Well I did live in a zone 7 for a while and we did have quite a strong winter. Maybe zone 8 has more winter than I realized. If that is the case you may be able to grow hosta ok. Yes I would be reluctant to grow vegetables next to the chemical like that. But then the other plants may not thrive well there, I don't know. Not sure what chlorine does when it contacts the soil. Maybe some large planters would work for you?
