by Bill Storz
WOW !! It�s sub-zero and I just got my first of many seed and plant catalogues. Yep, it�s that time of year again--- the days are getting longer, the after Christmas sales are over, and spring is on its way. At least I think that it is � it�s hard to imagine what all my tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, crowns, etc. are doing when the temperature is this cold and snow is in the forecast. All I can think of is staying warm and keeping the snow shovel handy.
However!!! Now is the time to take a few minutes to fill in your calendar and block time for all your commitments. You know, the MUST DO, NEED TO DO, and WANT TO DO. Be sure to include all the Hosta events coming up this year. Your Board of Directors has scheduled some fantastic events for you to participate in during the months ahead. In addition to our regularly scheduled meetings, Capital District Garden & Flower Show, speakers, and nursery trips, there are some major events that will require the help from the entire membership.
In June, we will initiate a new event: �Hosta Exchange�. It will take place at a member�s home/gardens will include a potluck picnic and the exchange of a Hosta from your garden for one from someone else�s garden. Ideally, these would be Hostas that are not too common and ones you would want introduced into your garden. The details are being developed. Currently, we are looking at the ticket drawing type system similar to how we conduct our plant sales � any ideas??? This will be discussed at our meetings. The actual procedure will be published in the newsletter before the event.
The Society�s most significant event for this year will be hosting Region One�s �First Look� competition. This will occur the weekend of July 17 & 18 at the Holiday Inn in Schenectady. I am really excited about this event; it will draw people from all over the East Coast, Midwest, and Canada. In addition, it will allow us to see Hosta from major hybridizers that are not yet available for marketing. This is a major event in the Hosta community. Events of this type lend prestige and recognition to our Society, so it is an honor for us to be selected to host �First Look�. Of course, hosting such an event requires commitment on the part of our membership to staff the various committees. Please plan to attend our March meeting. The event will be discussed, committees identified, time lines established, and volunteers accepted. Your help will make this event a success.
Bob Solberg, a nationally recognized hybridizer and owner of Green Hill Hostas will speak to our society on August 7th at 10:00 AM. This is your opportunity to hear and personally talk with one of the most recognized professional Hosta hybridizers in the country. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.
I would be remiss if I didn�t mention and remind you of our annual May plant sale on May 22. Janet Vinyard has outdone herself. The selection is superb. There are plants for everyone � regardless of where you fit � just starting, avid collector, or grower. YES, even if you have over 500 varieties (SMILE).
I have stressed all the good things your society has going on; but, they won�t be successful without you, the membership, volunteering and making a commitment to support these events. I hope this year, you will make a determined effort to actively participate by attending the meetings and volunteering. Thanks
