Through the Garden Gate, Where The Hostas Grow!

Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE Hostas. Er, um - Hostas placed just right, that is. I really don't have a passion for the rare, the newly introduced, but the well utilized and well situated ones.

This post demonstrates all that.

These are ALL hostas and from afar, one would think you have varying different kinds of perennials achieving this look. Placed in dappled shade, under a canopy of a Norway (Acer platanoides) Maple, these hostas are in the right spot. Slightly elevated to show their mounding form. Not overcrowded and not too close. Nicely mulched with shredded cedar bark to help lock in moisture and well weeded to keep them flourishing. They are so well situated and happy. Don't they look great?!

I'm so blessed to photograph and enjoy them that I had to share. I had an amazing privilege to help co-host a Through The Garden Gate Tour 2016 at a most lovely home in The Kingsway area (Etobicoke) this past Sunday. The best treat - it was hosted by my wonderful friend and home owner, Elizabeth (Beth) Endean.

I have seen this garden come alive right from the onset of the original planting and know the hard work it took to accomplish this result. I am so proud of what Beth and her two helpers have achieved.

One of Beth's gifts, is her eye for colour. She amazes me in all her accomplishments. Especially her love for the colour GREEN. Her use of lime green Hostas like "Paul's Gold" and "Guacamole" really brighten more shaded spots in her garden.  With the more white variegated varieties like "Fire and Ice" Hosta, she grouped them in areas closest to the walkway. They certainly pack a punch and really draw your eye to stop and have a closer look. Her 'green' thumb shows up in all areas of plant selection and placement.

Who needs any other perennial when you create a colour palette like this?

Even great back drops like Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' and Vinca minor Periwinkle show them off even more.

I am truly blessed and thankful to have been able to take part and see all the wonderful people enjoy Beth's lovely garden. So many onlookers commented on the choices, placement and variety of what was displayed.

You go-grow, Girl! Great job!

Here's a video of the TBG tour and more info regarding Beth's delightful garden!

Hostas - Autumn Display

Not only should you choose the right colour of Hosta for summer displays; be also mindful about your choice for autumn colour in the garden.

I find, basic green and blue leaved varieties have true golden colours as autumn progresses.

The golden or chartreuse leaved hostas turn creamy yellow in autumn.

If you have evergreens as backdrops, or evergreen ground covers, choosing varieties like:

Hosta 'Halcyon' (colours up late in season, but well worth the wait)

• August Moon
• Paul's Glory
• Big Daddy
• Blue Angel
• Sieboldii Elegans
• Mouse Ears
• Francee
• Great Expectations
• June
• Krossa Regal
• Royal Standard
• Sum and Substance
• Regal Splendor
• Plantanginea 

Hosta 'Blue Cadet' (unfortunately, the slug damage shows up a fair bit - but from afar it lights up the shady garden)

...will really make a great display. I have experience with the above. Some turn early and some late. It's really fun to notice the changes.

The golden leaf colour is accentuated by the English Ivy's evergreen foliage.

If you want the autumn display to last, be sure to keep the hostas watered. Or like the above photo, tips will begin to dry out and become brown.

I find slight variegated varieties of Hostas colour up well too. The pale leaved varieties which have less chlorophyll (green) have less golden colouration in autumn. For the most part, all Hostas will yellow - some more than others.

Timing and frost free conditions are key as well. Once the frost hits, the leaves wilt - colour is gone.

Lots of colour still remaining in late October. Love my little hostas.

Enjoy them whilst you can!