Hostas

An array of Hostas in my shade garden

'There is no spot of ground, however arid, bare or ugly, 

that cannot be tamed into such a state as to give an impression

of beauty and delight.'

                                                                -Gertrude Jekyll



     We all have that space in our garden where nothing seems to grow.  Under a tree where the sun never seems to get in or where the soil is dry, sandy or clay like. Spots where we have tried just about everything and nothing seems to survive.

Chartreuse colored Hostas and Mouse ear Hosta 

  I don't know about you but I am always going for the maximum impact, I want the flowers, the color, the scent.

Welcome to the Hosta.

Potted Hosta

Praying hands Hosta (tall) and Lemon lime Hosta

     This to me is a plant that is not given enough credit. I mean the Hosta really has it all. It comes in hundreds of different varieties and I don't know how many shades of green. It flowers, some have scent and it grows almost anywhere.

Flowering Hosta

      I can actually say that I have not found a spot in my garden where Hostas won't grow.  It can be used in containers, boarders or as an accent plant. It can be grown in shade or sun and just about any soil condition.

Elongated leaf Hosta

     Even though I love a garden full of flowers you still need texture and greenery to add interest to your garden, what better plant than the Hosta. One of the great things about the Hosta is that it adds both texture and color not to mention they are almost maintenance free. Besides having to cut the dead flowers after they bloom they will maintain their shape and color all season needing little attention otherwise.

Cup leaved Hosta

  Then there is the size, they come in so many different sizes and shapes that you can tuck them in almost anywhere. They are quite drought tolerant thus surviving in poor soil conditions. Their leaves can be the size of a dinner plate or as small as a silver dollar. There are elongated leaved Hostas and curly, ruffled leaved ones leaving you with unlimited options. 

Large leaved Hosta

  Before you start, think about sun or shade, size and color.  Different shades of green will enhance different plants,  so choose what works for you and fill in the little areas of your garden. Just remember the larger versions take up a lot of space but can easily be divided to maintain the size you want.

   Also think of using them in containers, they can be used alone or in combination with other plants again depending on the size of Hosta you choose. Also, depending on the container, it can overwinter which makes for one less task come springtime.

 So before you right off an area of your garden as unable to grow anything you might want to give the Hosta a try. With a little research you will find which Hostas work for you. Plant, then sit back and watch your garden grow.

Happy Gardening!!

Flowering Hosta

                                                    



  Everything has it's beauty,   
               But not everyone sees it.  
                                             
                               -The Wisdom of Confucius