The Woodland Perennial with both Beautiful Leaves and Flowers
A New England Star
Unlike California, where there are a vast selection of perennials to choose from and grow, New England has a narrower selection of perennials for the ornamental garden. Hosta are definitely a star among the chooses for New England gardens. Their beautiful array of foliage colors, shapes and sizes make this an unusual plant to grow and collect. Hosta are know for their leaves but they also have lovely flowers and can be fragrant. I was very lucky to visit Mason Hollow Nursery in New Hampshire last year and admired their demonstration garden and Nursery. Chuck and Sue Andersen grow and sell Hosta, woodland perennials and unusual trees. The dwarf ginkgo, in the photo above, is an example of a rare and large lobed variety.
Hosta on the West Coast
You don’t see a lot of hosta on the West Coast since the snail and slugs absolutely ruin them. It can be pretty hot and dry for them too. Their best environment is a light, filtered sun area below trees in rich forest humus- a soil rich in organic matter and nutrients. They need regular watering and so the summer rains on the East Coast help keep them lush looking. It is not uncommon to see them in full sun in New England, but they prefer only part day light. In the right environment they are tough survivors. Use gopher baskets to protect them from gophers and voles. Use a copper line or bait for slugs and snails where present. They go dormant in winter so avoid the damaging freeze and snow in hard winter areas. They remain as a foliage plant in temperate areas.
Hostas vary from small dwarf hybrids to large mounds up to 3-4′ high with giant leaves. The leaf colors are astounding, from blue green to chartreuse with lots of variegated hybrids among the mix.
Hostas in the growing area at Mason Hollow
Check out the website for Mason Hollow Nursery for names and pictures of selections plus lots of other information!
I enjoyed visiting with Chuck and Sue Andersen last Fall and lucked out that they had just revamped all the beds and freshened up the nursery for a big event with the American Hosta Society. The place looked fantastic! And everything was labeled perfectly. I am sure their place is beautiful always, but you know that a big event will spur a lot of action.
Visiting Mason Hollow Nursery was part of my Travelogue trips, and to also check out some plants for my daughter’s garden in New Hampshire. If you would like to follow the garden trail with my garden digital diary with lots of photos, check out the Travelogue on the course page.
