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Upon moving to the Mist full time, we decided it was time to start our gardens. Don asked Mickey what type of shade plants she wanted. Her first request was Hostas. And therein lies the beginning of an obsession that has resulted in over 100 different varieties. But that's not the whole story. One day Don was looking at the hosta magazine from The American Hosta Society and saw a hosta that he had to have. So........Mickey finds out that this particular hosta (Kiwi Full Monty) can only be bought at that time from Taunton Gardens in New Zealand. Well, several months later a cooler arrived at the Mist with Full Monty and several other bare roots Hostas.

Our New Zealand Hostas:

Kiwi Full Monte

Kiwi Canoe

Kiwi Golden

Thimble

Kiwi Forest

Kiwi Jordon

Hostas are shade tolerant plants that are known for their foliage which varies from one variety to the next. However, if you pay attention to hostas you will notice that the foliage is not the only delightful attribute that hostas boast. . . look at their petioles, their flowers and even their pods. These plants provide months of wonderful observations of their changing textures, changing colors and shapes. Then at last we get the beautiful flowers. Some of the flowers have a scent that perfumes the entire garden. We spend as much time as we can observing these fascinating plants and never tire of them.

Hosta Facts

	Hostas are native to Japan, China and Korea. They were introduced to the U.S. in the mid 1800's.
	In 1812 Nicholas T. Host named them after himself.
	Hostas are also known as funkia. This is after the German botanist Heinrick Funck.
	Many people also call Hostas the "plantain lily".
	Hostas prefer rich organic soil. The mist does not have this loamy soil type, and the addition of organic matter is a necessary amendment. Hostas also like well draining soil, with our typical Perry Count, PA clay soil it makes amendment mandatory.
	The ideal PH rand for hostas - 6.5 - 7.5.
	When planting a hosta the width of the hole should be 1 1/2 times the expected size of the mature plant. Most hosta roots will spread out horizontally.

At the Mist we are surrounded by woods, and therefore must compete with the tree roots for nourishment. This means that in the hottest days of summer, they must be supplied with plenty of water.