October, 2002 -- Page 2

HOSTA HANDBOOK By Mark Zilis

This October, the HOSTA HANDBOOK by Mark Zilis of Q&Z Nursery, Inc, will be available in our UNYHS Library. Published in 2000 this comprehensive review of 278 horticulturally significant types of hosta is intended to be a field guide. The slim style, 4 ¼” X 9“, means it can be carried easily around the garden as we try to identify those mislabeled or lost labeled plants that thrive in every hosta bed. So, check this reference source at our October meeting. The society will have a chance to purchase them at a discount if there is enough interest. If you cannot attend and are interested in the handbook and want one, let us know! Highlights include complete descriptions of the Tardianas as well as hosta related to H. ‘Fortunei’, H. montana, H. plantaginea, H. sieboldiana, H.sieboldii, H. ‘Tokudama’ and H.’Undulata’. The history of hosta is treated in the introductory chapter with discussions on the taxonomy of the genus, the American Hosta Society, cultural requirements, companion plants, hybridizing and propagation techniques and sport selection. The major body of text is the examination of hosta cultivars in great detail: 300 photos, mound dimensions, leaf size, color, shape, texture, substance, vein pairs, habits, scape height, pod formation, plant origins, registration, and author’s opinions. What a planning guide and reference for those of us who want all this info in ONE PLACE! Over 300 more hosta are briefly described in sections dealing with seedlings, sports, other related types and similar types. There is a sequel due out in 2003, which adds the newest cultivars since the 2000 printing of the handbook. This Volume II will be a companion book rather than an inclusive 2nd edition. I’ve talked with a few folks who know hosta and are familiar with this handbook.  Comments have been favorable, noting that the ‘new ones’ that weren’t in there will be in the expected second volume. I understand that is the latest compilation available. Another comment was that what Mark sees as ‘look alikes’ may not be what you or I see. And lastly, that there were a few growers and hybridizers whose hosta were not mentioned. Perhaps, they too, will have their place in the sun in the sequel. I look forward to the second volume to see what’s included, just as I am always curious about the TOP 100 Lists!

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SEPTEMBER PICNIC, SALE, AUCTION AND SITTER PROGRAM By Janet Vinyard

Viktoria Serafin, recent past president of UNYHS hosted this year’s picnic, hosta sale and auction at Glenbrook Farm. Folks remarked that the weather was 100% better than the event hosted two years ago when cold rains drove picnickers into the newly built barn.

Thanks to Bob Serafin for those lengths of tabletops available for eating, displaying potted sale hosta and providing a work area for returned sitter plants.

So, with co-operating weather, a wealth of good food and pleasant company, about 34 members shared a fun afternoon. The nominating committee offered an unchallenged slate of officers which was voted upon unanimously. New President, Bill Storz gave a short acceptance nod and encouraged us all to participate in making this a fun and active group. A large variety of plants were sold. Those of you who filled out the questionnaire for hosta you wanted to see in the sales would have found some of the classics as well as newer ones. Many sitter plants from 1999 and 2000 were returned, potted and sold. I appreciate so much the fact that most of the sitter plants came back potted. It saved us lots of work and time.

Lakeside Black Satin Cake Baked by Sharon Pedersen

Fifteen new hosta were delegated to the 2002 sitter list and those of you who were lucky enough to get your first choice know that you’re to care for them as best you can, note growth habits and quirks, if any. Take a division for yourself and pot the rest up for the fall picnic and sale. It seems two to three years is a good turn around time, as the newer hosta will still be ‘new’ and the plants would have made a good number of divisions. As far as the hosta sales next year, we plan again, to offer a preordered and prepaid selection of very exclusive hosta. I hope to find growers who are as generous as Bob Solberg. Let me know if there is a grower whose cultivars you would enjoy growing. This was very popular last year and gave club members a good discount on some fabulous hosta without risk to the club treasury. For the May sale, I intend to find tissue cultured plugs as well as more mature hosta to offer. You have a chance to pick your favorites if you give me your wish list. There was a questionnaire in the spring newsletter that is now due (another copy of the questionnaire is attached). See me at the October meeting if you have a list of hosta you’d like me to consider for the sale.