Hosta of the Day - 'Hippodrome'

Hosta 'Hippodrome' has been another fast grower for me.  It's listed as a medium sized hosta, but I would probably put it medium/large in size.  It has blue/green leaves with a thin cream margin.  As the hosta matures the edges of the leaves become more rippled.  It was one I wasn't sure of when I first planted it, but it has really impressed me in the short time I have had it.

Hosta 'Hippodrome' 2009

Hosta 'Hippodrome' 2011

Pin It

Hosta of the Day - 'Hope'

Today's hosta is another miniature hosta.  Hosta 'Hope' has green leaves with a gold margin.  'Hope' can grow to be about 8" wide, and has very cute round leaves and forms a very nice mound.  It's a little hosta that packs a lot of color.  Because of it's size, it's best to put this little guy in the front border so it can be easily seen.  It would also be great in a miniature garden.

Hosta 'Hope' 2009

Hosta 'Hope' 2011

Starting Hosta from Seed

This is a reposting from last season:

Starting Hosta Seeds

These are the seeds I collected in fall. I put them in paper envelopes so they would have proper air circulation, and kept them in the garage where it is cool and dry.

I then sprinkle the hosta seeds on to a paper towel with a little help from Ally.

I cover the seeds with another paper towel and dampen it (don't make too wet or seeds will mold).

I then put the damp paper towel with seeds in plastic bags and label them .

Pin It

Then I put them on top of the refrigerator where it is warm and will encourage germination. I will check them in a week to see if there is any activity. Once they germinate I put them into soil. I use this method to germinate seeds, so I can see what seeds are viable before planting them in soil.

Hosta of the Day - 'Harpoon'

If you are looking for a very fast growing, then look no further then the hosta 'Harpoon'.  'Harpoon' has long, narrow leaves that are very glossy.  The leaves are green with a gold border in spring that turns cream later in the season.  I think I have divided mine at least two or three times since I first bought it, as it grows that fast.  I put it in a space for a small to medium hosta, and it keeps outgrowing that spot.  Pair it with dull blue hostas to bring out glossy leaves, or pair it chartreuse colored hostas.

Hosta 'Harpoon' 2009

Hosta 'Harpoon' 2011

Pin It

Hosta of the Day - 'Heat Wave'

Pin It 

Wow!  I still am in awe of this warm spring weather we are having here in March.  Spent the whole day outside cutting down old flower stalks, refilling bird feeders, and fixing my ladder planter.  It's a great time to introduce hosta 'Heat Wave'!  'Heat Wave' is a sport of hosta 'Bright Lights'.  If any of you have 'Bright Lights' you know it is a fairly slow growing hosta.  'Heat Wave' is brighter in color and faster growing compared to 'Bright Lights'.  'Heat Wave' also has thick leathery leaves (which make it more resistant to slugs) that are chartreuse with a wide green/blue border.  Pair it with hostas with white coloring in them or solid green.

Early Spring

With the warm weather we are once again having I have to keep double checking my calendar.  Is it really only March?  Even the crocuses at my mom's house seemed confused, as they are already blooming.  I wish our Wisconsin winters were always like this!  I saw the weather for this week and by midweek it's supposed to be in the low 70's.  I have been keeping track of the weather in New Mexico, because I will be traveling there in a few weeks.  We will actually have the same temperatures during the day this week except we will be warmer at night!  It's so warm my husband has the itch to do spring clean up.  I keep trying to remind him it's only March and this IS Wisconsin......

Look what's coming up already!

Arum Italicum

Daffodils

Monkshood

Tulips

Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is located in Phoeniz, AZ.  The entrance alone blew me away with it's beautiful Chihuly Glass display.  I would love to have a Dale Chihuly glass display in my garden, he is so talented.  When I first saw the display I thought it was some gorgeous plant that was reflecting the sun's rays.  It wasn't until it got closer that I realized the plant was really made out of glass.  The garden had a beautiful display of cacti, and volunteers were close at hand to answer any questions you may have.  It is one of 33 landmarks that make up the Phoenix Points of Pride.

Chihuly Glass display at entrance to garden

Pin It

Photo Opp in the Garden

Bird nest in Saguaro Cactus

St. Earth Walking, sculpture by Robert Wick

Sun Dial

Gigantic Organ Pipe Cactus

Barrel cactus

Crested Saguaro Cactus

Blooming Yucca

Cactus Bloom

Agave and Barrel Cactus