When we accompanied our daughter to the FFA National Convention in Louisville, KY, two years ago, we noticed that all the fences and outbuildings in an entire area out in the country were painted black. We noticed a group of men working in front of a barn, and stopped to ask them if they could enlighten us. Turned out the barn was chuck full of Burley tobacco which had been hung to cure, and they gave us tourista's the royal tour. Interesting to note that they were all in their late 60's and 70's, they all grow a couple of acres of burley on contract, and NONE of them smoke! One had worked for 30 years in a cigarette factory, and he told us that American Burley provides the bulk, but imported Turkish tobacco is blended in for the flavor. The stalks are hung from lengths of lath between the rafters of the barn, and the owner of this barn said his grandkids climb up there with each individual lath. He gave us a leaf. It was supple and leathery when he took it out of the barn, but after 2 days in the trunk of the rental car, it was tinder-dry and shattered into a fine tobacco dust. I know this doesn't answer any of your questions, but you reminded me of our interesting experience. By the way, everything was painted black because in that part of Kentucky, there are itinerant painters who come through and paint barns and fences for hire. They mostly use discarded paint that has been mixed together, and that year's supply was dark, almost black.

I almost hate to open your posts, because I know I am going to see more beautiful DLs that I can't have, oh, well, I just have to look. OH, yes, there they are, a bunch of stunners. Looks like the ladies are cranking out lots of lovelies. Most of these I have never heard of, so will be doing a lot of research, just in case there are a couple I might be able to add. Once again, thank you for sending these along---I should mention that I did read post #2 and of course, I saw so many good ones--The R. Norris Up Against The Sun and Ruby Grandeur couldn't be missed. Can hardly wait to see the photos from Colorado. Avedon

I will be going--I live in Cedar Rapids. Some of us from the HHS got together last night to stuff the name tags--saw lots of names I recognized!. Tonight they will be able to get into the hotel to stuff bags. I unfortunately will have to work. : ( I will be helping at one of the gardens on the tour! Not entering any leaves, but am really curious since this is my first convention. As for hat--still thinking on it. I am a last minute person for things like that. Yes, I am interested in a meeting place. Just need to figure out where. Maybe by the bar on left side of lobby, or the glass elevators on right side of lobby? And, what day & time? Terri This post was edited by Terri9094 on Tue, Jun 10, 14 at 15:07

Some think it is a little expensive to attend conventions. It might seem that way but for what you get it is worth it. You can congregate with hundreds of folks that just love to garden and use "Hostas" as an excuse to get together. Once your at the convention feel free to go up to any other attendee and introduce yourself. I usually spend at least a day getting or giving "hugs and handshakes" While convention times are work times for me it is still a great chance to meet face to face with all the forum members you get to chat with on the WWW. Start saving now if you want to add to your hosta collection. If you have never perused a vending room you will probably be overwhelmed at first. You will be face to face with some of the nicest vendors you will ever meet. They are all patient and want to talk to you. You will find there will be a wide selection of companion plants and garden items in addition to the best selection of hostas in one room anywhere. There is always an auction with unique selection of donations up for bids. Some go for unheard of prices yet others seem to go at bargain prices. It's all fun and the proceeds of the auction help support the American Hosta Society. If you bid on nothing the commentary that goes along with all the hostas presented for auction is very educational and at times very entertaining. If you cannot afford to register for the convention the leaf show, seedling competitions, and vending are made available to the public at no charge. If you live close join the local society and volunteer your time to help with the gardens and convention. You will meet some great people and have fun for sure. The Minnesota bunch are a fun bunch to be around. If you get to the 2010 convention and see a fellow with a big smile and a bullfrog voice sitting in a japanese maple forest introduce yourself. Lee