"American Gothic, the Tour"
2010 Midwest Regional Hosta Convention

Des Moines in July... what better time to tour some of central Iowa's stellar gardens! The Midwest Regional Hosta Convention, hosted by the Russ O'Harra Hosta Society, takes place July 8-10 and will originate from the beautifully renovated downtown Renaissance Savery Hotel. The convention is open to all interested persons who register and it is available online (see ad) or ROHS.org. Please join us for Des Moines' premier garden event.

We will be traveling by bus, touring six gardens in the Central Iowa area. Tantalizing highlights of these six gardens are described in brief detail:

A stately one-acre garden in heavy shade has come to life with the addition of a mix of hosta varieties and other plant materials.

Another half-acre garden tucked away in a sub-division reveals a winding creek, stunning waterfall and a tree house accessed by an aerial walkway suspended fifty feet in the air. Four thousand hostas, board walkways and garden art complete this fantasy garden.

A floral designer has lent his magic to our next garden that has literally been moved over one hundred miles to a new site. Leaving no stone unturned, several hundred hostas and other plant varieties have been uniquely arranged.

A twelve-acre rural garden, Toad Hall, overflows with hostas, daylilies, woody perennials and dwarf conifers creating a gardener's delight. This eclectic gathering of plant material begs to be visited.

A small quarter-acre lot nestled in the center of the city boasts over two hundred fifty hostas situated on a wooded hillside. This garden showcases one of the best collections of hosta breeder, Russell O'Harra, our club's founder.

Finally, a small garden has been reclaimed from neglect and restored to its former glory. The garden is one of the finest hosta gardens in the area and is renowned throughout the hosta world as an example of what can be achieved through careful design, structure and good plant breeding.

These are just the gardens. Other events include vendors, cut-leaf judging and show, raffles, banquets, a picnic and the chance to rub shoulders, exchange ideas and meet with hosta and garden aficionados from around the country. Visit ROHS.org for more information. See you in July!