Have been asked to be the speaker at the Ottawa Horticultural Society June meeting and the topic is Hostas Galore!

I've not yet started actually working on my talk (which should be about 30 minutes long). I've got lots of ideas, but am wondering what aspects of hosta growing YOU think I should cover.

All ideas are welcome. And I'll be illustrating points with pictures, mostly from my garden.

Ann

Ann,

I certainly would spend some time on selecting a hosta that will grow well in the micro climate that is available to the gardener. Some complain about a blue hosta that does not look blue, and I find out that the hosta does not in fact have the dense shade that it needs. Of course, there are blue hostas of all sizes that will perform well in much less shade.

Above all, point out that some hostas will grow well in full sun; however, it needs water every day.

And watering is yet another crutial requirement for growing hostas. Some water once a week for a long time. Others do not water and depend on Mother Nature to supply the water.

I water my hostas every day during the growing season, and I water twice a day if there is a period of more than two weeks without rain.

Planting after adding soaked alfalfa is very important to discuss and instruct. The alfalfa feeds up to four years, leaving more time to water while you are enjoying your hostas.

Encourage potting hostas. Large spectacular single hostas make wonderful addition to a patio or garden. Miniature hostas in groups in an actractive planter may be used as a centerpiece on an outdoor table. Small gardens would house many potted hostas.

Good points, all. Any other ideas? I welcome all suggestions at this point in time.

Discuss leaf substance and how to judge it.

Don't forget about slugs.

Why don't you discuss the origin of hostas, species, hybrids, and mutations.
Discuss how in hostas, mutation is desirable, while in daylilies, it is not.

Discuss why the price of hostas in the local box store is under $15, while elsewhere other cultivars cost over $100 or a lot more.

I would talk about Hostas for the south. But that would not go over too well in Canada!! LOL.
I would like to see you tell others what you have taught us here. Talk about how to deal with nematodes and how and why to accept them and not get stressed out and why.
I would like to see you tell others about ammonia and the other organic ways you can get rid of slugs. Yuck!
I would like to see you talk about keeping rabbits and other animals out of the Hosta Garden. This is such a great topic because almost everyone has some type of critter they want to get rid of. LOL.

For the rabbits and other animals, a shot gun would help.

All the different and exciting leaf forms.
How and why some mutations are more stable and some prone to revert.
Why a BB gun is inadequate.