Midwest Hosta Convention '08

whamadiddle · Post by **whamadiddle** » Jul 14, 2008 7:37 am

It was a busy weekend here in the Chicago area. The weather cooperated and a good time seemed to be had by all. Our own Trudy downloaded some pics here before she left and made me promise to post these two. So i will get things started at my own expense and hope others will post some pics also.

The first pic is Reldon, Dr. Dave, Bruce (Trudy's sport) and me.

The second pic is, well I think you can figure that one out!

putnamgardens · Post by **putnamgardens** » Jul 14, 2008 8:22 am

Tom taking on the Red hat before our banquet. Later, Love, Lisa

Trudy · Post by **Trudy** » Jul 14, 2008 8:50 am

Thanks Ken for posting the photos (didnt think he would post the first one, but it's a classic". Four of my favorite "Hosta Guys".

We had a wonderful time at the Midwest Convention. Special thanks to the Illinois hosta club for hosting the event and all the hard work everyone put into the convention!

We met many new friends and got to spend some special time with others we had already met.

The vendors had many plants to chose from, some newer ones for me are "Tickle Me Pink", "Sharp Dressed Man", "Lakeside Prophecy Stk", "Dream Maker" and won "Star Wars" at the auction.

The gardens were awesome.....maybe we can see more pictures from Ken and others.

Lisa......nice pic of Tom, he's a great guy!

Roxanne · Post by **Roxanne** » Jul 14, 2008 2:11 pm

Great pictures, ken!! Lisa too! Looks like everyone had a great time!

More, please!

Hosta12_Ia · Post by **Hosta12_Ia** » Jul 14, 2008 3:08 pm

I agree with Roxanne...more pics, please???
Jo

renaldo75 · Post by **renaldo75** » Jul 14, 2008 9:40 pm

That darn Ken...

Always causing trouble.

I had a wonderful time at the convention too. So much fun to hang out with everyone. And those of us on Bus #3 coming back from Foxwillow Pines have memories that none of the rest of you do. I Live In Fear ______.

And Ken - several of us decided that we're coming back in 3 years to see your gardens again whether there's another convention in your area or not. So be prepared to host a big Hallson get-together. [A few more of Ken's 1500+ hosta collection should be a bit bigger by then.] There are some pretty amazing/big/gorgeous ones there already.

ConnieD · Post by **ConnieD** » Jul 14, 2008 10:40 pm

HUGE hostas, WONDERFUL friends, BEAUTIFUL gardens. What more can I say except I NO LONGER LIVE IN FEAR of meeting Mr. P from Missouri.
What a great time we all had even though I missed the friends who could not make it this year.
ConnieD
Dingy4Hostas

whamadiddle · Post by **whamadiddle** » Jul 14, 2008 11:14 pm

OK Reldon - it seems like you maybe a trouble maker too...

This hosta seemed to bring a lot of response from the folks that came through - 'More Elegant'

From tip to tip it has reached 8' across in just 3 years

Since I did not take any photos - all these pictures are taken by Trudy - thanks!

Roxanne · Post by **Roxanne** » Jul 14, 2008 11:20 pm

Sweet!!

putnamgardens · Post by **putnamgardens** » Jul 15, 2008 8:39 am

Our own Renaldo's 2nd place award for this artistic design division. Way to go! Later, Love, Lisa

putnamgardens · Post by **putnamgardens** » Jul 15, 2008 8:43 am

our own HostaRod, hanging on the deck at the Michelletti's. Later, Love, Lisa P.S. I cut myself out of this photo.

renaldo75 · Post by **renaldo75** » Jul 15, 2008 9:21 am

Not me, Ken!! It must have been Splitter.

Ken's 'More Elegant' certainly was. A beautiful hosta in the perfect place.

Thanks for posting that pic of the design, Lisa. I haven't even tried to look at any of my pics yet. Linda Miller/justaysam told Mary Ann, 'That's what all of our rooftops would look like if we lived on Lakeshore Drive.' I guess that was what I was trying for without really thinking of it quite that way. LOL

Hosta12_Ia · Post by **Hosta12_Ia** » Jul 15, 2008 3:04 pm

Thanks for sharing the pictures and Trudy for taking them! Nice job Reldon.
Jo

Roxanne · Post by **Roxanne** » Jul 15, 2008 8:52 pm

Thanks for the pics!! Here I thought Rod had just dropped off the face of the earth!

Nice design, Reldon! Congrats to you!
Rox

renaldo75 · Post by **renaldo75** » Jul 15, 2008 11:06 pm

Thanks, ladies.

Rod looked to be just fine to me, Rox. But he had to check his back pockets before he sat down in the hospitality room though. [The Northern Illinois Hosta Society is a dry society.]

Diana · Post by **Diana** » Jul 15, 2008 11:40 pm

DRY??? Well, I'm glad I moved to California from Chicago back in 1976. Dry? Hostas need water, their owners need, well, liquid. Sorry I am so far away to be able to enjoy the festivities. Sounds like everyone had a good time, indeed.

-Diana

whamadiddle · Post by **whamadiddle** » Jul 16, 2008 8:44 am

This is Trudy's new registered mini named 'Little Maddie' which she was kind enough to bring for 'whamadiddle' for all to see. Thanks Trudy

Kim · Post by **Kim** » Jul 16, 2008 10:09 am

It's been awhile since I've posted. Sort of dropped off the face of the planet as far as Hallson forum, but still very much active in the hosta world. I had a lovely time at the convention with many Hallson friends and just had to remember the day with a video. We (hostarod, me and Mary Schwartzbauer, past Pres of the AHS) had quite an adventure in our hotel bathroom *wink, wink*.

Check out the video on YouTube. Paste the link into your browser....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXCG6XE5Y-g

steg · Post by **steg** » Jul 16, 2008 10:16 am

Thanks for the laugh and new plan of attack on dividing!

Trudy · Post by **Trudy** » Jul 16, 2008 11:03 am

Thanks for the giggles

You guys did a great job of dividing a beautiful hosta, "King Lizard". Good luck with your crowns!

Rod, I had plant tags, in my bag. You never know when you will need those tags, so I always carry them along.

Hallson Gardens

Midwest Hosta Convention '08

Midwest Hosta Convention '08

another photo of people