Hosta La Vista

Season 2 comes full circle as Betsy and Mandy welcome back legendary Hosta hybridizer Bob Solberg of Green Hill Hostas to reflect on the biggest moments of the 2026 Hosta season and look ahead to what Hosta enthusiasts can expect in 2027 and beyond.

Together, we revisit the people, events, and conversations that helped shape this growing season, including the American Hosta Society Convention in Dublin, Ohio, Hosta College in Piqua, Ohio, and the Hosta Symposium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bob shares his perspective on the state of the Hosta community, emerging trends in hosta growing and hybridizing, and why local Hosta societies remain the heart of the hobby. Bob Solberg has introduced roughly 100 Hosta cultivars over his career and remains one of the most influential voices in the Hosta world.

We also reflect on some of our favorite conversations from Season 2, including episodes featuring Christina Brinkmann, Warren Pollock, Clarence Hanna, Doug Beilstein, Jonathan Hogarth, Rob Mortko, and many more. From Hosta breeding and tissue culture to garden design, education, and conservation, we celebrate the experts who shared their knowledge and passion with our listeners this season.

Topics include:

• The biggest Hosta stories and events of 2026
• Highlights from Hosta College in Piqua, Ohio
• The Hosta Symposium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• The American Hosta Society Convention experience
• Favorite guests and moments from Season 2
• The future of Hosta hybridizing and collecting
• What Hosta lovers can look forward to in 2027 and 2028
• Why joining a local Hosta society matters

As we close out another incredible season, we want to thank our sponsors, guests, and listeners for helping make Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast such a rewarding journey. Whether you're a longtime collector, hybridizer, society member, or someone who just planted your very first Hosta, we're grateful you're part of this community.

Find Bob and Green Hill Hostas at hostaguru.com.

Thank you for listening to Season 2 of Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast. Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and send your questions, comments, or guest suggestions to hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com.

Most importantly, consider joining your local hosta society and becoming involved in the hosta community. The friendships, knowledge, and experiences you'll gain are what make this hobby so special.

Until next season...

Hosta La Vista, Baby!

The #HostaRoadTrippers are back!

In this penultimate episode of Season 2, we welcome Susan Ragsdale and Julie Lewter, the dynamic duo behind the popular Midwest Hosta Visit Facebook community, for an unforgettable recap of their epic Midwest Hosta adventure.

From Ohio to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and beyond, Susan and Julie hit the road to visit some of the most beloved destinations in the Hosta world, including The Secret Garden of Chagrin Falls, Fox Farms with Bob Fox, Hollywood Bob's Hostas, Audrey Temner's garden, Land of the Giants, Uniquely Hostas, The Hostas-Store with Mike Dammen, In the Country Garden and Gifts, and Hillcrest Hostas.

Along the way, they discovered incredible Hosta collections, stunning shade gardens, rare and unusual plants, and some of the most knowledgeable growers in the industry. But as they quickly learned, the real treasures weren't just the plants—they were the people.

Susan and Julie share memorable stories from the road, behind-the-scenes moments from their travels, favorite gardens and Hostas, and the friendships that make the Hosta community unlike any other gardening community in the world.

If you've ever dreamed of taking a Hosta road trip, visiting premier Hosta nurseries, meeting top Hosta growers, or connecting with fellow Hosta enthusiasts, this episode is packed with inspiration.

As the saying goes: "You come for the plants, but stay for the people."

Learn more about the incredible destinations visited on their journey
Hear what makes the Hosta community so welcoming and special
Discover must-visit Hosta gardens and nurseries across the Midwest
Get inspired to plan your own Hosta road trip adventure

Connect with Susan and Julie through the Midwest Hosta Visit Facebook community and follow along as the #HostaRoadTrippers continue their adventures.

If you're enjoying The Friendship Plant Podcast, be sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Follow us on social media:
Facebook: Hosta la Vista Podcast
Instagram: @hostalavistapodcast

Questions, comments, or guest suggestions?
hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com

Hosta la Vista, Baby!

Big changes are coming for Uniquely Hostas! In this episode of Hosta la Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, we sit down with Justin and Andrea Geske to discuss an exciting new chapter for their business as they prepare for a major move this September.

Justin shares the story of how he and Andrea came to own Uniquely Hostas and reflects on the incredible mentorship and friendship he shared with legendary Hosta hybridizer Jeff Miller of Land of the Giants. Their relationship began when Justin was still in high school and was given the opportunity to hybridize under Jeff's guidance—a partnership that helped shape his passion for Hosta breeding and growing.

We also dive into the Geskes' impressive hosta seedling program, discuss which Hostas are currently in tissue culture, and talk about what it takes to bring exciting new Hosta introductions to gardeners and collectors.

Andrea joins the conversation to share the success of her popular WhatNot sales, and the couple recounts the devastating June storm that toppled a 100-year-old oak tree on their property. Rather than viewing it as a loss, they found a creative and inspiring way to repurpose the wreckage.

Whether you're interested in Hosta hybridizing, tissue culture, growing rare Hostas, the history of Land of the Giants, or simply want to hear what's next for one of the hobby's most exciting nurseries, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and surprises.

Topics Covered:

• Uniquely Hostas' upcoming move and future plans
• Hosta hybridizing and seedling development
• Hostas currently in tissue culture
• Jeff Miller's mentorship and Land of the Giants history
• Andrea Geske's WhatNot Hosta sales
• Storm damage and creative garden solutions
• The future of Uniquely Hostas

Don't miss this candid conversation with two passionate Hosta growers whose next adventure is just beginning.

To learn more about Uniquely Hostas, shop their hostas, and follow along as they begin this exciting new chapter, visit their website and follow them on social media. https://www.uniquelyhostas.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to click Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode of Hosta la Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast.

You can connect with us online:

• Facebook: Hosta la Vista Podcast
• Instagram: @hostalavistapodcast
• YouTube: Hosta la Vista Podcast
• Email: hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com

Have a question, topic suggestion, or guest recommendation? We'd love to hear from you!

Hosta la Vista, Baby!

Ever wonder how thousands of your favorite Hostas make their way from a single plant into gardens across the country? This week on Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, we're joined by Rob Mortko, owner of Made in the Shade Tissue Culture Lab, President of the Midwest Regional Hosta Society, frequent Hosta convention speaker, and dedicated Hosta sport hunter.

Rob takes us inside the fascinating world of Hosta tissue culture (TC), explaining how the process works, why growers rely on it, and the advantages it offers for producing healthy, consistent plants. He also shares some of the challenges and drawbacks of tissue culture, helping gardeners understand both sides of this important propagation method.

Along the way, we chat about Hosta sports, Hosta conventions, and the future of Hosta introductions. Rob even gives listeners a sneak peek at several exciting Hostas that could be headed to the market in 2027.

Of course, no visit from Rob would be complete without a little fun. We put his Kansas knowledge to the test and discover whether he can survive a trip through the Sunflower State!

Whether you're a Hosta collector, hybridizer, grower, or simply curious about how new Hostas are produced, this episode is packed with insights you won't hear anywhere else.

In this episode:

• How Hosta tissue culture works
• Benefits and drawbacks of tissue culture
• The role of TC in the Hosta industry
• Hunting for Hosta sports
• Midwest Regional Hosta Society updates
• Future Hosta introductions expected in 2027
• A Kansas-themed game segment with Rob

Subscribe, follow, and share with your favorite Hosta-loving friends. And if you enjoy the show, leave us a review and help more gardeners discover the friendship plant!

Hosta la Vista, Baby!

What started with a Father's Day gift has grown into one of the Midwest's most beloved Hosta destinations.

In this episode, Betsy and Mandy welcome nearly the entire Giese family—Mike, Kelly, Michael, Christina, Carisa, Kyle, and even a few grandkids—from The Hosta Stop Gardens in Plover, Wisconsin. Together, they've built a family business that has become a must-visit destination for Hosta collectors across North America. The nursery has grown from a few hundred varieties into thousands of Hostas, companion plants, display gardens, online sales, and a thriving hybridizing program.

You'll hear how Mike's fascination with streaked Hostas evolved into a serious hybridizing program, why award-winning seedling competitions have become such an important part of their Hosta journey, and what it takes to evaluate thousands of seedlings in search of the next great introduction.

We also discuss their registered introduction 'Awe Snap', a sport of H.-Sugar Snap. Mike's interest in breeding fan-favorite 'Blue Jeans Bling' and how it's become a backbone of his hybridizing program. The growing collection of seedlings currently under evaluation, and the excitement of deciding which plants might someday earn an official release.

Whether you know The Hosta Stop through their online sales, convention appearances, vendor booths, educational presentations, or their stunning Wisconsin display gardens, this episode takes you behind the scenes of the family, passion, and hard work that make people say, "You just Hosta Stop."

Visit their website at hostastop.net or visit their Facebook seedling sales. You can also see them at many Hosta Conventions in the Vendor room. Drop by and say hi to the Giese family, they'd love to chat and catch up.

Follow Hosta La Vista on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.

You can also reach us at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com

In this special mid-week episode of Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, Betsy and Mandy recap their trip to the Midwest Regional Hosta Society's 50th Anniversary Convention, held July 9–12 in Madison, Wisconsin. From educational sessions and garden tours to hosta shopping and connecting with fellow enthusiasts from across the Midwest, the sisters share their favorite memories from a convention they won't soon forget.

Along the way, you'll hear conversations recorded at the convention with three special guests: Karen Dawson, Jim Morrow, and Andrew Lietzow. Each shares their unique perspective on hostas, gardening, and the incredible community that surrounds the friendship plant.

The episode also features a look at Mandy's hand-sculpted jewelry business, Unfurled, whose nature-inspired creations have become a favorite among gardeners and plant lovers alike. Learn more at the Unfurled Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/unfurledjewelry

Whether you've attended dozens of conventions or have never been to one, this episode offers an inside look at the gardens, people, learning opportunities, and hostatality that make hosta conventions such a special experience.

Hosta La Vista is brought to you by Green Hill Hostas, In the Country Garden and Gifts and Hornbaker Gardens.

Visit us on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.

This week on Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, Betsy and Mandy welcome Nick Ternes, owner of Botanophilia LLC, hosta hybridizer, nursery owner, garden educator, speaker, and self-described plant geek. Known throughout the gardening world for his deep knowledge of hostas, shade gardening, trees, shrubs, and rare plants, Nick has spent decades helping gardeners create landscapes that are both beautiful and sustainable.

In this episode, Nick shares the story behind Botanophilia, his journey from passionate plant collector to respected nursery owner, and what he's learned through years of growing, breeding, and evaluating plants. We discuss hosta hybridizing, selecting the right trees for the landscape, designing gardens that work as complete ecosystems, and why some of the most exciting plants in the garden aren't hostas at all.

Whether you're a hosta enthusiast, shade gardener, plant collector, tree lover, or simply looking for inspiration from one of horticulture's most knowledgeable voices, you'll find plenty of practical advice, favorite plants, and fascinating stories in this conversation.

Topics include:

• Hosta hybridizing and breeding
• Shade garden design
• Companion plants for hostas
• Trees and woody plants for northern gardens
• Rare and unusual plants
• Running a specialty plant nursery
• Gardening education and public speaking
• Building a garden instead of a collection

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com and follow Hosta La Vista on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

This title and description should rank well for searches involving Nick Ternes, Botanophilia, hostas, hosta hybridizer, shade gardening, and trees, while still sounding natural to listeners.

Step into The Painted Leaf Hosta Garden with Lonna Engel, whose Williamsport, Pennsylvania hosta garden has grown from a single bed in 2016 into a spectacular collection of more than 900 hosta cultivars. From miniature hostas to giant specimens spanning 7 feet across, Lonna has transformed her shade garden into a destination for hosta lovers and plant enthusiasts alike.

On this episode of Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, Betsy and Mandy explore the inspiration, creativity, and dedication behind one of the most captivating private hosta gardens in the country. Lonna shares how she designed her collection to feel more like a living museum, where every pathway reveals new hostas, garden art, and unexpected surprises.

We discuss:
Growing and collecting over 900 hosta varieties
Designing a memorable shade garden experience
Deer-resistant gardening and her homemade ammonia-based deer deterrent
Crystal chandeliers hanging among the trees each spring
A unique koi pond where retired hostas are grown hydroponically
Companion plants and garden design ideas for shade gardens
The touching story of a garden frog memorial that visitors never forget

Lonna also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at her popular Instagram account, @paintedleafhostagarden, and shares some of the gardeners who inspire her, including the whimsical and knowledgeable Dr. Garden Fairy.

Whether you're a seasoned hosta collector, an avid shade gardener, or just discovering the world of hostas, this episode is filled with practical gardening advice, hosta-growing tips, creative garden ideas, and the stories that make the hosta community so special.

Follow The Painted Leaf Hosta Garden on Instagram at @paintedleafhostagarden and subscribe to Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast for weekly conversations about hostas, shade gardening, hosta nurseries, hybridizers, companion plants, garden design, and the people who make the hosta world such a welcoming place.

#Hosta #Hostas #HostaGarden #ShadeGarden #ShadeGardening #HostaCollector #HostaPodcast #GardeningPodcast #Perennials #PlantParent #GardenDesign #TheFriendshipPlant #PaintedLeafHostaGarden #LonnaEngel #PennsylvaniaGardens

What does it take to earn a Gold Medal at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show?

This week on Hosta La Vista, Betsy and Mandy welcome Jonathan Hogarth of Hogarth Hostas, holder of the UK's National Collection of Small and Miniature Hostas and newly crowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner. After years of exhibiting at Britain's most famous flower shows and collecting multiple silver and silver-gilt medals, Jonathan achieved the highest honor in horticulture with his 2026 Chelsea display of miniature hostas.

Jonathan shares the fascinating story behind his passion for small and miniature hostas, how he became the curator of the National Collection, and why these tiny treasures deserve a place in every shade garden. We discuss exhibiting at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the pressures of preparing an award-winning display, and what it felt like to finally hear the word "Gold."

Along the way, we explore:

• The world's smallest and most collectible Hostas
• Growing miniature Hostas in containers and troughs
• Building and maintaining a National Plant Collection
• RHS Chelsea Flower Show behind-the-scenes stories
• Slug and snail control techniques
• Hosta care tips for gardeners with limited space
• The 2027 AHS Indianapolis, IN national convention

Whether you're a seasoned collector, a shade gardening enthusiast, or simply curious about the fascinating world of miniature Hostas, this episode offers a rare glimpse into one of horticulture's most specialized and rewarding pursuits.

Jonathan's collection has been featured at RHS Chelsea, RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, RHS Chatsworth, and RHS Malvern, where his displays have earned numerous awards and helped introduce thousands of gardeners to the beauty of miniature Hostas.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Visit Jonathan's website at hogarth-hostas.co.uk and visit Hosta la Vista at hostalavista.org

Hosta lovers, have you ever been told that your garden should be "all native"? Or wondered where hostas fit into today's growing native plant movement?

In this thought-provoking episode of Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, Betsy and Mandy sit down with native plant pioneer Neil Diboll, President of Prairie Nursery in Westfield, Wisconsin, and one of North America's leading voices on native landscaping. Neil has spent more than four decades helping gardeners understand how native plants can create beautiful, sustainable landscapes while supporting pollinators, birds, and local ecosystems.

Together, we tackle the often-heated conversation surrounding native plants vs. non-native plants vs. invasive species. Are ornamental plants really the villains some social media commenters make them out to be? How should Hosta enthusiasts respond when the native plant debate shows up online? And is there a way to celebrate both Hostas and native plants in the same garden?

Neil shares practical advice for gardeners who want to:

• Understand the difference between native, non-native, and invasive plants
• Add native plants without tearing out an established shade garden
• Choose native trees that provide beauty, habitat, and shade
• Incorporate native wildflowers and groundcovers alongside hostas
• Create a more wildlife-friendly landscape without sacrificing aesthetics
• Select native plants that thrive in shady conditions

Whether you're a dedicated Hosta collector, a shade gardening enthusiast, or simply curious about the native plant movement, this episode offers a balanced, practical discussion that moves beyond the social media arguments and focuses on creating gardens that are both beautiful and ecologically valuable.

Topics discussed: native plants, Hostas, shade gardening, native trees, pollinator gardens, prairie restoration, invasive species, woodland natives, sustainable landscaping, wildlife gardening, Prairie Nursery, Neil Diboll, and gardening for biodiversity.

#HostaLaVistaPodcast #Hostas #NativePlants #ShadeGardening #NeilDiboll #PrairieNursery #PollinatorGarden #NativeTrees #WoodlandGarden #GardenPodcast #SustainableLandscaping

Do your shade gardens look amazing in June but tired and empty by midsummer? Wondering how to keep color, texture, blooms, butterflies, and hummingbirds coming all season long—even when deer and rabbits threaten your hard work?

This week on Hosta la Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, Betsy Peterson and Mandy Olson welcome gardening expert, author, Master Gardener, YouTuber, and Bricks 'n Blooms founder Stacy Ling.

Featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Architectural Digest, Fine Gardening, Garden Design, Horticulture Magazine, USA Today, Birds & Blooms, People Magazine, Live with Kelly & Mark, and HGTV, Stacy helps gardeners create beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes that thrive throughout the growing season.

In this episode, Stacy shares strategies for creating lush, layered gardens that never look boring. Whether you garden in deep shade, part shade, or full sun, you'll learn how to combine perennials, annuals, foliage plants, and flowering plants for continuous interest from spring through fall.

We tackle two of gardeners' biggest frustrations: deer and rabbits. Stacy shares practical approaches to protect your garden while creating a landscape that's beautiful, welcoming, and full of life.

Stacy also reveals the companion planting techniques and design principles she uses to keep her own New Jersey gardens looking magazine-worthy all season long.

In this episode you'll discover:
• The secret to keeping a shade garden attractive from spring through fall
• Companion plants that pair beautifully with hostas and other shade perennials
• How to mix annuals and perennials for nonstop color and interest
• Easy ways to attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators
• What actually works when deer and rabbits damage your garden
• The biggest mistakes gardeners make when designing shade beds
• How to create layers, texture, and structure that look great all season
• Stacy's favorite plants for extending the gardening season

We also discuss Stacy's journey from attorney to one of gardening's most recognizable online voices, the growth of Bricks 'n Blooms, her bestselling gardening books, and her upcoming release, Filling Your Home with Life: A No-Fail Guide to Styling Your Space with the Perfect Plants, arriving October 6, 2026.

Whether you're growing Hostas, building a pollinator garden, battling deer, or looking for practical garden design ideas, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice.

Follow Stacy Ling and Bricks 'n Blooms:

Website: https://stacyling.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BricksNBlooms
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksnblooms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bricksnblooms
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bricksnblooms
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bricksnblooms

Follow Hosta la Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast:

Website: https://hostalavista.org/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hostalavistapodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostalavistapodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mandoziz
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/231XECpOogYIlghZQ1EPzg
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hosta-la-vista/id1817318895
iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hosta-la-vista-278517713
Email: hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com

Search terms: shade gardening, hosta companion plants, deer-resistant plants, rabbit-resistant plants, pollinator gardens, hummingbird gardens, butterfly gardens, cottage gardens, perennial gardening, annual flowers, low-maintenance landscaping, garden design, shade perennials, four-season interest, Bricks 'n Blooms, Stacy Ling.

#ShadeGardening #Hostas #CompanionPlants #DeerResistantPlants #PollinatorGarden #ButterflyGarden #HummingbirdGarden #PerennialGarden #GardenDesign #GardeningTips #BricksNBlooms #StacyLing #HostaLaVistaPodcast

Ever wondered how new Hostas are created? How hybridizers choose parents, make crosses, evaluate seedlings, and decide which plants are worthy of registration?

In this special "Best of Season 1" episode of Hosta la Vista, we're bringing together some of the most respected voices in Hosta hybridizing: David Teager, Olga Petryszyn, Don Rawson, and David Bowe.

Whether you're a longtime Hosta collector or someone who's been curious about creating your very first hybrid, this episode walks you through the entire process—from collecting pollen and making your first cross to growing seedlings and discovering that one special plant that could become the next great Hosta introduction via tissue culture.

You'll hear practical advice, hard-earned lessons, memorable stories, and the unique philosophies that have guided these accomplished breeders throughout their hybridizing journeys. Together, these four guests have introduced dozens of beloved cultivars and helped shape the future of Hosta breeding.

Topics include:
• How to get started hybridizing Hostas
• Choosing pod and pollen parents
• Growing seedlings and evaluating results
• What makes a seedling worth keeping
• How tissue culture works
• Advice for aspiring Hosta hybridizers

Want to learn even more about Hosta hybridizing? Be sure to visit David Teager's YouTube Channel, where he shares educational videos and insights from his years of experience as a hybridizer.

If you've ever dreamed of creating your own Hosta, this is the perfect place to start.

Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Email us at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com.

Vist our website at hostalavista.org

Follow Hosta la Vista on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for weekly conversations about Hostas, shade gardening, and the people who make this community so special.

Horticultural therapy is changing the way we think about health, healing, and well-being. In this episode of Hosta la Vista, hosts Betsy and Mandy talk with Chris VandenBosche, a Pittsburgh-area Master Gardener and registered horticultural therapist, about what horticultural therapy is, how practitioners are credentialed, and why working with plants can support people in many different stages of life.

They’re also joined by Alisa Bowe Lenhardt, a member of the recreational therapy team at Masonic Village outside Pittsburgh, who shares how her team uses plant-based activities to bring comfort, engagement, and connection to the people they serve. The conversation also touches on Good Nature: The New Science of How Nature Improves Our Health by Kathy Willis and Teepa Snow’s helpful dementia care resources for caregivers and families available on YouTube.

If you’re a gardener, caregiver, health professional, or simply curious about how horticultural therapy works, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration. For more information about horticultural therapy, or to find a registered horticultural therapist near you, visit https://www.ahta.org. *trigger warning: discussions on suicide*

Brought to you by Green Hill Hostas In the Country Garden and Gifts. Hit the + sign to follow the pod and stay up to date on new episodes. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and visit https://hostalavista.org.

In this episode, we take you inside the 2026 American Hosta Society Convention in Dublin, Ohio (June 10–13), with firsthand insights from attendees Cheryl Lockhart, Andy Marlow, Susan Ragsdale, and Julie Lewter. Whether you attended or missed it, this recap covers everything hosta lovers care about.

We dive into stunning garden tours, standout moments from the leaf show, and what made this year’s auction and awards so memorable. You’ll also hear highlights from keynote speakers, behind-the-scenes stories from “Hostatality,” and a few unexpected hotel moments that made the experience even more fun.

Plus, we discuss exciting new hosta introductions coming soon and share a preview of what to expect at the 2027 American Hosta Society Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.

If you’re passionate about hostas, shade gardening, or plant conventions, this episode is packed with inspiration, insights, and community highlights.

Join Hosta la Vista this week for Part 2 of our exclusive interview with renowned hosta hybridizer Doug Ruff — the breeder behind some of the most sought-after hosta cultivars on the market, including Hosta- Bloodline, Light the Match, Electric Fire, Violet Blue, and many more.

Doug is at the forefront of hosta breeding and hybridizing, pioneering work to bring vibrant anthocyanin coloration and "blushing" traits up into hosta leaves. In this behind-the-scenes episode, he opens the gates to his Minnesota hosta growing operation and shares the techniques that have made his breeding program so successful.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The growing medium Doug uses to produce healthy, vigorous hostas
• How he forces plants to emerge early so different cultivars bloom simultaneously for hybridizing
• Why Hosta ventricosa remains an essential tool in his breeding program
• How he manages drought stress and keeps hostas thriving during dry summers
• His proven method for overwintering potted hostas above ground in Minnesota's harsh climate
• The parent plants behind some of his most famous hosta introductions
• Which pod and pollen parents produce the best blushing hosta offspring
• How he uses artificial intelligence (AI) to track anthocyanin expression, analyze color traits, and plan future hosta crosses

If you've ever wondered how red, purple, and yellow coloration makes its way into hosta leaves, this episode offers a fascinating look at the years of patience, experimentation, and innovation behind it.

Shop Doug Ruff's Hostas:
Interested in adding Doug Ruff's blushing hosta varieties to your garden? Visit our sponsor, In the Country Garden and Gifts, the exclusive source for many of Doug's hosta introductions.

Subscribe & Connect:
Click Follow (the + sign) on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode of Hosta la Vista. If you enjoy the show, we'd love a review — it helps other gardeners find us!

Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Email us at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com

Follow Hosta la Vista on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit us at hostalavista.org

In Part 1 of this special podcast episode, we visit Hosta hybridizer Doug Ruff at his home for an exclusive, nearly two-hour tour of his private breeding program. Best known as the creator of the wildly popular and hard-to-find Bloodline Hosta, Doug gives us a rare behind-the-scenes look at the plants, techniques, and growing setup that have made his work so respected among hosta collectors. How he keeps his plants watered even amongst the upcoming El Niño this Fall.

But red is only the beginning. Doug has mastered the art of anthocyanins—the pigments responsible for the blushing color in hosta leaves—and he shares his passion for pushing hosta color further than ever before. From long-lasting red tones to exciting work in purples, oranges, and beyond, this episode reveals the artistry, experimentation, and relentless pursuit of perfection behind Doug’s hybrids.

Doug is an intensely private person, making this a rare and remarkable look inside his hosta program. If you love hostas, rare plants, plant breeding, or innovative garden hybrids, you won’t want to miss this one. This is Part 1 of 2—be sure to tune in next Saturday for Part 2.

Visit his website at hostaoriginals.com to learn more.

Tune in to Hosta La Vista wherever you listen to podcasts. Not sure where to start? Visit us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

Have a burning question or a comment? write to us at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com

For listeners interested in buying Doug Ruff's plants, visit inthecountrygardenandgifts.com and enter code PODCAST at checkout for free shipping on orders over $100. Good through August 31, 2026.

What exactly is a “Super El Niño,” and should gardeners across the United States be paying attention?

In this episode of Hosta la Vista, sisters Mandy and Betsy sit down with Pam Knox, agricultural climatologist and Director of the Weather Network at the University of Georgia, to unpack the headlines surrounding the possible 2026–2027 Super El Niño and what it could mean for gardening across the U.S. this fall, winter, and into next spring.

Will your region experience unusual warmth, heavier rainfall, drought, snow, flooding, or an early spring? Could shifting weather patterns affect planting timing, moisture levels, frost dates, or overall garden success?

Pam helps us separate hype from reality as we explore how El Niño weather patterns affect the United States, why meteorologists are watching this developing climate event closely, and what gardeners should (and shouldn’t) be paying attention to heading into the 2026–2027 gardening season. From temperature and precipitation trends to regional growing conditions, this conversation offers practical insight for gardeners who want to better understand the long-range weather outlook.

If you’ve been hearing news stories about the Super El Niño, wondering how El Niño affects gardening, or trying to figure out what the 2026–2027 weather forecast for gardeners could look like in your part of the country, this episode is for you.

Topics include:2
What a Super El Niño actually is
How El Niño affects weather across the U.S.

Possible gardening impacts for fall, winter, and spring
Regional weather patterns gardeners should watch
Temperature shifts, precipitation trends, frost timing, and planting windows

Worried your hosta might be sick? Wondering if those strange streaks, spots, or browning leaves are Hosta Virus X (HVX), tobacco rattle virus, nematodes, or something else? This episode is for every hosta gardener.

This week on Hosta La Vista, Betsy and Mandy are joined by Brett Arenz, Director of the Plant Disease Clinic at the University of Minnesota, to talk all things hosta disease, hosta viruses, and plant diagnostics.

We cover:

Hosta Virus X (HVX) symptoms, diagnosis, and how to recognize suspicious patterns in hosta leaves
How to test for HVX and when you should test a plant

Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) and how it differs from HVX

Foliar nematodes in hostas — what damage looks like and how to spot the signs
Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) and other diseases affecting hostas
Common issues that can look like hosta disease including environmental stress, frost damage, herbicide injury, and nutrient problems
How to send hosta samples for plant disease testing
Why gardeners should contact their local Extension office or land-grant university for in-state plant diagnostic testing

Brett shares practical, science-based advice for diagnosing sick hostas, understanding plant pathogens, and protecting your shade garden from disease.

Want to test your hostas at home? Order Agdia plant testing kits here:
Agdia Testing Kits

Follow Hosta La Vista on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode about hostas, shade gardening, and the people who love them.

Every community has its founders. Its visionaries. Its quietly devoted souls who showed up, dug in, and gave everything to something they loved. But someone has to remember them — and someone has to tell their story.

In this rare and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Dr. Warren I. Pollock — scholar, writer, and one of the most beloved figures in the American Hosta Society — for a conversation that is as much about people as it is about plants. Warren reflects on a lifetime of friendship with the icons who built the hosta world: Alex Summers, John and Gertrude Wister, Eunice Fisher, Gunther Stark, Russ O'Hara, David Teager, Don Rawson, Gail Hartley Alley, and the legendary Ben Zonneveld of the Netherlands — among many others whose passion and dedication shaped a community that endures to this day.

He also pays heartfelt tribute to the late Marilyn Romenesko — devoted horticulturist, past President of the Delaware Valley Hosta Society, and a force of warmth and excellence in the hosta world — whom Warren remembers with tremendous fondness and respect.

These are the people who were in the room where it happened — and Warren was right there with them.

This isn't a technical episode. It's a tribute. It's a memory. It's one of the most moving conversations we've ever had the privilege of recording, and we think you'll feel that from the very first minute.

Topics covered in this episode:

• The early days of the American Hosta Society and the remarkable people behind it
• Warren's personal friendships with the pioneers who made it all happen
• Stories, memories, and tributes to the legends of the hosta world
• A special remembrance of Marilyn Romenesko and her legacy in the Delaware Valley Hosta Society
• The international reach of the hosta community, including friendships across the globe
• Gail Hartley Alley's vital role in hosta registration and record-keeping
• How passion, friendship, and community built one of horticulture's most devoted societies

If you love hostas, you love the people who loved them first. Don't miss this one.

Perfect for: American Hosta Society members, hosta collectors, Delaware Valley Hosta Society members, shade gardeners, perennial plant enthusiasts, garden history lovers, garden podcast fans

Audio credit: Music by Tomasz Redman and gnate-saint.

Meet Christina Brinkmann — the passionate hosta hybridizerfrom Gütersloh, Germany, who has been quietly revolutionizing the hosta world since 2013. With over 2,900 hosta varieties growing in her garden alongside thousands of seedlings, Christina is one of Europe's most exciting and innovative breeders, and in this episode, she brings her warmth, knowledge, and infectious love of the plant straight to your earbuds.

Christina is known for two distinct lines. Her Chris'Hostas showcase her love of striking red and purple petioles, streaked foliage, and long-leafed varieties — including standouts like Chris' China Star, Chris' Tropical Sundown, Chris' Red Lightning, Chris' Darkest Purple, and Chris' Admin, a touching tribute to the friends who help manage her Facebook group. Her German Hostas carry a very special distinction: they are all tetraploids — plants with four sets ofchromosomes instead of the usual two — giving them thicker, more rubbery leaves, more intense colors, and greater resistance to both frost and sun. German Yellow Dragon, a Proud Dragon seedling, was the first of her tets tohit the market, and her German line has only grown from there. Fransen Hostas, one of Europe's premier hosta nurseries, proudly carries her work, as well as Josh from In the Country Garden and Gifts as well as Uniquely Hostas.

In this conversation, Christina opens up about what drew herto tetraploid breeding, why she loves red petioles and streaked hostas, how she selects which seedlings are worthy of a name, and what it's like to introduce European-bred cultivars to collectors around the world. She is as delightful asher plants — and trust us, that's saying something.

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to follow, subscribe, orleave us a review on your favorite podcast platform — it means the world to us and helps more hosta lovers find the show!

Find us and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagramat @Hosta La Vista Podcast.

Have a question, a story, or a hosta you want to talk about?We'd love to hear from you at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com.

Tune in next week for another episode celebrating the plant that brings us all together — the beloved FriendshipPlant!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Green Hill Hostas

Green Hill Hostas has been introducing exceptional new hosta cultivars to collectors and the nursery trade for over 40years. If you're looking for rare, carefully selected, and quality-grown plants, Bob is your guy. Visit them at HostaHosta.com.

Hornbaker Gardens

A true destination garden center, arboretum, and botanicalgarden nestled in the Illinois countryside near Princeton. With over 400 hosta varieties, a legendary Hosta Ravine, and stunning display gardens, Hornbaker Gardens is a must-visit pilgrimage for any serious shade gardener. Visit themat HornbakerGardens.com.

In The Country Garden & Gifts

Located in Independence, Iowa, In The Country specializes inhostas and succulents with a deep love for the collector and the curious alike. They carry an exceptional and carefully curated selection — including Christina Brinkmann's own cultivars! Explore their catalog at InTheCountryGardenAndGifts.com.