River Region hosta enthusiasts braved the August heat to learn how to grow and care for hostas at a recent class held in Oak Park in the Wisdom Wood outdoor classroom. The class, taught by Master Gardener Bionca Lindsey, covered types of hostas, planting guides, propagation and care.
Ms. Lindsey provided participants with a list of heat-tolerant hostas with variegated, green, gold, and blue foliage. She also recommended sites for ordering hardy plants, as well as providing what she called Happy Hosta Mixture to encourage the growth and health of plants.
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The class included a number of tips and information which many participants can use in cultivating hosta gardens:
- Hostas are considered shrubs, not flowers, because their foliage grows over and over.
- The hosta virus is spread by dirty utensils and cats wandering among the beds. Utensils should always be cleaned before working in beds.
- Hostas should be separated in the shade in the spring when shoots emerge. Separations should be done in early morning or late afternoon.
- Cultivated plants may send up differently marked leaves during the growth season, but they will return to their original pattern when they grow again the following season.
- When propagating plants, set on top of a mound of compost and then fill pot with garden soil.
- Feed plants in spring and summer. Add lime in spring if soil is not alkaline.
Future classes planned by the Montgomery Botanical Gardens include Herbs on September 9, presented by Janell Diggs; Fall Floral Arrangements from Nature on October 7, presented by Anna Owen; and Bulb Planting/Perennials on November 4, presented by Karen Weber.
All classes are free and open to the public and will begin at 10:00 am. Seating is available in the outdoor classroom. For comfort, participants may consider bringing folding chairs. Water will be provided.
