Join the American Hosta Society
Consider joining the American Hosta Society or even a local society or club.
The American Hosta Society Mission Statement
The American Hosta Society is an international, not-for-profit, educational, scientific society formed to foster and promote knowledge and interest in the genus Hosta through education and outreach, to encourage the introduction and development of new and improved varieties of hostas into cultivation, and to promote the registration of new cultivars in our role as the ICRA (International Cultivar Registration Authority) for the genus Hosta.
Learn more on the American Hosta Society website.
Annual National Convention
The American Hosta Society (AHS) offers many benefits, with its annual national convention serving as the highlight of the year. Each June, a local or regional hosta society hosts the convention in its area. The event is based at a hotel and features a wide range of exhibits and activities.
Leaf Show
Participants enter a hosta leaf cut from a clump in their garden. Each leaf should clearly display the defining characteristics of its cultivar.
Specialty Vendors
Vendors from across the country offer hostas for sale to convention attendees, including many of the newest and rarest cultivars available.
Silent and Live Auctions
A silent auction runs for several days and features garden-themed items donated by members. A live auction takes place one evening, creating a lively, energetic gathering where attendees can bid on many rare hostas.
Educational Sessions
Scientific sessions feature speakers who share their expertise, research, and enthusiasm for hostas.
Awards Dinner and Final Banquet
An awards dinner, usually held on Thursday or Friday evening, includes a choice of meals followed by the presentation of the year's AHS awards. The convention concludes with a Saturday evening banquet, when the AHS presents the Alex J. Summers Award, its highest honor for outstanding service.
Garden Tours and Community
Convention garden tours showcase hostas grown in a variety of settings. They also provide an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow gardeners and hosta enthusiasts.
Member Benefits
Other Member Benefits for Joining the American Hosta Society
- Full-color print issue of The Hosta Journal mailed twice each year (EMembers have access to read The Hosta Journal online)
- Unique digital edition of The Hosta Journal emailed once each year
- Access to "Members Only" section of the website
- Access to display gardens throughout the country, many of which are only open to AHS members
- Eligibility to purchase a member-only hosta
- Exclusive invitation to exhibit hostas and compete for recognition in AHS-sanctioned Hosta Shows
- Updates on speaker programs, events, awards, plant auctions, news, and more!
First-Time Members Also Receive
- $15 voucher for use at participating nurseries
- Option to receive an exclusive new member gift hosta (additional $10 to cover shipping). The gift hosta will ship in May, 2027.
- Hosta Adventure — A Grower's Guide, a primer on hostas outlining what every gardener should know
- Hosta of the Year Booklet, a full-color publication featuring the American Hosta Growers Association Hostas of the Year
Connect with Local Hosta Enthusiasts
Regional and local organizations offer many ways to share the joy of hostas and connect with fellow enthusiasts in your area.
Regional hosta clubs often organize:
- Meetings featuring guest speakers
- Raffles and plant-related events
- Garden tours
- Other gardening activities throughout the year
Closest to us
New Hampshire is in the AHS Northeast Region. The nearest regional group is the New England Hosta Society. The AHS keeps the full list of local and regional societies, by state.
Consider joining a regional hosta club to share your enthusiasm, build connections, and take part in a variety of gardening activities.
The societies
The national society and the regional one closest to us. Click a logo to visit.
Logos belong to their societies and link to their websites.
Fellow members, right here in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Hostas is a proud member of the American Hosta Society. You will find us at the conventions and on the garden tours, and at the nursery in South Hampton during the season.
Have a question about joining, or about which society is closest to you? Ask us. We are happy to point you the right way.
From the conventions and garden tours
Photos we took while attending AHS conventions and garden tours.
Share your enthusiasm
Consider joining the American Hosta Society or even a local society or club.
Join or renewVisit the AHS website
New Hampshire Hostas is a proud member of the American Hosta Society.