All about hostas: Part 1

 Last Monday night Master Gardener, Richard Jolley visited our garden club to tell us about his favorite plant, the hosta. Jolley is a hosta grower in Tyrone, Ga. and ships these lush green beauties all over the world. Above a photo of Jolley and some of our members during the presentation.

Saturday, our club visited Pine Forest Gardens, his hosta farm where he has grown as many as 350 varieties. We didn't count his hostas but we could certainly see that he knows what he is talking about when it comes to growing hostas because he had several shade houses where hostas were thriving.

The main house was filled with hostas off all descriptions. The hostas come in colors from yellow to blue and are variegated, curly, ruffled and waffled. They are small enough to fit in a teacup and large as some shrubs.

They came in one and three gallon sizes and the names were very descriptive. The cathedral window hosta was popular with our group but we found varieties to fit in most corners of our gardens.

Daphne, Merlene, Angela and Wilma looked for their favorite varieties.

Above, Rachelle was the one who discovered the pretty cathedral window hosta.

Richard Jolley was there to tell us more about our hosta selections.

I was amazed at the light green ones.

Dianne, Rachelle, Daphne and Merlene select their favorites.

This shade house had Jolley's special selections.

Jolley also let us tour his gardens. Jolley above with Rachelle.

After visiting Pine Forest Gardens we stopped in nearby Tyrone to eat at the Box Car Cafe. We had a wonderful time and I can't wait to plant my beautiful hostas.

Tomorrow I will show my hostas plus share some of Jolley's tips.