Everyone's story is a little different of how they came to love our favorite plant, the Hosta. As our passion for the plant grew, we reached out and found there were others who shared that passion. Although we do not expect it to happen, we all find that while Hostas are great plants and can be a great hobby, the friendships that we make in the Hosta world are the real reason we love Hostas. That is why over the years, Hostas have become known as "The Friendship Plant." There is a special couple who have been very generous in sharing their passion, their plants, and their seeds to encourage others to become interested in the Hosta world. That couple is Brian and Virginia Skaggs.

As many of you know, Brian was recently diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and has been unable to care for himself. Through the grace of God, his loving wife Virginia has been there by his side to help him get through these tough days. Like many of us, they are hard-working Americans who have fallen on troubled times. With Brian unable to work, and Virginia spending much of her time caring for him, there has been a serious reduction of income. Although Brian and Virginia would never ask for help, some of us in the Hosta community felt this would be a practical time to show our gratitude, love, and support.

We will be holding an online plant auction on the Hosta Library website starting March 26th, 2011 through April 2nd, 2011. If you could donate a plant to help raise funds for Brian and Virginia, whether it be a special one-of-a-kind Hosta or just an “everyday” Hosta, please contact Jeff Miller at the following e-mail address: [email protected] Please include your name, the plant that you are willing to donate, a description of the plant, and a picture if you have one. If you do not have a photo of the plant we will find one. If you can't donate a plant, please consider bidding on some of the wonderful Hostas that we will have available in the auction. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be given to Brian and Virginia to assist in helping them maintain the quality of life they deserve.

Thanks so much,

Jeff Miller

Phone 608-580-0190

Land of the Giants Hosta Farm

Here is the link. http://www.hostalibrary.org/cg...

This Saturday is the start date.

Bob does have a link on the front page of the Hosta Library too.

some VERY nice looking plants!! a few too rich for my blood/pocket book, but boy would i love to have one or two. Hope I remember to keep an eye on the bidding.

My budget really won't allow for me to bid on any, but I agree...there are a few I'd really love to have.

It is fun to follow along. More is being added for the next couple of evenings. More donations are coming in daily and only close to half are on the list so far. Looks like it is going to be a very respectable final tally!

It's so cool that the hosta community pulls together like this to help their own.

Jeff,

Is 'Imagine' one of your own creations? It is so pretty!

Rose

He still has new additions for tonight and tomorrow.

'Imagine' is a seedling I bought from Mary Chastain (Lakeside Gardens) 4 years ago I believe. When she was getting ready to retire from hostas. I did get lucky with this one I think.

This pic is of a sport it has that I will be dividing out when I remove the winning bidder's division.

Both are gorgeous!

Love that Jeff!! So beautiful!!

there are a lot of beauties up for auction. hopefully it will raise a lot of money for the Skaggs.
[i've got my eye on a few...but i'm sure as Saturday approaches, they all will be out of my reach.

'Imagine' is really stunning--I noticed it today when I was looking over the new additions.

Terese, I think you and I are in the same boat. As much as I'd love to bid and help out the Skaggs, I think everything's pretty much out of my budget range. They do have a cash donation option, though, which is nice. If I have the cash to spare I'll do that.

K -- i've got a list of things that are still under a certain dollar amount... i'll check to see what hasn't crossed that line tomorrow then maybe bid on a few. But yes... holly cow - some real beauties. I WISH i could afford to drop a few hundred on a plant.. but i'm not a breeder, just avid collector, so no way could i spend that kind of cash.

Humpback Whale is on there for $250! I've wanted that one for a few years, but can't go that high

Here are the results http://www.hostalibrary.org/fi...

Thanks to all who donated and or bid on the donations. This turned out to be an exciting and good feeling event.

Great job! $701 for Imagine. It is a great plant. That one and One of Mary's Best were my favorites, too. Guess I've got good taste (but a shallow wallet).

Wow! To raise so much... this Hosta community is such a blessing!!

I'm wondering if peeps have been getting the 'auction' hostas yet....

I tried to contact Jeff Miller last week, but have not heard back yet.

I have not heard word one about my 'winning bid'.

anyone......?

I recieved my notice for the winning bidder on May 9th. I then contacted him and let him know what my plan was. I just dug and divided 'Imagine' yesterday and will be shipping this week. I also won one from Bev Stegman and she contacted me last week to make our arrangements. You should have gotten your notice a while ago.

Carol Brashear is who is sending out the notices and I would contact her at [email protected] to see what is up.

Thanks Jeff.