Ideas for Anniversary gift of a hosta tour--ideas?

14 years ago

Hubby has agreed (surprisingly not at all hesitantly) to take me on a 'hosta tour' of

some of the hosta nurseries of northern Ohio and up as far as Michigan!! I already have some

places picked out, like Wade Gatton, and maybe Hallson's, (if you're up for an August

visit, Chris?)!

Any other suggestions for those areas, and any ideas of great places to eat and stay in those

vicinities--or standard fare that's kinda nice?

I'm so excited!!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (15)

keanaz5a
14 years ago
Wow. Lucky you. I don't have any suggestions, but I'm jealous....lol
chris-e
14 years ago
Just make sure you read the etiquette post before you go!

(sorry, I can't help, not my part of the country)

christine
Related Discussions
need ideas for replacing juniper
Q
Comments (40)
Well I'm glad the daylily question has been answered as that's not a plant I use much, and when I do I cram it in behind other plants so only the flowers show. To the Lily of the Valley answer from Saypoint I'll add a little context: All perennial plants will increase over time - your daylilies and hostas, for instance, will have maybe 3 sprouts one year, then 6 or 8 the next, and then more. Those plants, and many other perennials, increase in a clumping manner; that is, the new sprouts come out of the base of the plant. Those can be planted in one place and they will stay there. Other plants, like Lily of the Valley, increase in a spreading manner by sending new shoots up from the roots, or by sending out long runners from the base of the plant. Those plants will not just grow over a wide area but also literally travel to where their preferred conditions are. If you plant LOV at the top of your slope, for example, I'd bet that within 5 years you would have a little forest of LOV along the bottom of the slope, as it will follow the water and probably nutrients downhill. Sweet woodruff is another wanderer, by the way. As for reshaping the bed... I'm not sure that I can see an obvious solution; it would take some thought, and more landscaping expertise than mine (I'm a plant fiend first). There's nothing wrong with working with the bed the way it now is, and seeing what strikes you as a better idea once you've spent some time working on your garden and investigating the world of plants. Above all, the ultimate AMOUNT of bed will depend on how much gardening you want to do, and what kind of plants you like. And if you live in an area where 90% of homes have red mulch, I'm guessing you're going to have to look to the world of books and magazines for inspiration and ideas, and when you do I'm sure that different options will occur to you. Or maybe someone else here has an idea... This thread: http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/conif/msg0501045731301.html and the one linked below are some with photos from the Conifers forum. Sorry I didn't have time to look for those yesterday. These people (including me) are a little obsessed and I'm not recommending that, but these threads show some of the awesome variety of material to choose from in the conifer world. (Don't forget to look at mature/10-year size before you buy) You had another question not yet answered... and perhaps better answered elsewhere but what the heck - deadheading: some people do it once a season, some once a day. Just look at the plant structure and try to avoid cutting off emerging buds as well. You probably would enjoy a good general gardening book to answer questions like that. Here is a link that might be useful: Pictures of conifers
...See More
Are you a collector of other things?
Q
Comments (36)
Well........Christine you certainly put things in perspective, I appreciate your strength in moving through the "wreckage" and getting on with the business of living. I believe in living in "an attitude of gratitude" and something tells me you do too. No matter what life throws at you if you look for it, you will find, something to be thankful for (sometimes it's just being on this side of the earth!!!) Life is amazing! You're right that there usually is (and should be)something to laugh about - my cats are the prime suspects there - one of the 4 of them usually manages to make me laugh (or at least smile) when I'm feeling blue. Annette's post of her hens running with long strands of spaghetti made me laugh. It also sounds very nice and relaxing to sit by the coop and watch "her girls". As for being a collector - ummmm - guilty - although I do it quite unconsciously, I seem to have amassed a lot of stuff, like books ( I love books), cards (I have birthday cards, Christmas cards, Valentine's, Anniversary, cards from all occasions for many many years), craft materials (I love to make stuff, refurbish treasures found in the dumpster, fix stuff), unusual containers for candles (old lamp pieces, light fixtures, car parts) I love candlelight!!! Vintage tablecloths (I use them inside and outside) & napkins. The only things I ever really looked for and collected were dinner bells and milk glass pieces. When I really like something I tend to want more of it, friends, cats, the stuff listed above, good thing I only want one DH!!! :) June
...See More
10 Ten Signs You're a Hostaholic
Q
Comments (133)
You know you are a hostaholic when you discipline your four year old son, and he gets mad and says "mommy, if you don't do what I want, I am going to take the tags off your hosta's so you won't know their names.". .... And for a moment you feel fear in your heart, until you proudly think that you have their locations memorized enough that you could figure it out. That same four year old knows the name of several of your favorite hostas, and tells you what they want. "Pandora's box doesn't like this spot, he wants to be moved over there.". ... And you seriously consider moving it so he might get into hostas just like you. When you go to hosta plant sales partially so you can find and talk to other hosta nuts who won't look at you like you are insane when you talk about your hosta.... And then If you get a little sad or frustrated when you figure out you know way more about hosta than they do... And if you can't believe that they have this beautiful hosta, but never bothered to try to ID it. If you seriously consider trying to ID other people's hostas through this forum. When you are giving a tour of your garden and referring to this hosta as "she" and another one as "he" and your friend laughs at you says "how do you know if it's a boy or girl?" and you say, "I'm not sure.... I guess I just get a vibe, you know?" When for you, one of the most depressing aspects of covid is that you JUST joined the american hosta society and mn hosta society this year and now all the meetings are postponed or cancelled.
...See More
obf 's 4th of july xmas 2007 swap #2
Q
Comments (97)
hey ladies mail just went through I received a very nice gift or gifts from kim /little_green_thumb :) thank you so much for thinking about my critters :)) My birds:) kim sent a tweety bird xmas tree ornament i think in honor of my birds :)) then for me a carousal ornament for me hope i spelled it right:)also Hersey's dk rich chocolate kissesssssssssss fillllled with cherry cordial creme' oh how they melt in your mouth but sure don't last long that taste leaves you wanting another & another same on you kim I think you just buy them for the game pieces & send your friends the candy so you don't gain the lbs . thank you so much for the sweets & ornaments :)) today i'm catching up here at home after going shopping to fill the pantry once again :) i have my meats marinating for my kabobs tonight . dad does not like bar-b- que but he loves my veggie & fruit k-bobs . didn't get much sleep last night the gals & i were out till 1 am we talked about all the old glass mates 40yrs we have been out of school this yr & we all still look like tittty bobber I mean teeny bobbers hehehehhe. i wrote on marshanne bathroom mirror with nels lipstick :)) but nel also did it marsha went in to use her bathroom came out & said oh how sweet i will never wash the mirror again ;))) I did offer to wash it off but she said no . I hope that when you all reach my age you will still have your glassmates to chum with :) we have a ball when we get together without husbands or kids :) & sometimes with our family my dad is their dad as their parents we mine also & now we all have just my father all their parents have passed . will i 'm sure you all know how much fun i had last evening so will shut up :) DJ's Comming for the kisses so have to go put them up . thanks a bunch kim I'll think of you when i pull out the scales :))) hugs to all susie
...See More
bernergarden
14 years ago
You must visit Peter Ruh's Gardens in Chesterland, OH. You can also visit Cahoon's Nursery in Westlake, OH. I live in Westlake, So, you could visit the beginnings of my Hosta gardens.
Daniel
Janice
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you, Daniel!! That would be really neat, all the suggestions, including yours!!

I'm going to get out the Microsoft Streets mapping and see how close these all are, and plan
the trip! I'm thinking 3 nights out but imagine Wades will take an entire afternoon +,
if we had the time!! Might need to make it 4 nights away, so maybe we can take in all that's
recommended including your place, Daniel! I never pass up an opportunity to meet a forum-person!
It's always been a very pleasant and positive 'coming together'! :o)

You're right, Chris--funny and yet, I can't imagine how presumptuous folks can be, that ken has
actually had reasons to spell-out the *do's and don't do's* he's covered!!

Times are a-changing and so are good manners, I suppose!
tomahawkclaim
14 years ago
I heartily endorse going to Peter Ruh's garden. Our visit last year was topped of by a tour by Mrs. Ruh; unforgettable. I've also heard of Kuk's Forest in Brecksville, but I've never been there; I was told you need to call first. And your suspicion that you'll need an afternoon at Wade & Gatton's is exactly right -- maybe even more! Have a great tour!
just1morehosta
14 years ago
Hi Janice,
Congratulations,i am assuming it is YOUR anniversery? :0)
How many years??
I too, am jealous,it is always so much fun going to new places,I know you will have fun.
Are you going to be taking any pictures to share?
cAROL
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
14 years ago
okayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

you can come here ...

hidden lakes is 15 mins away ....

hallsons another 30 ...

schmids 15 more .... no matter what your HEARD.. you should stop ...

now from jackson.. east or west ...

gee tree farm, with an incredible 10 acre arb is about 22 mins north of jackson ....

if you head west from there.. don r and englearth hosta are out that way ... near grand rapids.. you know the county.. allegan .. as in allegan fog ....

and jsut a bit farther south in zeeland is walters gardens... if you wanted to see a TC lab ....

and if you were to hook down around gary IND ... you might make an apptmnt with olga ... and then shoot straight across northern ohio on the turnpike ...

some of the suggested OH stops are very east of MI .. like 3 hours .... you obviously need a big circle ...

i was just at ruh's ... at 88 years old.. you better meet peter soon.. though he is shooting for 100, as he said ...

wade ... make an apptmnt with van.. so he can give you the 2 hours DRIVING tour.. and then plan on the rest of the day walking the hosta ...

i was just at kuk ... nice.. incredible.. but if time is important... this one it would be sacrificed ...

cahoons is not worth the effort ... TINY retail store.. jammed with enough stock for 40 acres.. lol ...

but if you are up that way .... i MIGHT intro you to the pres of the cleveland group.. jon soucek ... now that is a grand garden ....

email me direct if you need further info ....

ken
Janice
Original Author
14 years ago
GASP!!!! My eyes are spinning in my head!!

Ken--do you do driving tours to take all of that in??LOL
Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to do ALL OF THAT!!!

Okay--gotta get my map program going!!!

This will be our 41st wedding anniversary and we need a fun break!! I'm slowly reigning my hubby
into the *glory of the garden*--and he's come a LONG way and actually can see the beauty of hosta!
He prefers the big-un's, too, and NEVER denies me a hosta purchase, (probably should) and he even goes
along with me to the local nursery when I'm in 'hosta-grabbing' mode!

Ken--I may need your help in pinpointing the places you suggested--email is coming your way, a bit later!!!!
dbowemd
14 years ago
Cahoon's is a great nursery on the west side of Cleveland, and Kridler's is in the Canton area. email me privately is you think you'll have time for a tour of my garden. I am about 17 minutes from Ruh's.

Dave
Lee
14 years ago
all the way to Maine Janice? its showing only about 16 hours on mapquest lol!!!
Congratulation on your anniversary :)
Janice
Original Author
14 years ago
LOL, Melati--I WISH!!! We'll probably have to make that direction a whole *nuther plan*--maybe next-year's
anniversary!

Dave--thank you so much, too!! I'm definitely going to have to have 'a plan'!!

Now, tell me this *you guys* with the extensive collections you already have--what in the world do I bring you,
that you DO NOT ALREADY HAVE??? I'm getting nervous!!! My 'picken's are such 'small potatoes'
compared with anyone you've suggested visiting, including yourselves!! LOL

btw--do NOT fear--I would NEVER ask you for a piece of your hosta! I only tease on the forum,
with such boldness, (and with those I've already 'traded' with) but in 'real life' I'd be horrified to do that!!
Just not the way I wuz brought up--southern roots, ya know--well, maybe you don't but trust me--they're
still in 'there'!!! :o)

And, if I go
over a certain one you have--I AM NOT hinting for you to bring out the shovel,
okay? I'm just enthusiastic about ANYTHING I see that I think is awesome, admirable, or beautiful, and for the
life-of-me, I cannot refrain from letting my appreciation be known!!! :o/

So--DO NOT--DO NOT let my enthusiasm make you squirm nor compelled to dig up a perfectly beautiful
clump, destroying it's symmetry for the rest of the season, JUST to give me a piece of it, cause I'm excited
by it's maturity and beauty!!!

Seriously--I will, undoubtedly, LOVE them ALL!!! And, I can wait to get whatever it is I may be 'blown away' about,
someday--but--I may be taking copious notes, if you don't mind!! ;o)
Lee
14 years ago
somebody mentioned "Cookies"??? LOL!!!!
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
14 years ago
if you are an AHS memeber... jim and sandy wilkins are between hidden lakes/me.. and hallsons ....

now that is a garden to die for ...

you are a member.. yes???.. get out the directory... we all have addresses ....

and dont tie hubby to the tree ... if he likes playing in mud .... he can join the kids in the mud pit ....

ken
Janice
Original Author
14 years ago
Ummm, uhhh, errr--no, ken--not a member, this year! :o/ I'm so ashamed!!! Now, don't yell at me!!!

BTW, I just read the thread with "the Garden Etiquette" reposted aloud, to my husband! He laughed out loud
over so many of what I KNEW were your comments. I think he's gonna like you, ken--he already loves
your humor and style!!!

He's not much on mud--cement, maybe, but he LOVES kids so if he's not able to do the entire 'walk'
I know he'll be happy visiting with the kids!!! :o) Kids ALWAYS gravitate to him--he has some kind
of kid magnet on him--I think it's his smile and twinkling eyes!! If he had his way--we'd have more
babies--yeah--right--that's not gonna happen! LOL That's what grand-kids are for--to fill in that
gap!!!
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
14 years ago
send me a list of your hosta .... what you bring me is half of what you take back ...bring none.. get none.. eh???

now.. do you want the 50 cent.. 50 dollar.. or 500 dollar tour ...

50 cent.. you walk around the 5 acres in 5 mins.. announce you have all 5 that i have.. but yours are bigger ...i smack you in the head.. and you drive off ...

50 dollar ... we spend 3 to 5 hours wandering around the property ... discussing whatever hosta you want.. and conifers .. and you provide pizza for the kids.. since i cant take all that time with you.. and feed the mud puppies ...

500 dollar .... we stop and discuss all 1600 hosta .. ad nauseum.. every single hosta in the yard .. perhaps on our knees in some cases ...

anyway.. do you have a date set yet ... this will probably work better for me on a weekday ...

kids want to do a cement brick project if hubby really wants to get down and dirty ... lol ...

still waiting on that email ...

i can probably get you into wilkins ...

wear proper garden shoes ...

ken

Ideas for Anniversary gift of a hosta tour--ideas?

Comments (15)

keanaz5a

chris-e

Related Discussions

bernergarden

Janice
Original Author

tomahawkclaim

just1morehosta

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

Janice
Original Author

dbowemd

Lee

Janice
Original Author

Lee

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

Janice
Original Author

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Ideas for Anniversary gift of a hosta tour--ideas?

Comments (15)

Related Discussions

JaniceOriginal Author

JaniceOriginal Author

JaniceOriginal Author

JaniceOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Janice
Original Author

Janice
Original Author

Janice
Original Author

Janice
Original Author