Rob, thanks for the information though I wish it was different. I order in Canada from Naylor in Washington State and it costs just $35 for the certificate. The plants get here in 2 days and the shipping is less than from eastern Canada. I especially don't like the idea of them being in quarantine for 2 weeks. You gave me an idea though. I think Naylor Creek and Fransens have a close association as they seem to introduce each others Hostas. I'm going to ask them if they have any of Atlantis even though it's not in their catalogue. Otherwise I'll wait until it's in Canada. Hostarox, Thanks for the suggestion of Plant Delights. I checked out their web site and they have lots of great plants. Unfortunately until I win that elusive lottery, I'll have to wait as it would be $70 just for the certificate and $5 extra for each plant. I added Maya Swingtime to my Naylor order to make myself feel better.

First - do not cut off any leaves. When the light hits them they will green up. Second - see the link for packing and shipping instructions. Third - be aware that many hostas from big box stores are mismarked and many are infected with Hosta Virus X (HVX). Plant them well away from any hostas you might already have. Fourth - if they can't be planted immediately because of frost concerns, I would pot them and leave them in a protected area or worst case - put them outside on days that are nice and back in the garage or house overnight. Mail ordering is a wonderful way to get plants when you are ordering from a reputable supplier (Hallson's, Naylor Creek, In The Country, etc). They ship excellet quality plants that are properly packed. If you are trading or shipping to friends, use the instructions in the link and they should be just fine. Here is a link that might be useful: shipping instructions

If the shipper was UPS, I'd have to say I wouldn't be surprised. Everything I've ordered this year that was shipped UPS arrived with the boxes looking like they'd been stomped on, slammed around, and beat with a club. One thing I ordered was glass, and it was not cheap. The shipper had packaged it well, surrounded by thick styrofoam that was molded to the shape of the item. The box had "Fragile" stamped all over it. Well, guess what? The item was shattered in little pieces. I was so angry! It's to the point that I cringe anytime I order something, and get shipping confirmation that it was sent UPS. I've never received anything shipped by the Post Office that was damaged. In my opinion, the post office does a MUCH better job than UPS. Deanna

in my z5 MI ... rocks pop themselves out of the soil during the freeze thaw cycles in spring .... they are heaved ... see link if your late planted plants.. are not rooted in soon enough.. the soil not settled enough .... they can heave out of the ground ... and its really bad.. in non snow cover winters.. if this happens in feb or march.. because you dont usually find them until late april ... and by then.. they are freeze dried and dead... like that two year old raw chicken in the freezer ... many peeps of many regions read every post.. so i provide the link ... i realize many of you warm zone peeps have your own devils.. and not heave.. but i dont know the line of demarcation ... in warm zones.. again.. get them dormant.. and keep them dormant.. and that is the key ... a good mulching.. helps keep them dormant later into spring .... whenever that may be for you.. wherever you may be .... ken Here is a link that might be useful: link