Must see hosta/plant sights on our journey

[jgh]

Hi, folks...

We're taking off Saturday in our RV... we'll be godparents in DeKalb on Sunday, and visit Q&Z on Monday or Tuesday... then we've got couple of weeks to make our way to Lansing, Michican for the National Convention. So... Chicago area, Northeastern Illinois, Northern Indianna, Michigan... what gardens and nurseries and whatever should we put into our meandering course?

[mjjones453]

I would take a visit to Hornbakers Garden Center if you could they have lots of Hostas, and lovely display gardens. Hornbakers is in Princeton IL, and well worth the trip. Happy visiting!

[jgh]

what... nobody is going to invite me to visit their garden? And nobody is going to mention visiting Hallson???!!!

[steg]

Wade & Gatton would put you on one heck of a meandering course....

http://wadeandgattonnurseries.com/

Pass through Columbus? Stop over for a cold one.

Have a good trip...photos to come????

[Linda P]

Jim, you will be about an hour and a half east of me for your trip to Q&Z. If you don't mind wandering all the way back to the river, you are certainly welcome to stop in here...or maybe on the way home???? I'll second the recommendation for Hornbakers, and by golly, I yust allreddy figgered ya was goin to hallsons.....!!!!!!!
So...YES...do visit Hallsons!!!!! I haven't had the pleasure yet myself, but I'll get there one day!
If I were anywhere near Wade and Gatton, I'd figure out a way to stop there too.
Who knows...it may be August before you get home.
Linda P

[Chris_W]

Hi Jim,

Yes, we all kind of figured you knew about Hallson's already. You are certainly welcome - heck you can even park the RV here if you want and we have hot showers available - built 2 extra full bathrooms just for guests.

Walters Gardens is in Zeeland, MI. Tom Schmid's nursery is just 10 minutes north of us.

Have fun

Chris

[whamadiddle]

Jim - Send me a PM if you are interested in visiting Whamadiddle. We are a 1/2 hour or so from DeKalb. Ken

[pauhaus]

Hi Jim,

Just wanted to add that if you go see Chris at Hallson's you might want to visit Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton and view their Hosta Hillside. There is also Arrowhead Alpines in Fowlerville, might be a little out of the way for you. If you're in the Brighton area you're more than welcome to stop by.

[dmi188]

I second (or third) Wade and Gatton, but be aware that you could spend days there! They have lots of display gardens and lots of hoop houses! If you call ahead, you may even be able to meet Van Wade. I love that place! It was my first trip to a real hosta nursery, and I was on overload for 2 days!

[Spider]

You could visit me.

[lazygardner]

I'm about an hour and a half east of Lansing if you want to stop by, but be forewarned: my house is a hardhat zone, esp during gardening season! Not that my gardens are much to look at, but there is a great restaurant in town in you like creative meals. OH and White Lake Herb Farm is a wonderful place to visit for gardens, herbs, teas, garden art, aromatherapy items and indoor art. They have a small library and a couple of green-houses as well. Of course, for hosta gardens you have to see Hallson's!!!

[twoblackdogs]

Not sure what route you are taking to get to Lansing, but here are some other ideas -

Fernwood Botanical Gardens in Niles, Mi http://www.fernwoodbotanical.org/

Meijer Gardens/Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, MI http://www.meijergardens.org/

Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, IL (by my in laws house) http://andersongardens.org/

I would second or third the idea on going to Hornbakers in IL.

And if you want to see my garden prior to the convention I would be glad to share it with you, I'm in Battle Creek - just send me a a PM.

Lela

[hostanquilts]

I didn't figure that you would make it all the way South to Peoria, IL, or I would have offered you an invite to stop by my house & see my gardens. Hornbackers is a neat place to see & they have nice hosta & companion plants.