“AMERICAN GOTHIC”
Hosted by
Russ O’Harra Hosta Society
July 8-10, 2010

Renaissance Savery Hotel
Downtown Des Moines, IA

The Russ O’Harra Hosta Society is excited and proud to host the “American Gothic” 2010 Midwest Regional Hosta Convention in Des Moines, IA, July 8-10, 2010.  The Convention is located in the newly renovated and restored Renaissance Savery Hotel, a National Register of Historic Places historic hotel in the heart of Des Moines.  The Convention will have all the exciting activities participants have come to expect:  national and local vendors, accredited hosta leaf show, live auction, raffles, banquet, and of course the Garden Tour!  A Thursday evening chance to meet the Garden Hosts, chance to see the Better Homes and Gardens test garden, and other activities will fill the Convention schedule.

The metro Des Moines area boasts museums, Botanical Gardens, a Riverwalk, new $20Million Sculpture garden, restaurants, garden centers, historical sites, shopping and many other sites and activities. Many activities are within walking distance of the hotel, and getting to the Renaissance Savery and around town is easy with interstate highways, clearly marked streets and free public transportation.

2010 CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

THURSDAY:  The convention begins on Thursday when the vendors open and Cut Leaf Show participants prepare leaves for the early Friday morning judging.  Judges Clinic will be in the afternoon and convention attendees can attend the party to meet the Tour Garden Hosts.  Cut Leaf preparation and the open hospitality suite will offer the chance to make and renew friendships.

FRIDAY:  The day opens with judging of the Cut Leaf Show at 7:30am (there will not be a chance to prep leaves Friday morning, all prep is scheduled for Thursday afternoon and evening).  The Cut Leaf Show will open to the public in the late morning, along with the vendors.  An optional tour of the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden is scheduled for noon.  Ample time will offer chances to see the Des Moines area, additional gardens, visit the raffle offerings and patronize the vendors.  The Banquet and Live Auction will follow cocktails and the hospitality suite will conclude the evening.

SATURDAY:  Breakfast will be served early and then the tour of five gardens in the Des Moines area will begin.  Returning for a late lunch will give everyone a last chance to visit the vendors and Cut Leaf Show and then we load on buses again and travel to Ames, IA, for a BBQ Picnic in the beautiful garden setting of our last Tour Garden.  The evening will conclude with the hospitality suite open.

SUNDAY:  Before leaving be sure to visit the optional gardens, the Riverwalk w/ Japanese garden, the Botanical Center, or one of the many public gardens or parks.