Northern Illinois Hosta Society hosts online auction and plant sale Aug. 26-30
Hostas and other shade plants will be the main attraction at the Northern Illinois Hosta Society online auction and plant sale beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Aug. 30, concluding at 8 p.m.
"For the past 20 years, the auction was held at the Hinsdale Community House," said Mark Rekoske, NIHS event chair. "The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated that we cancel our previously scheduled live auction and now you can bid on plants from the comfort of your home."
A wide variety of new and classic hostas and companion plants will be available.
Most plants will be auctioned, but many will be available for sale separately.
The annual auction is hosted by the Northern Illinois Hosta Society and serves as the organization's main fundraiser for the year. Available plants consist of donations from NIHS members and hosta vendors.
The funds raised support the society's numerous programs and social events including Hosta Garden Walks, symposiums, and meetings.
"All the auction plants are verified to be true to description to the best of our ability," Rekoske said.
All plants listed in the auction will be shown with pictures and descriptions of each plant. Categories such as Giant, Large, Medium, Mini, and Companion will be available. There is also a "Buy Now" section for single priced items. This way you do not have to scroll through all of the items.
You also can search for a specific hosta by typing in the name to see if it is available in the auction items. You will be able to explore our auction website beginning Aug. 25 when the hostas and companion plants will be viewable. Please check the NIHS website beginning Aug. 25 for the Auction website address, to preview the auction and to register as a bidder.
All purchased items on the auction website will be paid for securely online via credit card. Winning bidders are required to pay for items by Sept. 2 and will be able to choose their pickup site from one of the four distribution locations: Libertyville, Woodridge, Batavia, and Sleepy Hollow.
Once payment is processed and choice of pickup location in the Chicago area is indicated, your order will be assembled and bidders will be notified that their order is ready for pickup. After scheduling your pickup time, volunteers will help you safely load your vehicle.
The Northern Illinois Hosta Society is a nonprofit organization serving northern Illinois and surrounding areas. It was founded in October 1992 by a group of people who share a passion for hosta. A two-year family membership is $20. Bidding registration information can be found by visiting www.northernillinoishostasociety.org or call (224) 622-1171.