Gail & David Russo of The Russo Garden
Join us for the Season 1 finale of Hosta La Vista, where we’re heading to Cedarville, New Jersey, to visit Gail and David Russo—creators of The Russo Garden. This special episode dives into their multi-habitat paradise, complete with sunny and shady beds, ponds, water features, and a stunning array of hostas and daylilies. It's a garden built on passion, diversity, and endless exploration.
The Russos are known not only for their lush landscapes but also for their seed work—Gail crops and sells hosta seeds through Facebook's Seed Growers group. They even start seedlings through the winter, sometimes selling them or collaborating with a nursery to grow and market them.
Gail is also stepping into the spotlight with her new articles for the Online Hosta Journal, which publishes quarterly and is free for readers. She’s eager to highlight more gardeners' stories, and hopes listeners will reach out if they’d like to be featured in future editions. Read her July issue here: https://americanhostasociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/July2025.pdf
From seed-growing tips to fall garden prep, from seasonal care wisdom to how they share their garden with visitors, this episode is a treasure trove of insight and inspiration.
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Come grow with us—this is one last bloom before the season ends and thank you to all of you who gave our podcast a try this year. We are grateful and hope you enjoyed it. We look forward to season two!
Betsy and Mandy
West Coast Wonders—Mandy’s Trip to Sebright Gardens with Kirk Hansen
This week on Hosta la Vista, Mandy escapes the Midwest's heat to trek into the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley—and we're all along for the ride. After visiting in August, she returns brimming with stories from Sebright Gardens, a true botanical treasure near Salem that cultivates over 1,000 hosta varieties alongside hardy ferns and elegant epimediums—making it one of the largest and most immersive shade-garden nurseries west of the Mississippi.
We sit down with co-founder Kirk Hansen to explore how four acres of magical display gardens began as a private passion project in 2003 and grew into a source of inspiration for gardeners everywhere.
Learn what it takes to curate more than a thousand shade-loving beauties (plus hundreds of companion plants!), what the visitor experience feels like, and how Sebright manages to ship plants beyond Oregon’s borders.
Whether you’ve walked their pathways yourself or are hosting hostas in spirit, this episode delivers plant-spiration straight from the Pacific Northwest. Join us for tales of mossy paths, towering hosta mounds, and the man behind the hostas—Kirk Hansen of Sebright Gardens.
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This week on Hosta la Vista, we’re chatting with Danny Lawson — hosta aficionado, editor of The Hosta Journal, and President of the Wichita Hosta Society. Danny’s deep knowledge and sharp eye for both plants and gardens have made him a respected voice in the hosta world. In this episode, we talk about his journey from curious collector to seasoned curator, his editorial work shaping The Hosta Journal, and his quest to visit all AHS display gardens in the US and Canada. You’ll hear stories about his favorite cultivars, the behind-the-scenes process of producing a high-quality plant publication, and the connections he’s made in the hosta community.
We also have fun with our signature “Finish the Rhyme” challenge and a “This or That” segment tailored just for Danny’s interests. Whether you’re here for insider garden tips or simply love meeting the people who shape the hosta world, this episode is a treat.
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We’re off to discover hidden hosta treasures this episode as we sit down with Josh Spece of In The Country Garden & Gifts, tucked away in Eastern Iowa. With his family by his side, Josh has built a well-respected nursery that feels like a magical secret garden with over 700 varieties of hosta for sale outside of Independence, Iowa.
Tune in to learn how Josh curates a standout collection of hostas, runs a heartfelt family business, and balances mail-order success with in-person charm at his various social events. We’ll also explore the stories behind his favorite plants, the strategy of his exclusive offerings, and the magic that makes his nursery a must-visit. Whether you’ve been there in person or just dream of road-tripping through a sea of shade-loving leaves, this episode will leave you inspired, entertained, and maybe thinking about expanding your own home collection.
Hosta La Vista as we chat with the dynamic duo behind Lazy Toad Farm in Clearwater, Minnesota – Joe Rand and Todd Fussy! Discover the inspiring story behind their thriving farm, born from a shared passion and a love for carrying on family traditions. We'll dig into their incredible collection of shade-loving hostas, explore their delicious array of handcrafted pickles, and learn all about their vibrant CSA program brimming with locally grown cut flowers. Plus, get the inside scoop on their upcoming Open Farm Days – a perfect opportunity to experience the beauty and bounty of Lazy Toad Farm firsthand, right here in the heart of Minnesota. Get ready for a conversation that's as rich and flavorful as Lazy Toad Farm itself!
Listeners, we have a very fun, light-hearted episode for you this week. Join us as we chat with Julie Lewter and Susan Ragsdale from The Hosta Society of North Alabama as they recount their 2024 Excellent Midwest Hosta Visit spanning 9 days and over a 2,500 miles in a Mitsubishi Outlander.
You'll laugh as they recount this trip they chronicled on Facebook for us all to enjoy. You can see all of their photos and videos on Facebook at The Excellent Midwest Hosta Visit.
So sit back, relax and remember this great trip with us. Get ready for their 2026 trip: The Excellent Midwest Hosta Visit 2.0!
As always, if you have comments, questions, a suggested guest for the pod or a rhyme you'd like us to use on air, email us at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com.
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As always, thanks for listening!
Seedlings, Symptoms, and Show Stoppers: The Many Hats of David Teager
This week on Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, we're joined by a true jack-of-all-trades in the hosta world—David Teager. From germinating seeds to judging show tables, David has done it all, and he’s generously shared his knowledge every step of the way.
In this episode, Betsy and Mandy dive into David’s multifaceted contributions to the hosta community. We explore his popular YouTube channel, where he breaks down the magic of growing hostas from seed, his vital role as an admin in the Hosta Diseases and Pests Facebook group, and his longtime service as an AHS show judge—now honored with the title of Judge Emeritus.
David offers practical insights, cautionary tales, and encouragement for gardeners at every stage. Whether you’re starting your first tray of seedlings or wondering what that strange spot on your leaf might be, this episode is packed with the kind of wisdom only a true hosta veteran can provide.
From Prairie to Paradise: Dave Hornbaker and the Art of Garden Building
This week on Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, we're heading to the heart of Illinois to visit with Dave Hornbaker, second-generation co-owner of the beloved Hornbaker Gardens. What started as a dream on a patch of prairie has blossomed into a destination nursery known for its sweeping hosta collections, serene landscapes, and a welcoming spirit that draws gardeners from all over the Midwest.
Betsy and Mandy chat with Dave about how it all began—from the early days of digging in the dirt to building a full-scale garden center and event venue. We explore their philosophy of gardening as an art form, how they built a reputation for excellence in hostas and companion plants, and what keeps the Hornbaker family grounded (pun fully intended!) in their mission to inspire.
Whether you've walked the shady paths at Hornbaker Gardens yourself or just dreamed of visiting, this conversation will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and itching to get back into the garden.
The Cochato Way: Growing with Heart and Humor — with Chuck Doughty
In this episode, we sit down with the one and only Chuck Doughty of Cochato Nursery—longtime grower, collector, American Hosta Society President, and the man behind one of the most beautiful hosta nurseries around.
Chuck shares how a small plot of land in Massachusetts became the birthplace of Cochato, how he approaches hostas with both precision and playfulness. We talk AHS leadership, favorite seedlings, past hosta heroes, and how to keep things growing—both in the garden and in the community.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just hosta-curious, Chuck’s stories, energy, and passion for the plant will leave you smiling and inspired.
Hosta la Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast — where the leaves are lush and the friendships perennial.
This week, we sit down with Andy Marlow — longtime AHS leader, former president, and the sharp eye behind The Hosta Journal's photo editing team. From his first hosta in 1979 to decades spent shaping how we see and share these beloved plants, Andy brings insight, humor, and heart to everything he touches. Whether you're a gardener, photographer, or Society member, you'll find something to love in this wide-ranging conversation with one of the most influential figures in the hosta world.
In this episode, we dig in with Kathy Pedersen of Heavenly Hostas — grower, guide, and the heart behind one of the Midwest’s most beloved award-winning gardens. Kathy shares stories from the field, what she looks for in a great plant, and the joys of having a show garden. We also explore her life-long friendship with legendary hybridizer Hideko Gowen, and how that relationship helped shape her path in the hosta world. It’s a warm, funny, and insightful conversation you won’t want to miss.
Welcome back to a new episode of Hosta La Vista — your favorite podcast for all things green, leafy, and slightly obsessive. This week, your hosts Betsy Peterson and Mandy Olson head to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, to chat with Barb Rauckhorst, President of the North Coast Hosta Society and a proud Master Gardener.
Barb shares her story of falling in love with hostas, leading one of Ohio’s most active local societies, and finding purpose and joy through community gardening. We’ll talk about club events, growing membership, and what it really means to serve as a Master Gardener.
Barb also touches on horticultural therapy, a meaningful practice that uses gardening to support healing and wellness. To learn more, visit the American Horticultural Therapy Association at www.ahta.org.
Thanks for listening — we’re so glad you’re here!
This week on Hosta La Vista, we're honored to welcome Dr. Mary Albrecht, the Vice President-Genus Hosta of the American Hosta Society! Join Betsy Peterson and Mandy Olson as they sit down with Dr. Albrecht to explore her journey and deep expertise within the world of hostas. Learn about her pivotal role in the AHS, her insights into the future of the "friendship plant," and the valuable contributions she's made to the Society. This episode offers a unique perspective from one of the AHS's key leaders.
As always, if you have questions or thoughts for the pod, reach out to hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com
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Get ready for a masterclass in hostas! This week on Hosta La Vista, we're absolutely thrilled to welcome the legendary Don Rawson! Sisters Betsy Peterson and Mandy Olson sit down with a true titan of the hosta world – a hybridizer extraordinaire whose creations, like Betsy's personal favorite 'Alligator Rock', consistently astound. We're huge fans of Don's groundbreaking work and immensely appreciate his invaluable contributions to the Hosta Library. Tune in as Don shares stories, insights, and perhaps a few secrets from his decades of cultivating and creating hosta beauties. This is a must-listen you won't want to miss!
This week on Hosta La Vista, your favorite garden-loving hosts kick things off with a fun catch-up—sharing laughs, plant updates, and a few surprises from their own shady corners of the garden.
Then it’s time to roll out the green carpet for none other than Olga Petryszyn, legendary hosta hybridizer and a true icon in the hosta world! Olga joins us to share her passion, process, and the stories behind some of her most celebrated cultivars. From her artistic inspiration to the secrets of standout hosta breeding, this is a must-listen for hosta fanatics and garden geeks alike.
Episodes drop every Saturday—subscribe so you never miss the garden gossip or guest!
Have questions or want to share your own hosta stories? Email us at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com and visit our Facebook page at Hosta La Vista Podcast for show photos, updates, and more shady content.
In this episode of Hosta La Vista, we sit down with the one and only David Bowe — a standout hybridizer in the Hosta world whose signature style, sense of humor, and eye for the unusual have earned him a loyal following and a garden full of unforgettable plants.
David has registered over 30 hosta cultivars, many of which share his signature flair for wordplay and personality-packed names. From Summer Rainbow to Beau Brummell, Cupid's Bow to Bottle Rockets, his hybrids aren’t just beautiful — they’re memorable. In our conversation, David opens up about what it’s like to watch a tiny seedling become a named variety, how he chooses which plants make the cut, and why he doesn’t take himself too seriously in a field full of perfectionists.
But David’s story takes a surprising turn — after decades of Hosta hybridizing, he relocated to Florida, where the blazing Zone 9 heat makes growing Hostas nearly impossible. We talk about the challenges of leaving a Hosta-filled garden behind, and how that shift pushed him into experimenting with heat-loving native plants, applying the same hybridizing curiosity and patience in a whole new climate.
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Whether you’re a collector, a hybridizer-in-training, or just someone who appreciates a Hosta with a sense of humor, this episode is a celebration of creativity, persistence, and pure plant joy.
So grab a cold drink, put your feet up, and join us for a fun, insightful, and pun-filled chat with David Bowe — where every Hosta has a story, and every story has a twist.
Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of Hosta La Vista — the podcast devoted to the world of Hostas and the people who love them.
We’re bringing you highlights and field reports from the American Hosta Society’s annual convention 2025, whether you were there and want to relive the magic — or missed it and need to know what went down, like me — this one’s for you.
Thanks to Alisa, Tanya and Julie for their coverage of the convention. Lots of insights, memories and takeaways.
Safe travels to all headed home today. Enjoy your new plants and keep on listening.
Send us your comments and questions at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com
In this episode, we’re joined by Ben Matthews, the passionate curator behind one of the UK’s most distinctive plant collections—the British National Collection of Hosta—nestled in the heart of Worcestershire, England. Ben shares the fascinating journey of how his love for this diverse and shade-loving genus grew into a nationally recognized collection.
We explore the unique challenges and joys of curating a living collection, delve into the incredible variety within the Hosta genus, and discuss what it means to steward a national plant heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just discovering the charm of hostas, Ben’s insights offer inspiration, practical wisdom, and a deep appreciation for botanical conservation.
This week's guest is Hosta grower, photographer and nationally recognized Hosta judge, Alisa Bowe Lenhardt. A member of the famous Bowe family, she joins us to discuss her own Hosta cultivar, being a show judge and even gives us a warning about how easy HVX can be missed.
Join us as we talk to this expert in flower arranging, getting started with Hosta and the joy of taking the art to the next level-Hosta shows!
This weekend is the annual American Hosta Society convention in Peoria, Illinois where Alisa will be a judge.
Have a Hosta question or a riddle you want us to use on air? send us a line at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page: Hosta La Vista Podcast.
If you like this podcast please leave us a review. (all communication helps the algorithm get to more people) and share with a gardener you think may enjoy listening to us.
Welcome to our first episode of Hosta la Vista! This week we introduce ourselves and give a little background on the creation of the pod. Join us as we begin this journey together.
Questions or comments? Send them to hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page. Listener questions will be answered on air. We'd love to hear from you. Stay tuned each week for new episodes. Click 'follow' or subscribe to stay up to date.
Tomasz Redman music
