Midwest Hosta Convention "Isthmus in July" Madison, Wisconsin

If you really love hosta, I highly encourage you to attend the Midwest Regional Hosta Convention which will be in Madison, Wisconsin this year.  The convention will take place July 7-9.

What's a hosta convention?
In short, it's a gathering of people who love hostas.

What can you expect to see or do?
You can expect to see hostas, of course.  There will be hosta vendors from around the country selling hostas, and opportunities to tour beautiful hosta gardens in the area.

Where can I find more information?
http://wihostasociety.com/html/2011_convention.html

Do I have to attend all days?
No, you can just come for a day.

Not to be missed?
The Friday night hosta auction is usually something to be seen, unless you have a very strong weakness for hosta and won't be able to control yourself.

What a difference one week can make

Last week we had 10 inches of snow....this week: lots of rain.

Visit to Thistledown Greenhouse

It was time once again for my early spring visit out to Thistledown Greenhouse.  I usually go the first day they open, but the weather here has not been cooperative.  Thistledown is located between Black Creek and Bonduel, and is a great place to visit.  The owners are so nice and helpful, and they carry a wide range of plants from succulents, annuals, perennials, cacti, and plants for miniature gardens.  Here are some pictures from my trip, and I am going to try to put some of my succulent containers together today.  So I might post more pictures tomorrow.  If you would like more information about Thistledown, you can visit their website or visit them on Facebook.

April 20th, 2011

No, you read the date right.  These photos are from today.  Yes, it's supposed to be spring....but I did hear it's supposed to be 70 degrees next week Tuesday.

June 18th Garden Walk

Even though the Cheesehead Garden looks like this, this morning:

I was going to say it's time to think spring, but technically even though it doesn't feel like spring, it is spring here in Wisconsin.  Mark June 18th on your calendars, as that is when the Outagamie County Master Gardener's Club will be hosting their annual Garden Discoveries Garden Walk.  There will be 8 gardens to tour, including the Cheesehead Garden and two of my friends whose gardens have been featured on Cheesehead Gardening episodes.   Local artists will be featured at each garden.  The cost to tour all of the gardens is $5 plus 2 non-perishable items.

Speaking of the Outagamie Master Gardener's Club, they are holding their annual plant sale on May 21st.  More details can be found here.

New Season Starts Soon

The new season of Cheesehead Gardening will be starting back up soon (perhaps this weekend).  Let us know if you have any suggestions or questions you would like us to answer in the up coming season.

I was cheering today....

I was out in the yard today raking, and I started cheering....look what I found...

My husband looked at me strange, but then he did a little, "Yah, hosta nubs."  Not quite as enthusiastic as me, more like poking fun at me....but I'll take it!

Green and Gold Hosta Society Meeting

If you love hosta, and live is Northeast Wisconsin then you should join the annual meeting of the Green and Gold Hosta Society.  The meeting is held at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens on April 13th from 6-9pm.  There will be  door prizes, treats, and great conversations about hostas and gardening.  A great way to shake those winter blues (even though it's supposed to officially be spring).  

Why join?  It's a great way to meet people with similar interests for one.  Also there are 3 hosta chit chats though out the summer, where you can tour member gardens.  There is also an annual road trip, and you can order discounted club hostas from Bob Solberg.

Hope to see you there!