Our September meeting included a presentation on Hostas and tour of the nursery at Mason Hollow Nursery in Mason, NH.
Not Your Grandmother’s Hostas
Sue Anderson, Owner
Has your garden become shadier over time as the surrounding trees have grown taller? Is there a shady corner of your yard yearning for attention? Sue introduced us to hostas – stunning shade lovers that include an enormous variety of sizes, shapes and colors – and their many uses in shady and not-so-shady spaces, alone or in combination with other shade lovers. She shared many tips she’s learned tending the nursery’s expansive display gardens, brought us up to date on her ongoing battle with the local vole population and answered our questions.
Background
Sue and her husband Chuck opened Mason Hollow Nursery way back in 2001, offering 300 varieties of hostas. Since that time the number of hosta varieties has grown and the nursery has expanded beyond hostas to include ornamental grasses, heucheras, wild flowers, ferns, selected trees & shrubs, collectors’s conifers and many other perennials. But it still offers the warmth and personal attention you would expect from a family business run by true plant lovers. For those who have never been there before, you’re in for a treat!
Fall Plant Swap
Bring potted divisions and extras from your garden – up to 6-8 per member. All plants should be labelled – if you don’t know your plant’s name, a few words describing its likes & dislikes, height, bloom time & color would be helpful. If possible, dig & pot up your plants at least a week in advance so they look their best for the swap.