Link to Top Gun Hosta 2015

It was a three-way tie:

Dancing Queen submitted by Donna/DelawareDonna

Pistache submitted by Vanessa/TheHostaCottage

War Paint submitted by BC, Dave/Tiddisolo and NHL's photo

These came home

Dancing Queen, every inch of this hosta as glorious in person as in photos.

Pistache - had to be separated from mama. Sport of Spilt Milk (I have)

War Paint - the spring show just about over...a bit of pattern left

Jo... would love to go visit myself. Perhaps I'll get there one day - if I'm visiting Ontario at the right time of year. Nothing comparable here in the Vancouver area, so you are very fortunate to have Glenn's serene oasis within striking distance. I'm sure that I'd be a frequent visitor if I lived within range. It would be like a hosta Mecca!

Thanks for posting the pics... the grenade urn is becoming quite the HC landmark! How long were you able to soak up the sights? I'm sure that I'd have a hard time pulling myself away!

BC

I see that you've added pics of your purchases...

Nice sized plants! Your War Paint already looks similar in size to the one I've had for a few years (mine started out as a single eye). What's the name of the one in the center of the back row?

Obviously, I've never met Glenn face to face, but he seems such a jovial fellow on the phone - knowledgeable and earnest to boot! Would also like to meet him, in addition to his students one day!

The "extras" are 'Apple Candy' - clean, crisp lines reminded me a bit of June, colour drew me in. So powdery soft. Surprised - Library says leaves are shiny - it is a sport of June Fever. I love the matte surface of the leaf. LOVE IT!

I read in another thread today that Vanessa has one. Can't wait to see it - she has an amazing variety of the latest hostas!

BC, as a matter of fact, Glenn paid you a very nice compliment when he commented how impressed he was with your photography, and how great it would be if only he could have you take his pictures for him! High praise, indeed!

I also picked up (snatched it up from the working/holding greenhouse, lol) a Ghost Spirit that was due for dividing and repotting. I guess Glenn has one pot less to worry about, HA! Bless him, he let me buy it as is. Look at it! Isn't it huge and full?

What a wonderful place to visit! You are very lucky that you have somewhere like that close to you. I would be in heaven in a place like that. And how nice that your daughter shares your love of hosta.

Excellent choices you made, Dancing Queen in one of my very favorites that I own. Apple Candy looks beautiful too! Congrats on your new babies!

Wow, that Apple Candy is so pretty. One is coming my way. If my order ever arrives! And what a lovely place to visit!

Oh Jo, I'm green with envy, there's nowhere like that here to visit. Congrats on your purchases, you got some good uns there. Very restrained to only get seven, my credit card would be maxed out. I hope you get much enjoyment from them.

Jo...

Thanks for the additional pics of Apple Candy - just lovely, and a different colour combination for the Halcyon descendants!

Two Ghost Spirits? Both with bulging biceps... great finds!

BC

By the way, your Dancing Queen looks more than ready for "Opening Night!"

Before our trip, I poured over HC Hosta Availability for 2016 and found the name of a hosta that grabbed my attention:. "Stan The Man" and apparently a rare hosta. My bother's name is Stan so I thought wouldn't it be great to surprise him with it in August for his birthday? In the meantime, I can enjoy it and look after it....hoping for a piece sometime down the road ;-)

We stayed for close to three hours. It was very busy when we arrived so we toured all the beds first. We were lucky to have Glenn for awhile after others left. He pointed out certain beauties, among them "Giants" like Viking Ship. (My youngest had to have one.) He is fun to chat with, gardener to gardener and absolutely loves all his plants. Wonderful heuchera collection, also hellebores.

It was a full day travelling 6 hours. Next time I think an overnighter closer to HC would be lovely. Three hours in a day one way, three hours home the next. A nice dinner out night before, a nearby hotel/motel, then more time to spend gawking at hostas to our heart's content next day. Walking/shopping through 5 huge greenhouses/hoop houses admiring hostas for sale takes time. We owe it to ourselves to do it right, right? ;-)

There is one last little thing...Glenn gave me a seedling to grow. He picked them up at the First Look auction and had already potted up a few. He has gifted a couple of people and I am tickled to be one of the recipients. He is curious as to how it will grow for us in our different regions.

It is a Megalodon seedling. What I viewed on the computer screen reminded me of Jurassic Park, lol. Yikes! I will have to rent land to grow this one, bwahaha !

What a fun place to go shopping. It would be tempting to have all that near enough to go see them in person. How nice that your daughter shares the hosta love with you. Now you have more great additions for your gardens. ...Oh, I see you said it was six hours drive time altogether. An overnight trip sounds fun for the future.

Sandyslopes, it's funny how my youngest daughter "hated" hostas years ago! (She is the one in purple coat, eldest in cream coat.). Seemingly overnight, she asks to go with us (her older sister) back in 2011, when I discovered Hank the Hostaman who was selling hostas for $7 regardless of size. Her interest was captured.

The three of us made two trips - the second being after only minutes, maybe half an hour after we had each bought some. On the way home we stopped at a nearby Tim Hortons.....counted whatever money we three had altogether, then went right back and shopped till we were cleaned out! Lol. What a fun day. We still have the plants we bought that day. Some of them he hybridized. :-)

When my third daughter moves into her permanent home soon, we will be a complete "hosta-geek" family! Lol. Love for hosta is extremely infectious!

You know what is just as exhilarating as shopping hostas? Friends on the forum with whom to share!

Sounds like you had the best day ever! Dancing Queen is one of my favorites too, who am I kidding, they are all my favorites!

sherry

All look terrific, and the back story will make them all special, but those Ghost Spirits look absolutely stunning.

Jo - smart to take a pic of Empress Wu with your daughter..can tell how enormous it is..terrific pictures!

I hear you, Sherry!

Denis, it felt odd really to come home with so few...especially when I saw Indigo, Island Breeze, Bressingham Blue, Proud Sentry, umpteen Lakesides! and some more recent introductions right there, staring back at me. I must think I have enough...for this year at least, not to have purchased more.

Space, even in pots, is really becoming an issue with me. They are all growing larger and need more space to stretch out. I need to practice discipline now when choosing hostas. Believe me, it's no fun!

I may have to borrow land from my kids! See what I just did there? I'm already looking for ways to add more...and I barely acknowledged I have no room. Lol

I forgot - I have Amalia and Plum Pudding reserved for next year! I'm cheered up again as that is a good start for 2017. ;-)

What a great tradition to do this with your daughters and bring home souvenirs of your times together that will grow as the love between you and your daughters obviously has.

Jon

OK, this is about as soppy as I get.

My daughter just bought a house and I already have 10 pots ready for her. I'm trying i really am. It is my dream to spend a day like that with her. Thanks for sharing.

Nicholsworth, the girls were sure hamming it up when I asked for them to be my scale for EW. It's a wonder she could stand still long enough, because we were cracking up after I asked "be like Vanna White".

EW is huge. My "scale" stands 5'3". :-). To think I almost bought it last year! Reason prevailed - I came home with a demure Ivory Queen instead.

Jon - that is the loveliest sentiment. How very sweet of you to express it just so. I am so touched. Thank you very much. (your soppy is A-Grade)

Wendy, your comment following Jon's - Kleenex required.. You will have that day, Wendy - make it so. (hug). It's fun to dig in the dirt together...fling a little soil, fall over laughing...

That picture of Dancing Queen unfurling is stunning! That second Ghost Spirit is very pretty. I'm so glad you had a good day with your daughters. It's really fun to be adults with your children.

Jo...

I think you showed admirable constraint given the circumstances...

To be able to turn away from, "Indigo, Island Breeze, Bressingham Blue, Proud Sentry, and umpteen Lakesides," demonstrates real self control! Be heartened by the knowledge that you came away with plenty of cream.

The ones that weren't calling your name loudly enough today, will still be around in the years to come... maybe their call shall fade, or perhaps it will grow louder... then you will be able to act accordingly.

BC

Of course, I'm in the same boat, so I can empathize completely!

Kathy, you understand. :-) count our blessings for sure.

Dancing Queen - so many pictures already. I kept the one with just pips too. She is such a star hosta.

I like that particular shot - looks like she is twirling out of her constrains.

Happy so many of you are enjoying the photos.

BC - how eloquent! I saw two of your hostas, Proud Sentry being one...the other I'm trying to remember. I really wanted PS-those petioles! the shape of the plant, the colour... next year!

DONNA! I touched First Blush!!! There were about four maybe there. But they were quite small. Commented to Glenn to beef them up for next year (and maybe he will sell 2 or 3). Truly a special hosta up close. You know how to pick the best ones, you do.

Jo, You finally got your hands on (and purchased) DQ. Good luck with all your wonderful choices. If those First Blushes were the same size as mind when purchased, then you should have grabbed one because this is a vigorously growing

hosta - if planted in the right conditions - lots of sun. You should see it NOW in its second year!!!!!

Jo, your addiction is a wonder to behold and it looks like you have two more addicts in the making!

Your pictures and your excitement came over so powerfully I became caught up in the whole thing.

As Denis said we have nothing like it here in the UK though Mickfields has a huge collection kepy in poly tunnels. Perhaps it's a good thing as I'm sure I would not have been as restrained as you.

Seems like First blush has made it on to my list for next year.

Now to go check out Stan the Man.

Dave

No, Donna - not near as tall. Your spring colour blew us all away! Is it time yet for more peeks at it? Oh! I saw some 'Dinky Donna' but was called away and lost my place. Told you last year or earlier that I had to have a Donna in my garden? I shall have one. Very cute! Small ones are so easy to tuck in almost anywhere, aren't they? Now I am rationalizing! Oh my, I would have easily walked away with another 18!!!

Dave, thank you and I'm so glad you got caught up in the whole thing, lol! It is a very heady feeling to be happily lost amidst a sea of hostas - similar to when you gaze at or swim in your very own hosta sea, I'm sure!

Anyone who must predominantly mail-order hostas would literally have to brace themselves at a place like this, lol. There is a rush and a peace, and a sense of wonderment at the same time, that grabs a hold when viewing bed after bed of magnificent, majestic, mature hosta and large waves of ferns standing like gigantic sentry. Very, very fortunate to have so many fine nurseries where I live.

A white horse ambled into view from across the way - I think Lisa tried to zoom in while it was moving. Don't see that every day!

Josephine, What a wonderful experience to have viewed such a special place ant tour around and with your daughters.. I am so envious! When talking with Glenn on the phone it is like he is a friend of everyone of his customers which makes us feel very special and connected to his hosta world. I have tried to refrain with buying this season and only purchased two new this season. His divisions are huge and so healthy when sent and mine have grown into the same crowded lush look they have in their gardens. Lucky you and beautiful choices but how do you contain yourself when so many beauties to chose from. Hosta Choice is the best! Congratulations for the fun tour and thanks for the exciting post. WOW

Faye

Wow back at you, Faye! You described Glenn to a T! BC described jovial - absolutely! So glad to have met him. That is part of what I meant by an enriching experience. Glenn is a pleasure to be around. A friend who reminds me of my brother a bit too. It's just natural to hug those fellas!

Many, including me admire your lush gardens - it's nice to know where you shop! ;-) A wonderful testimonial for HC and your care for your hostas. Thank you, Faye.

I recall Glenn had a terrible year a few winters ago and lost many of his hosta due to the extreme cold weather and he was devastated but see he has bounced back strong and full again I envy your trip!

Looks like a wonderful place. Too far for a quick road trip for me though. Enjoyed you pics.

Looks like a successful trip, Jo! The weather looked perfect for some good pictures. Enjoy your new goodies.

Vanessa

Faye, yes I do too. It was in 2014. I was shopping at Hosta Fever that spring when Cindy mentioned what a rough spring it was for Glenn. (I had mentioned in passing that I was interested in going to Hosta Choice to look around.). She was shipping her plants to help him honour some orders. It's nice how reciprocal home vendors are amongst themselves. I finally went last year...the rest is wonderful history! :-)

Thanks, Vanessa! You mentioned in Linda's thread that Apple Candy and other recommendations were doing well for you. Have you had it long? How's it look so far? Shiny leaves? Anything change during the growing season for this hosta? I'd love any feedback you can offer.

Your daughter looks just like a girl we spoke to while on our visit to Hosta Choice on June 4. And her Mom was a very knowledgeable hosta gardener! Could it be that we crossed paths on that day?

If you were the two lovely ladies I recommended Devon Green (which I bought there last year) to, that would be me, lol. I overheard a conversation about looking for a green hosta while browsing. Trust me to put my two cents in! Lol. Anything hosta/ gardening and I can't shut up. But they bought a DG! :D

If that was you, Mae I am so happy to have met you by happenstance! :D. What are the chances, huh? Which area do you live in?

Edited to add:. Just checked the calendar. It wasn't us as we were there a week ago, the 7th. Ive heard it say we all have a twin somewhere in the world...my daughter apparently has one!!! Lol

Who knows, Mae? Maybe we will run into each other at HC some day! :D

I live near Tillsonburg/Woodstock so Hosta Choice is just an hour away. We spoke with many "hosta people" on our visit...kindred spirits I would say. Alas, I don't think we were the lovely ladies you met that day as our conversation centred on mushroom compost, soil ammendments, and mosquitoes.