Well, having got quite a fixation about hostas it's good to see that there is so much knowledge around on this forum. Can't wait to see your pictures Brumbull.
I'm beginning to change my mind about my plan though. I'm gaining the impession that perhaps 8 hostas in one corner may not work or look too good. I like blocks and formalities and order but I'm wondering now whether the Astibles that I was going to plant downside of the Hostas may be better being planted in between the Hostas. What do you reckon?
Hostas and astilbes can be moved if you don't like your first arrangement. It's your garden and you should have it as you like it. You can change it as many times as you like, there's no single right way, justthe right way for you. You can have years of fun finding that.
Agree totally with nut about the difference between putting three Hostas of the same variety together as opposed to three different ones. It's the same for most plants- the overall look can be jarring - but as nut says, it's about playing around till you get the look you want. Astilbes work really well with Hostas as they like the same conditions - I've used that combination many times. Nice contrast in shape, size and foliage. Spring bulbs (snowdrops/crocus etc) are really useful under these plants so that you get a continuation - especially if it's an area you can see from the house. It can look a bit bare in the spring until these plants get going so you may want to consider that Charley. Snowdrops in the green will be available in a month or so
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I have two groups of three large hostas - Sum & Substance and Blue Angel - they look fantastic grouped together - individual hostas I keep in pots and move them around the terrace according to where the shade is at different times of the year.
Verdun, I think blue hostas keep their colour better if you can keep them sheltered from heavy rain - difficult I know down in your tropical paradise
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Yes Verdun, I bought a few last year Hosta Stained Glass was a special one I treated myself to when we visited Burncoose - it's a beauty, described here http://buddgardens.com/buddgardens/P6.htm as
Hosta 'Stained Glass' (Hansen/Shady Oaks, 99) LARGE (20" high by 42" wide.) Fragrant white flowers; This Hans Hansen introduction is a marked improvement on the wildly popular H. 'Guacamole' from which it mutated. The brilliantly shiny golden foliage is surrounded by a 2" wide dark green margin. This incredibly vigorous sun-tolerant grower makes a 3-4' wide clump, topped in late summer with large, very fragrant, light lavender flowers! Hosta of the Year 2006. Sun tolerant
I plan to keep it in a large terracotta pot and hope I can do it justice
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Posts
Well, having got quite a fixation about hostas it's good to see that there is so much knowledge around on this forum. Can't wait to see your pictures Brumbull.
I'm beginning to change my mind about my plan though. I'm gaining the impession that perhaps 8 hostas in one corner may not work or look too good. I like blocks and formalities and order but I'm wondering now whether the Astibles that I was going to plant downside of the Hostas may be better being planted in between the Hostas. What do you reckon?
Hostas and astilbes can be moved if you don't like your first arrangement. It's your garden and you should have it as you like it. You can change it as many times as you like, there's no single right way, just the right way for you. You can have years of fun finding that.
In the sticks near Peterborough
hi hostafan1
all that i can say is woh i love your hostas
Agree totally with nut about the difference between putting three Hostas of the same variety together as opposed to three different ones. It's the same for most plants- the overall look can be jarring - but as nut says, it's about playing around till you get the look you want. Astilbes work really well with Hostas as they like the same conditions - I've used that combination many times. Nice contrast in shape, size and foliage. Spring bulbs (snowdrops/crocus etc) are really useful under these plants so that you get a continuation - especially if it's an area you can see from the house. It can look a bit bare in the spring until these plants get going so you may want to consider that Charley. Snowdrops in the green will be available in a month or so
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I have two groups of three large hostas - Sum & Substance and Blue Angel - they look fantastic grouped together - individual hostas I keep in pots and move them around the terrace according to where the shade is at different times of the year.
Verdun, I think blue hostas keep their colour better if you can keep them sheltered from heavy rain - difficult I know down in your tropical paradise
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Yes Verdun, I bought a few last year Hosta Stained Glass was a special one I treated myself to when we visited Burncoose - it's a beauty, described here http://buddgardens.com/buddgardens/P6.htm as
Hosta 'Stained Glass' (Hansen/Shady Oaks, 99) LARGE (20" high by 42" wide.) Fragrant white flowers; This Hans Hansen introduction is a marked improvement on the wildly popular H. 'Guacamole' from which it mutated. The brilliantly shiny golden foliage is surrounded by a 2" wide dark green margin. This incredibly vigorous sun-tolerant grower makes a 3-4' wide clump, topped in late summer with large, very fragrant, light lavender flowers! Hosta of the Year 2006. Sun tolerant
I plan to keep it in a large terracotta pot and hope I can do it justice
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Hi Brum
I have had an order from Bali once before VG but have not tried Bowdens,YET!
And I don't like garlic spray either!
Also how do I keep my blues out of the rain to keep their colour, I think they have developed web feet instead of roots!