Iowa winters are unpredictable - no Iowan will argue that! The last two weeks of February were unlike anything Iowa has experienced in years. The first storm coated everything with ice and between that and the wind, thousands of people in Eastern Iowa were left without electricity. Less than a week later a second storm ripped through with strong winds and dumped a foot of snow in some areas. The already fragile power system was stressed again and just this week power has finally been restored for everyone.

Many people in and around Independence, Rowley, and Quasqueton were without electricity, but somehow we managed to not lose our power through the whole ordeal. Except for some fallen twigs, we emerged unscathed. As if to reward us for making it through the double dose of winter fun, we’re basking in sunshine and 50*-60* weather for at least the next few days. Maybe the old groundhog was right and we will get an early spring. On second thought, I better just enjoy it while it lasts.

Regardless of the groundhog’s prediction, there is a light at the end of the winter tunnel! Our first shipment of plants has arrived - an undeniable sign that spring is just around the corner! First up are the annuals, including some of last year’s favorites as well as some new selections to try. In the weeks to come, more annuals, hostas, perennials, and water plants will make the trek to In The Country. As soon as there is something to see, I’ll start posting regular picture updates so you can watch things grow.

Last fall I mentioned that I was asked to write an article for The Hosta Journal. I received a surprise in the mailbox last weekend - an advance copy of the up-coming Journal containing two of my articles. It looks nice and was a fun read…cover to cover. There is an article about garden art, one about getting more red into hostas, a couple about hybridizing basics (the beginning of a new series), an article on photographing hostas…and much more. I better not give away too much. All members of the American Hosta Society receive The Hosta Journal three time per year. Definitely worth the price! I have a third article that will be printed later this year.

Last summer Jim and I made our first serious attempt at hybridizing hostas. We planted the first group of seed at the end of November and have been carefully tending the seedlings under lights since. Compared to many plants, hostas are pretty slow growing from seed, but the oldest seedlings are looking like real hostas now. Like any parent would say of their children, they are looking really nice! It is far too soon to tell if any of the seedlings will grow into anything fantastic, though. Growing hosta seedlings is a great way to get a hosta fix during the bleak winter months. Give it a try!

Slowly, but surely we are getting plans made for our Spring in the Country Open House. We’ve decided to switch things up a little and try something different this year. I’ll be posting details here on the website soon, so be watching for it.

If you haven’t browsed our Hosta Listing in the online store recently, check it out! I added a few additional hostas that we’ll have this spring. More new hostas will be added shortly.

March came roaring in like a lion - let’s hope it goes out like a lamb!