Indianapolis Hosta Society

February Monthly Meeting
2025-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Coxhall Gardens, Coxhall Gardens 11677 Towne Rd, Carmel, 46032, United States
Coffee and Long’s Donuts

Spring is nigh! Before long we will be out watching our hostas poking their little eyes up to greet the sun. While we’re waiting, come socialize with us and enjoy morning coffee and Long’s donuts.A special February meeting to get together and go over upcoming events for 2025. Once again join us for a preseason gathering to chat with old friends and meet some new ones. We will cover the activities of the upcoming year with by presentations from Committee Chairs on their events and needs for help with the upcoming events. We will be outlining plans and needs as preparations begin for the 2027 Convention being held in Indianapolis.

March Monthly Meeting
2025-03-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Coxhall Gardens, Coxhall Gardens 11677 Towne Rd, Carmel, 46032, United States
Tool-Up for Gardening: Top 10 Garden Tools with Steve Cline

Steve is a Marion County Advanced Master Gardener from the class of 2015. Retired in 2014 after 51 years as a Registered Pharmacist in retail Pharmacy. He is married and has 5 children which have blessed him with 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He currently volunteers at Holiday Park in Indy, serves as a team leader at the Demonstration Garden at the State Fairgrounds and works at his Church on the Grounds Team taking care of its 81 acre campus . He is an avid collector of garden tools and will be speaking to us today on his “Top 10 Garden Tools” along with other favorites; their proper use, care and maintenance .

Great Lakes Region Hosta College
2025-03-21 08:00 - 2025-03-22 17:00 | Indiana
Hosta College officially begins at 6:00 pm on Friday with hosta and gardening vendors, an auction, snacks, and fellowship with old and new gardening friends. Starting at 7:30 on Saturday morning you can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast /and attend five hours of classes and lunch. Our event ends with an optional banquet and speaker at 6:30 pm.

April Monthly Meeting
2025-04-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Coxhall Gardens, Coxhall Gardens 11677 Towne Rd, Carmel, 46032, United States
Containers from the Ground Up with Myrene Brown

Come and enjoy Myrene Brown’s program “Containers From The Ground Up”. The program will be a visual journey starting with where to place your container, container choices, and set up. There will be tips to keep the need to water to a minimum. Time will be spent discussing container maintenance, quick fixes and winter storage to round out the program. Myrene’s hope is that you will walk away with some new thoughts on how to have thriving container plantings that bring you joy.

May Monthly Meeting
2025-05-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Coxhall Gardens, Coxhall Gardens 11677 Towne Rd, Carmel, 46032, United States
Right-Sized Gardening: Growing with Life’s Changes with Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp

Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp is the Hoosier Gardener. She’s a 25-year, award-winning veteran of print journalism and owner of Write for You! LLC, a freelance writing and editing business. You can find her blog at hoosiergardener.com. Jo Ellen is a past president of GardenComm: GardenCommunicators International. She is a garden coach and has a four-season commercial and residential container planting business. For 20 years, she worked at a large, independent garden center in Indianapolis, including a stint as buyer of perennials, trees and shrubs. The popular speaker publishes the award-winning, free, monthly Hoosier Gardener Newsletter, with more than 3,000 subscribers. (http://eepurl.com/gkfb91).

June Monthly Meeting
2025-06-07 01:00 - 17:00 | Carmel Clay Library, 425 E. Main Street, Carmel, IN, 46032, United States
Hosta Leaf Show 2025

Carmel Clay Library, 425 E. Main Street, Carmel, IN. 46032

Hosta Leaf Show Schedule

Entries Received: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.Judging Begins: 10:30 a.m.Show Opens to the Public: 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.Claim Entries: 4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.Show TearDown Begins: 4:15 p.m. (unclaimed entries will be discarded)

The AHS-sanctioned hosta show is a great way to share our love of hostas and educate ourselves and others about hostas.

The show competition includes twelve different cut leaf sections, a container grown division, trough/container grown gardens, tri-fecta, along with educational displays.

We encourage all members to participate. Janet will explain the process at our April meeting and conducting a workshop closer to the show. The show schedule with complete rules and details will be posted later on our website. Check back in April.

If you would like to volunteer to help with the show or have questions about entering leaves in the show, contact Janet Stultz at 317-446-9718 or jstultz1505@gmail.com

AHS Convention
2025-06-19 08:00 - 2025-06-21 17:00 | Indiana
2025 American Hosta Society Convention

“Hosta Double Feature”

Jointly sponsored by the American Hosta Society and the Midwest Regional Hosta SocietyHosted by the Central Illinois Hosta Society

Par-A-Dice Hotel – June 19-21, 2025 – East Peoria, IL

Garden Tours – Accredited Hosta Show -Vendors – Live and Silent Auctions – Educational SpeakersHosta Seed Growers Seedling Competition

Gift Hosta is Hosta ‘Prairieland Memories’

Optional Thursday evening at Hornbaker GardensGarden Center – Arboretum – Botanic Garden

Classic Midwest Hosta-tality

Annual AHS Convention

Member Garden Tour
2025-06-29 10:00 - 17:00 | Indiana
Members Garden Tour

Wanda Dove, 6299 W. County Rd 550 S., Coatesville, INLong-time IHS member Wanda Dove is opening her garden to members. While Wanda admits that Mother Nature may be working to reclaim her garden, as she doesn’t tend it as diligently as in the past, it is still gorgeous with some of the largest specimens of hostas in the state! Wanda is especially looking forward to visiting with old garden friends as well as meeting new ones! You won’t want to miss this special opportunity!Avon Gardens, 6259 East County Road 91 North, Avon, Indiana 46123Avon Gardens is an inspiring, gorgeous 5+ acre destination garden center where visitors can see a wide variety of established plants throughout the property. The ravine garden may be of special interest to fellow Hosta lovers, but there is so much more to see! Meandering paths take one through both shady and sunny areas, and the fairy garden is a magical area not to be missed.Karen Robbins created Avon Perennial Gardens beginning in 1987. Sadly, Karen passed away in 2023, but her dream is being carried on by her hand-picked current co-owners, who are working to honor her legacy.Terra Flora, 8047 Goat Hollow Road, Martinsville, IN 46151Doug and Kay Flauding returned “home” to Indiana from Wisconsin after retiring in 2004. Terra Flora is the result of 20 years of love and dedicated effort. This serene botanical oasis offers a diverse collection of plant species and landscapes to explore. The gardens cover about 2 acres, nearly 80% of which is shaded, and feature 20 separate gardens, ponds, a waterfall, and unique garden art pieces. There are over 2,000 hostas, several varieties of ferns, shrubs, and hundreds of annuals for long-lasting color. This garden provides a peaceful retreat where visitors can gather new ideas for their own gardens. You may want to plan to spend at least an hour at this gorgeous property.NOTE: there are NO public restrooms on the property.SHOPPING OPPORTUNITY: Cox’s Plant Farm, 6360 S Co. Rd. 0, Clayton, Indiana 46118You may want to take advantage of being so close to this great shopping spot! Cox’s Plant Farm is a family-owned business that started in 1970. They are now one of the largest vendors in Indiana, on more than 20 acres. There are over 20 huts where they grow plants, as well as a retail building, perennial building, and other large greenhouses.

Bus Trip
2025-07-16 07:00 - 2025-07-19 20:00 | Indiana
This year we will be traveling to the popular Western Michigan area again for a 4 day 3 night bus trip beginning on Thursday July 16 and concluding on Sunday July 19. We will be touring gardens we didn’t visit the last time, in the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, & northern Indiana areas. Stay tuned for more information and to sign up.

August Monthly Meeting
2025-08-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Coxhall Gardens, Coxhall Gardens 11677 Towne Rd, Carmel, 46032, United States
Planting Perennials for Successive Blooming with John Chapin

John Chapin lives in Danville, IN and was an elementary teacher for 36 years and also ran a landscaping company for 38 years, overlapping his teaching career for 20 years.

He started Tree Frog Gardens as his “retirement” business seven years ago – growing and selling unusual or hard-to-find plants including many native perennials, shrubs, and trees. He also sells plants at many area spring garden fairs. He’s on Facebook (Tree Frog Gardens) and maintains an email list for gardeners who like to read his plant profiles and general gardening information, but are not on Facebook. He has retired from landscaping now except for consultations and designs.

September Fall Festival
2025-09-14 13:00 - 17:00 | Coxhall Gardens, Coxhall Gardens 11677 Towne Rd, Carmel, 46032, United States
Member Pitch-in and Auction

Feeling benevolent and willing to share that coveted Hosta that you just can’t find anymore? It’s never too early to begin planning which of your favorite, unusual, or hard-to-find Hosta you’ll want to contribute to the annual auction. Got some unused tools taking up space? Are you over the fairy garden phase? Other plants and garden-related treasures are welcome! Please check first and make sure there are no invasive plants in your offerings. We will remove any that are.

Early potting of plants will ensure your donations look their best in time for the sale. The annual auction is the main fundraiser supporting your Indianapolis Hosta Society. So grab your shovel, dig early, and come prepared to bid often and generously!

October Monthly Meeting
2025-10-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Coxhall Gardens, Coxhall Gardens 11677 Towne Rd, Carmel, 46032, United States
Digging and Delighted: Dug in the Fall to be Delighted in the Spring with Carol J. Michel

If you are tempted to put your gardening tools away when it’s time to buy Halloween candy, you are missing out on the opportunity to set the stage in your garden for a great spring show. Carol will talk about fall gardening activities and dispel a few myths along the way, while giving a pep talk to those who are worn out and ready to call it a season.

Carol J. Michel is the award-winning author of several books including five gardening humor books and two children’s books. As the holder of degrees in both horticulture and computer technology, she spent over three decades making a living in healthcare IT while making a life in her garden. She started writing about gardening on her blog called May Dreams Gardens which led to numerous magazine articles, her books, and a podcast called The Gardenangelists.

Amy Mullen Handout Designing the Winter Garden KEYNOTEDownload

November Monthly Meeting
2025-11-10 18:00 - 20:30 | Coxhall Gardens, Coxhall Gardens 11677 Towne Rd, Carmel, 46032, United States
Designing the Winter Garden with Amy Mullen

Make your garden a four-season one by injecting winter interest into your garden, without sacrificing beauty the rest of the year. Includes creating views from inside, the importance of structure, great plants for the winter garden, and more.

Amy Mullen is a garden designer, coach, blogger and plant geek. A degree in physics, a lifelong love of theatre, and a background in communications and marketing make her uniquely suited to demystifying gardening for clients and readers alike. She’s passionately interested in sustainability, garden history and design, acquiring yet more books, shopping thrift stores, and pretty much anything to do with cats.

Amy Mullen Handout Designing the Winter Garden KEYNOTEDownload

December Holiday Party
2025-12-07 13:00 - 17:00 | Coxhall Gardens, Coxhall Gardens 11677 Towne Rd, Carmel, 46032, United States
Holiday Gathering

The annual holiday party will be the final event of the year, and will be held at the Coxhall Gardens Mansion. We will enjoy a festive pitch-in with members bringing their favorite dish to share. There will be games, games, and games with loads of fabulous prizes. There may even be a few special hostas to be won, and who doesn’t want more Hosta varieties! This is a time to come and visit with fellow members, enjoy delectable food, and share in the holiday spirit with Hosta friends!

February Monthly Meeting
2026-02-14 10:00 - 12:00 | St Lukes Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th Street, Entrance #6, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240, United States
Coffee and Donuts

Spring is nigh! Before long we will be out watching our hostas poking their little eyes up to greet the sun. While we’re waiting, come socialize with us and enjoy morning coffee and Long’s donuts.A special February meeting to get together and go over upcoming events for 2025. Once again join us for a preseason gathering to chat with old friends and meet some new ones. We will cover the activities of the upcoming year with by presentations from Committee Chairs on their events and needs for help with the upcoming events. We will be outlining plans and needs as preparations begin for the 2027 Convention being held in Indianapolis.

March Monthly Meeting
2026-03-09 18:30 - 20:30 | St Lukes Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th Street, Entrance #6, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240, United States
The Best Websites for Hosta Gardeners Guest Speaker: Don Rawson from Comstock Park, MIWe will be in Room N101/N102 for this meeting.

The internet offers a vast collection of hosta gardening information, expert advice, and trusted resources for gardeners of all experience levels. In this class, we explore the best online resources for hosta care, including planting guides, maintenance tips, pest management solutions, and seasonal growing advice.

Don will share the most popular mail-order hosta nurseries and online plant retailers for gardeners looking to purchase new hosta varieties and companion plants. Learn where to buy high-quality hostas online, compare specialty growers, and discover reliable sources for shade garden plants.

Detailed class notes are included with the presentation for future reference. For additional hosta gardening tips and resources. Visit his website.Open to the public

April Monthly Meeting
2026-04-13 18:30 - 20:30 | St Lukes Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th Street, Entrance #6, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240, United States
Gardening in the Shade – Beyond Hostas

Guest Speaker: John Chapin

We all know hostas are classic shade garden favorites, but a truly beautiful shade garden design includes much more. A variety of shade-loving perennials and annuals can add color, texture, and seasonal interest beyond traditional hosta plantings.

Shade-tolerant shrubs and ornamental trees also provide structure and depth, anchoring garden beds and enhancing the overall landscape.

In addition, creative and budget-friendly garden accents—such as containers, benches, and decorative features—can add charm and personality. By combining diverse plants with thoughtful design elements, garden clubs can create layered, eye-catching shade gardens that stand out.John’s handout from the meeting

May Monthly Meeting
2026-05-11 18:30 - 19:00 | St Lukes Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th Street, Entrance #6, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240, United States
AHS National Display Gardens

Guest Speaker: Danny Lawson

Danny is a lifelong Kansan who has enjoyed gardening from a very young age. Introduced over 20 years ago to hostas by his older sister Linda, who is a Sedgwick County Master Gardner, his love for them quickly took off.

Danny is the President and Newsletter Editor for the Wichita Hosta Society, a position he has held for the past several years. He is also the current Editor of The Hosta Journal, the Newsletter Exchange Coordinator,and past Editor of both The Online Hosta Journal and eNewsletter for The American Hosta Society. An AHS Convention regular, he enjoys traveling the country and touring botanical gardens in all growing zones but prioritizes any which feature an AHS Display Garden.

Danny’s primary topics are the AHS National Display Gardens, information and benefits of an AHS Membership, and the importance (and excitement) of attending the AHS National and the many Regional Hosta Conventions.

May Leaf Show Prep
2026-05-16 10:30 - 12:30 | Amy Anderson, 14254 Carlow Run, Westfield, Indiana, 46074, United States
Hosta 101 and Leaf Show Prep Class

Ever thought about submitting leaves for the May Leaf Show but just not sure what you need to do? This is the class for you. Amy will walk you thru all the steps from choosing the proper leaf, cleaning it and soaking them overnight so they are perfect the next day. Be a participant in our AHS Hosta Leaf Show on May 30th at the Carmel Public Library.

AHS Leaf Show
2026-05-30 08:00 - 17:00 | Carmel Clay Library, 425 E. Main Street, Carmel, IN, 46032, United States
Hosta Leaf Show 2026 TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Carmel Clay Library, 425 E. Main Street, Carmel, IN. 46032

Hosta Leaf Show Schedule

Entries Received: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.Judging Begins: 10:30 a.m.Show Opens to the Public: 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.Claim Entries: 4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.Show TearDown Begins: 4:15 p.m. (unclaimed entries will be discarded)

The AHS-sanctioned hosta show is a great way to share our love of hostas and educate ourselves and others about hostas.

The show competition includes twelve different cut leaf sections, a container grown division, trough/container grown gardens, tri-fecta, along with educational displays.

We encourage all members to participate. Janet will explain the process at our April meeting and conducting a workshop closer to the show. The show schedule with complete rules and details will be posted later on our website. Check back in April.

If you would like to volunteer to help with the show or have questions about entering leaves in the show, contact Janet Stultz at 317-446-9718 or jstultz1505@gmail.com

Member Garden Tour
2026-06-20 09:00 - 17:00 | Indiana
Members Garden Tour This will be a ticketed tour that is open to the Public

Information coming soon.

Coach Trip
2026-07-16 00:00 - 2026-07-19 23:59 | Indiana

August Monthly Meeting
2026-08-10 18:30 - 20:30 | St Lukes Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th Street, Entrance #6, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240, United States
Celebrating North Ameica in Our Gardens and Landscapes

Guest Speaker: Dawn Slack, SICIM, Southern Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management

September Fall Festival
2026-09-13 12:30 - 17:00 | Indiana

October Monthly Meeting
2026-10-12 18:30 - 20:30 | St Lukes Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th Street, Entrance #6, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240, United States
Oh Bats!

Our speaker will be from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and will discuss the status of the Indiana Bat and why we really want them in our landscape.

The mammalogists within Indiana DNR’s Division of Fish, Wildlife, & Nature Preserves are tasked with monitoring the populations of mammalian wildlife that occur across Indiana. The statewide duties of this program allow mammalogists to work with amazing species like star-nosed moles in the north or Allegheny woodrats in the south, and especially bats. Depending on the season, this team is out surveying for bats and collecting valuable information on the 12 species of bats that help keep Indiana’s ecosystems healthy. During this program you’ll hear about some of the ongoing monitoring efforts DNR’s mammalogists have been leading and how these efforts inform management of the species. You’ll be introduced to the bats of Indiana where you’ll learn just how they provide pest-control services that save billions of dollars and even improve our health.

November Monthly Meeting
2026-11-09 18:30 - 20:30 | St Lukes Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th Street, Entrance #6, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240, United States
Wild by Design: The Art of Gardening for Wildlife

Guest Speaker: Karen Mitchell, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, Purdue University

Even a small garden can make a big difference for local wildlife. This presentation explores how garden ecology supports birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and how thoughtful plant selection, habitat features, and sustainable maintenance practices can increase biodiversity in the home landscape. Learn how native plants, food sources, shelter, water, and year-round seasonal interest work together to create a thriving backyard wildlife habitat. Gardening becomes more than growing plants—it becomes building a resilient, wildlife-friendly ecosystem right outside your window.

December Monthly Meeting
2026-12-06 13:00 - 17:00 | St Lukes Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th Street, Entrance #6, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240, United States
Holiday Gathering and Pitch-in
