It dawned on me fairly quickly. That is that I wouldn't be able to successfully grow roses anymore. The new house in the woods was surrounded by oak trees and, of course, lots of shade. The next spring we made our annual trip to Dubuque Iowa. There at their beautiful arboreteum, I was surrounded by thousands of hostas. Mrs T informed me that she loved them all. History was made....
Let's follow Baron as he wanders thru the various garden plots around our home on the hill. Maybe I should have called it Happy Hosta Heaven!
Being of the rather organized and meticulous German heritage that I am, it sort of surprises that I didn't keep any records of these beautiful plants. Seeing a new or an empty spot, I would fill it with a hosta. No plan. No strategy. No name. Just like the garden and landscaping books DON'T recommend. Oh well.....
I must admit it, I like the limestone walls which showcase the hostas.
"What kind is it?" some visitors ask. "Pretty isn't it," I usually respond. Maybe they think that's the name?
There are more right around the bend.
I think Baron has spotted someone.
St. Francis! He helps keep an eye on things in the garden.
The bleeding hearts surround Mr. Hosta. They are both so care free.
This small hosta will be a giant someday, four ft. high and across. It was given me by neighbor Angie. Trading garden plants is such fun!
In the evening, sometimes we get the haunted hosta look.
Well, I see I have some spent bloom stalks to cut off. A hosta gardeners work is never done. :) Just kidding. You can see though, troutbirder does love his hostas.
You must have the perfect site for hostas. They look wonderful. Need to move mine, Some of them aren't happy where they are.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Yea! Good for you!!! Your gardens are beautiful and you have been working Very Hard! Does Mrs. Troutbirder enjoy digging in the dirt, too? If so, that's quite the wonderful combo!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think I've been too crazy about keeping track of what I have. After all, it IS nice just to enjoy them. However, it's also fun to run around and be able to call most of them by name. ;-) (And if I don't remember their names, I look at their tags. I have a similar problem with the names of people these days. Suppose my friends would mind wearing nametags??) lol
It looks fantastic. Hostas can make any path or garden look good. They fill out so nicely, like yours have, and they camouflage or highlight for the perfect effect. You did a great job picking the right plant for your shady location.
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing your hostas. They are so much fun to collect, because they come in so many different shades and sizes. I started to collect some of the miniature ones, and the hostas of the year. Yours really look amazing. Love how they border your paths.
ReplyDeleteLovely. I've had hostas for a few years, but I finally moved them and they are happier on the north side of the house. I'd like a garden path effect better, like yours.
ReplyDeleteHostas add such beauty to the landscaping! And so does Baron! :)
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I bet Baron loves romping through all those Hostas!
ReplyDeleteI cant say I blame you for putting them in everywhere TB. And what bright spark said a garden had to be planned? My goodness!! Thats for oraganized people not us. We dont want a place we are to scared to let Baron romp in, we want a garden!! Delightful, unplanned, sparkling and full of character. Like this one. orry about the roses though as I love them too.
ReplyDeleteKia ora TB,
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful and lush your gardens are. Kind of reminds me of the New Zealand rain forest a bit. Thanks for the tour.
Cheers,
Robb
Your hosta beds are gorgeous- especially along the rock wall.
ReplyDeleteMy hosta garden is triangular and approximately 15 square feet. Not much shade here on the plains, I'm afraid. But I have many different types of hostas in that little space -- some have gotten very large too. Love the scent of their flowers. Reminds me of Jasmine.
ReplyDeleteLovely garden, teach. Especially since it doesn't look like a garden. :)
I am so envious - of both your beautiful boy and your amazing yard! How lovely.
ReplyDeletecjh
What a great spot for all those hosta! They are beautiful and serene!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteWonderful garden-the total anti-thesis of mine that has zero shade!
ReplyDeleteJeanie
I am constantly amazed at our similar likes and dislikes. And both being coaches and teachers of social studies. I have hostas in every place that is conducive growing healthy hostas. Every three years I split and replant. Next year I believe my son is going to get about 50 hosta plants for his heavily wooded acre in Boise. He says, yeah, bring them on. I too love my bleeding hearts. One of my favorite flowers at our house in Spokane during the first ten ten years of my life. I like to work the purple colored heucheras (http://www.theprimrosepath.com/Featured_Plants/Heuchera/heuchera.htm )in among the hostas. They seem to like the same conditions that hostas love.
ReplyDelete