it is not a problem. For many others, Cox is just
too far. "Oldtimers" need to socialize more with guests
and new people.
I know our members are located all over the area but I
could attend more functions if there were a few more in
the Northern area. I don't like to drive after dark any distance. Just a suggestion. THE CLUB DOES A GREAT
JOB JUST AS IT IS.
Have more meetings & programs North; not everyone
lives South.
I have enjoyed the programs and garden tours and bus
trips that I have been able to attend. I want to continue to
participate in the activities of the group. I have learned,
not only about Hostas, but also other plants as well. I
think you are doing a good job and should continue on the
same path.
Save on postage where possible.
Try to have speakers someone has actually heard.
[SPEAKER] was not worth time or gas to get there. Topic
sounded intriguing and interesting and should have been.
Editor’s note: Name, topic and the remainder of the comment were withheld to protect speaker’s identity.
I think you are doing a great job.
I've always admired an organization that can do so much
with a $7 annual dues. Perhaps the Bonsai Society and
the Hosta Society can learn from each other.
But if you could email newsletters that would save a
bunch. You could also put it on a CD for people who don't
have email.
Member Survey Results cont.
5. Please rate each of the following based on your
personal preference for how Hosta News Scapes
newsletters might be distributed in the future.
Additional comments received:
Don't mind reading it online if the print is large enough to
read.
While I enjoy and prefer getting a printed copy, I understand and support the cost savings of using email of webbased distribution.
To save costs, I think we can and should move to an electronic newsletter.
I believe we need to keep the mailings, but perhaps also
post on the website. People could elect to get only electronic, but then we may not have enough to use the bulk
mail rate. Meeting reminders are fine email, but I think we
still need to keep some form of mailing. I personally don't
like to print articles from the web. I'd rather read a newsletter, but go to the website to double check meeting
times, directions, etc. Pictures could be on the website
instead of in the newsletter.
I would prefer to keep the same format, and would pay
higher dues if necessary. Communications are so important to the care and feeding of a membership group. If it's
just posted on a website, we forget to go look for it. If only
available at the meetings, a member can lose touch
quickly if a meeting (or two) is missed. An email is the
next best thing, but only for those with active email addresses.
Mailed of course is the easiest for me, but in this day and
age it probably makes more sense to email it. It would be
cheaper. Would prefer it as an attachment, but I would
download from the website if needed.
To decrease cost, I would rather see attachments or
download from website.
1. Dialup is slow, and I get kicked off a lot.
2. Meetings would be too late to get a lot of the info that is
in the newsletter.
3. Ditto #1
I belong to several groups that first e-mail all with addresses, then pass out hard copy at the meetings, and
then mail USPS the leftovers that have not been claimed.
In that the group does not use bulk mail, this is doable.
Why does the group not use bulk mail?
I do read the newsletter! It is convenient coming to my
home, but I realize it is both costly and less environmentally friendly. So my reluctant preference is to be able to
view it on a website and download certain portions as
needed. I don't have Word for Windows and limited computing space, so I'm afraid that e-mail attachments would
be cumbersome at best and impossible at worst.
Since I read it from cover to cover, I would like to have the
newsletter easily accessible, but understand the cost in
printing and mailing.
I love to read my newsletter, like my books, where I sit and
read it once to get the main news, then again to get the
details and again to just enjoy the articles. I am wondering
about a limited number of newsletters, with practical info
sent via e-mail more frequently.
I keep my newsletter in a file for future reference and enjoy
looking back at them. I could create an email file and still
do this. I have every one since I joined the club.
I'm ok with however it is delivered. I believe a few newsletters at meetings would be good for visitors or by special
arrangement. My preference only reflects the significant
savings the club would realize.
I love getting Hosta News Scapes in the mail, reading the
articles and enjoy looking at the photographs however; I
totally understand that it would be less expensive to send
the publication via email.
I have really appreciated the beautiful printed Hosta News
Scapes, (and save them all) but realize the cost effectiveness of distributing it by email. Possibly a few paper copies could be printed for those without internet access, to be
picked up at meetings.
I keep every newsletter and refer to them for information
about caring for my Hostas.
I especially enjoy articles about members' gardens.
I love the way they put the Chicago trip together; photos
excellent; presentation first rate!
Quality of publication is exceptional. Sometimes I re-read
articles; it's great!
I really appreciate the printed NEWS SCAPES.
Very nice newsletter! My compliments!
This newsletter just grows more and more interesting by
the year; photos are fascinating (but often too small); articles could be expanded as regards cultivation of hostas
(and less on the 8th Grade reading & thinking level).
I would never read it on line.
My computer is usually not working; if and when my computer is up and working I agree with the above ideas
Distribution electronically is a good option.
PDFs are preferable; Please do not change Yearbook - it is
wonderful!
Dial-up / no computer is a deterrent to email version.
Miami Valley Hosta Society
Bob Iiames, Jr. & Karen Strider-Iiames
Newsletter Editors
222 E. Wenger Rd.
Englewood, OH 45322
Ph: 937-836-3218
Email: [email protected]
MVHS Web address: www.miamivalleyhosta.com
“Stimulating the knowledge
and love of hostas”
First Benedict Medal Winner: „June‟
MVHS OFFICERS:
President
Gene Wogoman
Vice-President
Steve Longenecker
Secretary:
Ron Witalis
Treasurer:
Joan Stoppelman
„June”
COMMITTEES:
2009
Award
Membership:
Gene & Marlena Mayleben
Newsletter:
Karen Strider-Iiames &
Winner
The award was instigated by the American Hosta Society to help people
select hostas that will perform well in any garden with minimal fuss. Over a
period of three seasons, AHS Garden Performance Judges across the
country voted on those hostas that perform best in their locality. Each year
a list of Honorable Mentions are announced. Ten of those go forward to
the next year and are voted on again. Each year the hosta with the most
votes will be awarded the Benedict Garden Performance Medal.
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY
Your ad can reach 130+ active gardeners. Put your ad in the
quarterly HOSTA NEWS SCAPES. Members support you!
Advertising rates per issue:
$8.00 Full Page Ad
$4.00 Quarter Page Ad
$6.00 Half Page Ad
$2.00 Business Card Size Ad
Bob Iiames, Jr.
Yearbook:
Tom Stoppelman
Program & Special Events:
Steve Longenecker, chair
Marcia Niswonger
Gene Bashor
Gene Wogoman
Bob Iiames, Jr.
Great Lakes Region Delegates:
Gene & Glenda Wogoman