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Hosta La Vista: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Betsy Peterson and Mandy Olson | Hosta Shade Gardening Podcast
A Hosta and shade gardening podcast for growing beautiful, low-light landscapes. Sisters Betsy Peterson and Mandy Olson explore Hosta varieties, care, shade garden design, and companion plants that thrive where the sun doesn’t. Get practical tips on shade perennials, Hosta cultivation, slug and deer resistance, plus the joy of building a Hosta garden. Featuring weekly interviews with top hybridizers, nurseries, and collectors across the country.
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- Sep 19, 202644 min
Bob Solberg Reviews the 2026 Hosta Season | Hosta College, National Convention & What's Ahead for 2027
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 mattersAs 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!
- Sep 12, 202646 min
Hosta Road Trippers: Touring the Midwest's Best Hosta Gardens, Nurseries & Hosta People with Susan Ragsdale and Julie Lewter
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 journeyHear what makes the Hosta community so welcoming and specialDiscover must-visit Hosta gardens and nurseries across the MidwestGet inspired to plan your own Hosta road trip adventureConnect 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 PodcastInstagram: @hostalavistapodcastQuestions, comments, or guest suggestions?hostalavistapodcast@gmail.comHosta la Vista, Baby!
- Sep 4, 202649 min
Uniquely Hostas: Justin & Andrea Geske on Their Big Move, Hosta Hybridizing, Tissue Culture & Jeff Miller's Legacy
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 plansHosta hybridizing and seedling developmentHostas currently in tissue cultureJeff Miller's mentorship and Land of the Giants historyAndrea Geske's WhatNot Hosta salesStorm damage and creative garden solutionsThe future of Uniquely HostasDon'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 PodcastInstagram: @hostalavistapodcastYouTube: Hosta la Vista PodcastEmail: hostalavistapodcast@gmail.comHave a question, topic suggestion, or guest recommendation? We'd love to hear from you!Hosta la Vista, Baby!
- Aug 29, 20261h 1m
Inside a Hosta Tissue Culture Lab: Rob Mortko Shares Secrets of TC, Sports & Future Introductions
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 worksBenefits and drawbacks of tissue cultureThe role of TC in the Hosta industryHunting for Hosta sportsMidwest Regional Hosta Society updatesFuture Hosta introductions expected in 2027A Kansas-themed game segment with RobSubscribe, 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!
- Aug 22, 202659 min
Inside The Hosta Stop: Award-Winning Seedlings, Streaked Hostas & Family-Powered Hybridizing
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
- Aug 18, 202626 min
Our First Hosta Convention: Midwest Regional Hosta Society 50th Anniversary Recap from Madison, Wisconsin
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/unfurledjewelryWhether 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.
- Aug 15, 20261h 4m
Nick Ternes of Botanophilia: Hostas, Shade Gardening, Trees & Plant Hybridizing
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 breedingShade garden designCompanion plants for hostasTrees and woody plants for northern gardensRare and unusual plantsRunning a specialty plant nurseryGardening education and public speakingBuilding a garden instead of a collectionQuestions 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.
- Aug 8, 202651 min
Lonna Engel of The Painted Leaf Hosta Garden: Building a 900+ Hosta Collection in Pennsylvania
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 varietiesDesigning a memorable shade garden experienceDeer-resistant gardening and her homemade ammonia-based deer deterrentCrystal chandeliers hanging among the trees each springA unique koi pond where retired hostas are grown hydroponicallyCompanion plants and garden design ideas for shade gardensThe touching story of a garden frog memorial that visitors never forgetLonna 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
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About Hosta La Vista
A Hosta and shade gardening podcast for growing beautiful, low-light landscapes. Sisters Betsy Peterson and Mandy Olson explore Hosta varieties, care, shade garden design, and companion plants that thrive where the sun doesn’t. Get practical tips on shade perennials, Hosta cultivation, slug and deer resistance, plus the joy of building a Hosta garden. Featuring weekly interviews with top hybridizers, nurseries, and collectors across the country.
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