Funnthsun, What's interesting is that we're all coming from different places and perspectives. I understand your viewpoint completely, but I don't have any rare or expensive hostas that would be difficult to procure as a replacement, and I didn't base my decision on sentimental reasons. After watching 4 deer roaming the neighbourhood on a walk last night, I though about which of my hosta are most vulnerable. Consequently, an Autumn Frost was shifted to an out of reach elevated back deck! My rationale for saving Liberty would be basic - it's big, bold and beautiful! Nice Guacamole plant! I really like that one too - I have 5 quite large ones now - started out with a single one division purchase many years ago. Plus two cousins - Holy Mole and Avacado! You've got to like how this one packs on the muscle and puts on the pounds! Thanks for your thoughts, BC This post was edited by BChosta on Sat, Apr 19, 14 at 21:24

Whatcheer, How kind of you to mention me as a speaker for this event in Chickasaw County. I would love to speak to the folks up in northeastern Iowa at their next Chautauqua. The closest I have been to this event was a gardening series I spoke at last year for the folks in Delaware County (just west of the Dubuque area). If you have never been to one of my lectures, they are really fun events. I usually give away a bunch of plants that I feel more people should be growing. I also try to present my information from a slightly different perspective than what you are used to hearing. I try to make folks aware that they are a lot smarter and more knowledgeable than most of the "experts" give them credit for -- if they will just stop listening to a lot of the nonsense coming from so many of these "experts". Thanks again for the kind words. IronBelly

Our collection of over 50 species or cultivars of pre-1900 irises has been designated a "display garden" by the Historic Iris Preservation Society. Some of those available this summer include: Queen of May (1859) Salter, Amas (1885) Foster, Perfection (1880) Barr, I. geraminica (1753) collected, Swertii (1612) collected, and Mme. Chereau (1844) Lemon. Ed, Steward, Benton House (1873) Historic Garden.

Saija, Lakeside Prophecy is so beautiful. I love looking at your photo! Glad that it has been a good grower for you! Sunnywood, isn't it wonderful when so many hosta do well in one season! Your Climax and Brother Stefan are so large and pretty! Steve D., I am envious of your gardens! Steve, the hostas you have shown definitely look like winners! I would have to say that the "best" award would have to go to Atlantis. Not only has it grown well, but it actually has been growing in a pot (same pot) in the ground for three years! I was thinking of dividing it, but how am I going to do that? The roots may actually go round and round in the pot and out the drainage holes! I will probably dig around the pot this spring and see if I find any hosta roots growing outside the pot and work from there. You can see the pot in the picture below.