I chose 3 mail order vendors in 2005, kept 2, dropped one. In 2006 I tried a few others, including Direct Source. They are one of last years "keepers." Most everyone seems pleased with Naylor and Hallson, and I've had very good plants from Glenbrook also. But nobody carries everything, so I enjoy trying one or two new places with a small order each year. I ordered a second time from Direct Source last year, before the sale. Of the plants that I did order, all were one or two eye hostas, but very firm and vigorous. Some places sent what I call "wimpy" specimens, and I won't repeat order from them. I seem to recall a summer special last year where you could order as many hostas as you wanted from Direct Source for $3 each (or was it $5?), their choice, no repeats. But I couldn't specify size, and didn't want to get any very large or giant varieties as space is a problem. Many of their varieties are less expensive than some other vendor's hostas. You just have to realize they are likely to be one or two eyes. But they aren't tiny eyes, and are bigger than the plants that I've received from a few other vendors. So far, I like Naylor, Glenbrook, Hallson and Direct Source. I am trying a small order with one "new" vendor this year also. ~Bunnycat

Wow, those are some fabulous pics. I am not familiar with Herman's Pride. Looks like an upright form? I have planted Lamium on an east facing retaining wall. Red Nancy. I have Silver Beacon in full sun in my yard, it is a STUNNER. Both areas are contained, but the plant does pop up in other areas of my yard. I'm hoping Red Nancy will fill in as a nice ground cover as my Silver Beacon has, and eventually spill over the wall. I had wondered if it would take over hostas, but these pics are inspiring. Melissa, I do like Anne Greenway. I planted a similar 'Golden Anniversary' this year, I thought I'd try and see how it does. So far, so good. Soft pink flowers.

There is a pic of it in the Hosta Library at this link Monet Your Hosta is not Monet though, it is one of the ones Jim mentioned or closely related.

miles if you can see any of the stem on a tree peony it is not planted too deep. It may be that if you planted it only last year the stems are not developed enough to have bloom buds. They are not like some herbaceous and need to be planted two inches or less under the soil a minimum of four but even better most of the stem. Peonies of all types need time to adjust to where they are planted. Even though tree peonies can have blooms the first year that is very very unusual. I have about 25+- of them. The bloom bud stems were developed within the small almost invisible bud on the side of the stem several years ago. In my garden I start seeing next years bloom buds start forming toward the end of June and early July. If your tree peony did not have secondary stems at that time last year it is very unlikely that you would have had any blooms this year. Peonies of all type bloom on their own schedule and moving them around on your whim increases that schedule. In my area KCMO if I would plant tree peonies in open sun rather than the various shaded spots I would have one day of bloom then petals on the ground the next when our temps go from 50 to 90F in a days time.