The East Tennessee Hosta Society was formed in 1998 by a small group of hosta enthusiasts. It has grown to include a large number of gardeners of all types ranging in expertise from master gardeners to those who have a few hostas in the back yard. We hold our business meetings in the winter months, and during the summer we visit a variety of garden sites. The choice of gardens is not strictly limited to hostas but includes all sorts of gardens. We have visited some beautiful gardens, many of which belong to our own members.

The objective of our society is to promote interest in hostas and other shade tolerant plants. We hold an annual plant sale in early May, and funds raised in this effort are used in several ways. We sometimes arrange for speakers to address us about hostas and companion plants. We have a monthly newsletter which keeps members up to date on current activities. We make an annual donation to the Friends of the UT Gardens’ Adopt-a-Bed program and have also supported other gardening interests.

We invite anyone interested in gardening to join us. We learn as we go about hostas and shade garden plants from each other and the various speakers we have been fortunate to enjoy. Our motto is Gather Friends like Flowers, and we have done just that. With Knoxville as our central location, we also have members from Oak Ridge, Maryville, Maynardville, Dandridge, Sweetwater and Lenoir City. We are a diverse group and have found new friends and common interests. Come join us!