Growing Hostas in the Streams

We’ve been experimenting the last two or three years with growing hostas right in the streams that run into our ponds. We don’t generally think of hostas as aquatic plants, and one might think that hostas planted in a running stream would be getting too much water. But they have done amazingly well, even in full sun.

We planted some in the mud of the stream in the Hosta Ravine. They grow there like crazy and look fantastic.

To plant hostas in the rubber-lined streams running into our ponds, we took the hostas out of the pots, shook and washed off the potting soil from the roots, and planted them like we do any other aquatic plant by pulling back some gravel, placing the roots on the rubber liner, and pulling gravel or small stones around and over the roots. We planted them along the sides of the streams, rather than out in the middle of the running water. They grew well, taking nutrients from the pond water, thus helping to control algae in the streams and ponds.

In the winter, we shut down the streams, but the hostas overwinter fine right there in the gravel of the streams. We plan to experiment with a few hostas planted along the edges of the ponds. Those of you with ponds and/or streams might want to give this a try.

You Pick.

We Plant.

We offer delivery and planting of our trees, shrubs and even perennials. For plants in pots up to 5 gallons, we will plant them and set them up for success with some of our favorite slow release fertilizer (more on that below). This currently ranges from $15 to $45 per plant, depending on the size.

For larger trees, 7 gallon pots or greater, the cost for us to plant is $185. This includes 3 heavy duty tree stakes and straps, a 20 gallon water bag, 3-4 inch layer of mulch, fertilizer and a 2 year extended warranty. All other trees, shrubs, hostas and daylilies are covered for 1 year after purchase.

We use and recommend

Pro-Gro Fertilizer

Pro-Gro 5-3-4 is a general-purpose fertilizer with a slow release formula that will not cause plants to experience burn. Pro-Gro can be used at the time of planting, as well as spread around already established plants and watered in. We use Pro-Gro for all of our in-ground planting applications, from trees to full landscapes to even our hosta fields. We have had great success with strong, green growth and healthy blossoms.

Pro-Gro can be purchased at Hornbaker Gardens in 5 lb or 25 lb bags. Pro-Gro is an OMRI listed, registered organic fertilizer, and is made of high nutrient, natural ingredients.

New Workshop Additions

We have added a few workshops since our last newsletter went out! Melody Best will be back with another painting class on Tuesday, June 20th. This time, she will be leading the class in creating floral watercolor greeting cards. Melody Best is an award winning theorem painter and botanical artist. She has exhibited throughout the U.S. and many of her paintings are in private and corporate collections.

See all of our events here.

Farm to Wick Soy Candles will be here on Monday, June 26th with their DIY homemade candle workshop. Participants can choose from over 40 scents to create their own unique candle. We will discuss garden inspired scents as well as aromatic plants to grow a candle-inspired garden. These 8 oz candles are made from clean burning, 100% Midwestern soy wax.