The day Bob and Becky joined their local hosta society changed their lives. They made friends that have become important in their personal and social lives. They began to learn more and more about the growth and care of hostas and other plants in their gardens. They traveled to visit gardens, to shop at nurseries around the Midwest, and to attend regional and national hosta conferences. Eventually they moved to a farm for more room to grow hostas and opened their nursery. Joining a national or local hosta group may not change your life that much, but it can provide enriching experiences for your gardening interests.

     The American Hosta Society is a nonprofit, educational, international organization that has four purposes:

• to foster and promote interest in hosta and their introduction into cultivation
• to encourage the use of proper nomenclature and the development of new and improved varieties
• to sponsor the International Registration Authority for Hostas

     Dues are $19 per year for individual memberships in the US, $25 per year in Canada, and $35 per year for overseas members.  Send checks or postal money orders payable to the American Hosta Society to Cindy Nance, Membership Secretary, 338 E. Forestwood, Morton, IL 61550. 

     Members receive two issues of The Hosta Journal, the annual Hosta Society Yearbook & Directory, reduced registration fees for the yearly convention and the opportunity to participate in a number of AHS sponsored activities each year.

    There are more than 33 local hosta organizations in the United States that are affiliated with the American Hosta Society. The AHS Regional Directors offer liaison between the AHS and these local societies. If you are interested in joining a local society in your region, contact the Regional Director in your area for further information: