The Middle Tennessee Hosta Society (“MTHS”) was established in January, 1998 by a group of individuals interested in growing hostas and shade tolerant plants. The members of MTHS bring a wide array of plant expertise to the group. Many are members of other plant organizations, such as Garden Partners in Dickson, the Perennial Plant Society, Middle Tennessee Day Lily Society, and Master Gardener Groups. A number of members attend the American Hosta Society (“AHS”) National Convention and meetings of the Dixie Regional Hosta Society each year and also present programs to local and regional horticultural groups.
Whether a member is new to shade gardening or has 700 varieties of hostas in their garden, we attempt to provide programs and activities that will provide a learning experience for all - The most important experience being interactions with other growers and HAVING FUN!!!
In addition to local and regional speakers, programs have been presented by: Diana Grenfeld, co-author of The Color Encyclopedia of Hostas, George Schmid, author of The Genus Hosta and An Encyclopedia of Shade Perennials, Kevin Walek, past president of the American Hosta Society and former Editor of The Hosta Journal, Dr. Bob Olson, past president of the American Hosta Society and Editor of The Hosta Journal, Bob Solberg, owner of Green Hills Farms in Chapel Hill, NC and introducer of H. ‘Guacamole’ and other fragrant hostas and hostas with attributes for growth in Southern Gardens. Mark Zilis, author of The Hosta Handbook will speak in 2006.
In 2002 MTHS hosted the Dixie Regional Hosta Society, an experience providing speakers, garden tours, plant sales, and an AHS Accredited Hosta Show (the third accredited hosta show staged by MTHS).
On-going projects include staging a booth at the Nashville Lawn & Garden Show, at which time MTHS sells bare-rooted hostas, an informational booth at the Williamson County Bloom-n-Expo, and the Annual Hosta Sale the Saturday before Mother’s Day in the parking lot of the Maryland Farms YMCA. In 2005 over 200 varieties of hostas were offered for sale. Additionally, in 2005, members of the organization participated in a trip to Birmingham where the Aldridge Botanical Garden in Hoover, the Birmingham Botanical Garden, and several private gardens were visited.
The Genus Hosta and the term “the Friendship Plant” have become synonymous. We look forward to meeting you!
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