The NWHS planted and continues to maintain the Dahl-Roeder Memorial Garden located in Wilson Park, Menomonie. The park was established in honor of Janice Dahl and Darrel Roeder. Janice was a NWHS founder member and our first editor-in-chief of the Northern Star newsletter. Darrel was a past NWHS president and also served on the board of directors. Each spring members meet at the garden for our annual cleanup and maintenance event. Individual members perform general care throughout the growing season, with a special thank you going to Jan Harvey who is especially active in keeping the garden attractive.

Darrel’s wife Ann, dad Don, and granddaughter Kaya were all there working when the garden was first planted. Besides planting hostas that Darrel loved, he also had a passion for dwarf conifers, peonies, clematis and martagon lilies – all of which are part of this memorial garden.

This year’s bus trip took us to Minnesota Hosta Society Sale, Savory’s Garden, Kelly and Kelly Nursery, and Dragonfly Gardens. We had a good turnout for the bus tour with 22 people from 17 families riding the bus. We had 7 other members who drove themselves for various reasons (some rode with each other).

Once again, we ‘filled the bus’ cargo hold and all seemed to have a great time. Photos below show our happy shoppers, the bus load of hostas, and Kyle, our lovely bus driver who also got into the spirit of it and bought some hostas!   In the group photo, we are missing one of our bus riders.  At Kelly and Kelly Nursery, Mr. Kelley, who is 80ish and the last of the family, provided history and instructions. His sign was cute and said “Welcome Wisconsin Hosta Nuts” which we loved (also loved the 20% discount on hostas)!

Thank you, Laurel, for the pictures and information for this post!