PUBLIC HOURS

YES, we welcome the public and Hosta Enthusiasts to the following activities and times (no fee, just promise to support our wonderful vendors!):
Thursday, June 19th: shop in Vending Room 8 – 10 pm.
Friday, June 20st: shop in the Vending Room from 8 – 11 am and 1-5 pm. View the Hosta Show and view the Seedling Competition from 4:15 – 6:00 pm and 8 – 10 pm.
Saturday, June 21st: shop the Vending Room from 8 – Noon and 1 – 4 pm. View the Hosta Show and view the Seedling Competition from 2 – 4 pm
(Please note – the schedule may fluctuate by a few minutes due to the flow of convention activities)

It’s SHOWTIME!

Don’t forget to bring some leaves to enter in the HOSTA SHOW!

A few tips for preparing your leaves for travel… select ahead of time by looking for mature leaves from well grown clumps and are free from damage and blemishes. Refer to the AHS Classification list to check that the leaf meets the registered size (undersized leaves are subject to point deductions). Look for leaves that best reflect the characteristics of the cultivar (registration data can also be found at the Hosta Registrar website HERE)

On the day prior to travel, cut the petiole (stem) as close to the ground as possible with a clean tool. Immediately put cut end in water while collecting additional leaves and keep out of direct sunlight. Once all leaves are collected, fully submerge all leaves in a bathtub filled with cool room temperature water and soak overnight.

On the day of travel, pancake leaves together and keep cut ends in a bucket of water. Keeping them snugged together will help prevent damage during transport. Large deli containers work well for smaller leaves and 5 gallon buckets are great for larger leaves. Try to remember to keep leaves out of heat (hot car) or direct sunlight during travels.

 

Rod Kuenster Seedling Competition

Bring your special, unique hosta seedling and enter the competition! Rules & Regulations can be found HERE.

Welcome to the official AHS Convention website!

The 2025 Convention volunteers have been hard at work making plans for Hosta Double Feature in Illinois! We have some spectacular gardens that will be on tour, vendors who will provide some hard to resist plants and garden related items as well as plenty of fun activities to participate in!

In addition to hosting the accredited Hosta Show, we will be hosting the Rod Kuenster Seedling Competition! Bring your best, unique hosta seedling to compete for the top award as decided by the Convention attendees. Look here for more information about how to enter and the rules.

Please check back here often to see What is NEW as plans continue to come together so we can help you have the best time in Illinois in 2025!