At the September meeting, Gregg Peterson, current President of the American Hosta Society, will share his special affinity for miniature hostas. Whether used in garden beds as a collection, or in containers or troughs, miniature hosta gardening is one of the hottest trends.  Gregg will review how to care for miniature hostas and give us a peek at new miniatures available for your garden.

The American Hosta Society has over 2,000 members and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.  Gregg previously served as Vice President – Judging /Exhibitions, which coordinates local, regional and national Hosta Shows.  He continues to serve as a Master Judge and a Judge’s Clinic instructor helping train new Hosta Show judges.

Gregg is the past President of the Minnesota Hosta Society, which has over 270 members and is one of the largest local hosta societies in the country.  He is also a member of the Midwest Regional Hosta Society.  He was a Master Gardener in Ramsey County for over 11 years and a Master Gardener in Kitsap County, Washington for over 2 years.

His interest in hostas began in 1999 with the purchase of several non-descript hosta plants to fill in a shady corner of his yard.  The hosta “bug” bit and he and his wife had over 1,100 different varieties at a Roseville, MN home; then 250 different varieties at a Washington state home on Bainbridge Island; and now they have just over  780 different hosta cultivars at their current home in Oakdale, MN.

As AHS president, Gregg is an ambassador. In speaking to local clubs, he emphasizes the importance of educating gardeners and inviting friends to share our passion for the “Friendship Plant.” Though Gregg has intimate knowledge about hostas, his programs are down-to-earth with sly humor. Coming from the frozen north (Minnesota), he’s quick to recognize regional differences.

Please join us September 20 at 7:00 p.m. for Gregg’s informative and engaging presentation.  Refreshments are at 6:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome.