What in the entire world makes you think you should ask someone else what looks good together? I think you ought to hire yourself out as a hosta designer. Don't change a thing, don't take advice, don't even ask.

Often the minute someone gets "training", natural ability is stifled. You're doing well -- as are your gorgeous hosta.

My only thought -- not even a suggestions, just a thought -- is that these are so lovely, perhaps you might make them BIGGER!.

Just plain beautiful.

Christine
Who is going to get a camera this weekend.

I'm only addressing the difference between an opinion and unkind criticism.

I want to know what others think; I'll decide what to separate for myself.

I've learned from many things that have helped and informed my knowledge and insight.

For example, I like colorful hosta yet to put a bright gold in that green bed would take away. If you did and asked what do I think, candid and straight forward was say I don't like it as well, is that criticism?

BTW, I like them all the combinations except I prefer irregular beds as opposed to round, square or straight, now my neighbor, a carpenter must have straight squared up lines to enjoy his.

Love your hosta beds, don't change anything...except that there's way too much grass (just kidding). LOL!!!

Nice pics, welcome back!!

Donna

I love mixtures of contrasting colors and textures. Here are a few photos.

Don't be afraid to ask.....that's why most people come here to begin with.

Teresa

If you are looking at the area and are not quite happy with it, I think it is because the bed needs to be larger.

Oooooh Teresa, I love that look! I also like to mix textures and colors. I'll have to go take some pictures. If it stops raining.

-Pam

Thanks all -- writing and beaming!!!

Theresa -- what blue-green hostas are in your first picture?

Vicki

Vicki

1st photo
St. Paul .....Yakushima.......Great American Expectations

2nd photo
Sea Fire ........ Purple Verticulated Elf

Teresa

OMG Teresa - I've never seen or heard of Purple V. Elf - now I hafta get THAT one! I've been looking for Purple Haze for a year and can't find it anywhere. Saw it in a friend's garden (not that GOOD a friend, cuz I hinted) and it truly does have a purple haze in the midrib area. It was surreal. Where did you get PVE?????

Westy

Beautiful combinations Vicki, thanks for sharing your pics.
As for deciding what works together best - it's all a matter of taste really - yours - if you like it that's all that matters. That said, in my garden I like mixing it up (like Theresa) with different textures and colors - I love heucheras with their frilly leaves and beautiful colors and ferns and grasses.

June

I got mine from Hideko who got hers from Herb Benedict. It's an expensive hosta. She had one small eye for sale at the Farmer's Market this year.........$140 and it flew off the table - a board member of the AHS saw it and snapped it up! She told me PVE does not multiply fast. However, I put my one eye in the sun last year and have 2 fat eyes this year and a third on the way. My first division goes to the Hosta Santa. Then I'm going to let it multiply for a year or two before deciding what to do.

Teresa

I think your beds shown look very nice, the only suggestions I would make are to remove the birch suckers at the base of the tree so you only see the main trunks going up, and to edge the beds with rocks to make a cleaner edge and prevent lawn/weeds from infringing on the beds. They look very full and lush right now, so adding anything to them at this size may not be possible.
But... if you had room, I like the heucheras in the reddish/purple leaf colors with Jap painted fern next to predominantly green hostas. You can also put pulmonaria ( with the greyish spots) next to shorter blue hostas as the blue "bloom" color is echoed by the spots, and the spring blooms are pretty. How about columbines, too ? I have a light yellow columbine next to Northern Halo and the color echo is very pleasant. PLus it will reseed so you have more plants for around the yard later ! Just some ideas for the future, especially if you decide to join those 2 beds ( which would look great !) If budget is a concern, you could divide some of your prolific hostas and replant a section in the new "bridge" bed, that way there would be some continuity in color and shape as the eye scans the bed from left to right.

Great suggestions -- I do have some varieties of heuchera, pulmonaria and Japanese painted ferns scattered around -- just got the caramel heuchera -- any experience with that one -- chartruse one almost didn't make it through the winter here in NY? Also, I'll show your notes to my husband -- I've been wanting to bridge two of the hosta beds for two years (he does the hard labor) -- this should help.

Vicki