President's Message

President's Message from the Current Newsletter - July 2024

Expressions from Ella!

Hostas can take a fair amount of sun. They like morning sun and afternoon shade. This hot dry period of weather we are experiencing is taxing the beautiful hostas we saw in our garden this spring. I have discovered several with scorch on their leaves from lack of water. To keep a hosta healthy and growing they need weekly water and for newly planted hosta watering 2-3 times a week. I now have an aggressive and exhausting watering schedule...too much yard for this time of year. 

I love my spring garden so fresh and new and usually plenty of rain to keep it that way. But now is the time you can evaluate and make decisions about the success or failures of your garden. I make notes on white flags for plants I want to move later this fall when it cools down or even next spring. I do wish I had more of a garden journal when I was starting my garden; better late than never! I also like to take pictures in my garden. In different seasons I have some special plant combinations to remember. I still need to stay vigilant against the weeds--seems like I am never catching up. We are our own hardest critics. Do keep your garden watered, weeded, and most importantly enjoyed. 

Ella Maxwell

 Central Illinois Hosta Society President