Christmas 2004 Newsletter

A Look Back...

They say keeping busy is good for your mind and body, but as I look out over the fall garden I can’t help but wish I had just a little longer to enjoy it. Summer is always a busy time, but this summer was filled with so many things going on, there didn't seem to be time for anything.

Of course, the big event of the summer was not garden related at all. Jackie and Jim got married on July 3rd. The majority of time prior to that was spent making preparations for the big day…sewing dresses, mailing invitations, and making decorations being just a few of the things planning a wedding entails. The day went off (nearly) without a hitch and we are glad some of you could be there to celebrate with us. While it was a day no one involved will forget, I think we are all thankful planning a wedding doesn’t happen often!

I did get a chance to get away toward the end of June to attend the American Hosta Society National Convention in Des Moines. This was a first for me and I definitely hope it won’t be my last! So many neat plants, first class gardens, great people, not enough sleep, but it was worth it. I've heard it said that you go to these types of events for the plants, but stay (or return!!) for the people. So true! It was a great opportunity to network with other collectors and growers and as a result, we will be able to offer many new and exciting plants in the future.

Iowa was a hosta hot spot this year. Following the National Convention, the Midwest Regional Hosta Convention was held in Dubuque in mid July. Iowa is home to some of the best hosta gardens in the country! It was another great opportunity to meet new friends and get reacquainted with old friends.

What little spare time we found during the summer was spent just trying to keep up with every day gardening chores. Weeds seemed to be a big problem for many gardeners I’ve talked to this summer and they were for us, as well. I think the rainy start to the season gave them a big jump start and once they got going, they just didn’t give up! Many weeds are left un-pulled and many projects are left unfinished, but unlike some things in life, they will be there waiting for us next spring!

Speaking of spring, we’ll kick off the new season like we have the past two years by setting up a booth at the Cedar Rapids Landscape & Garden Expo in March. We’ll also be working this winter to put together another fun and informative Spring In The Country Open House. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome, so please don’t hesitate to call us up or drop us an email with your ideas.

As always, we’ll keep our website updated with the latest news from In The Country, so be sure to log on often!

Words can’t express how much we appreciate everyone who stops out to visit us throughout the year…both in person and via our website. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you in the spring!

Sincerely,
Josh & Sue