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If you've got a hankering for hosta, we can help! Long regarded as the practically perfect perennial plant, hostas are native to Korea, China & Japan. These leafy beauties were introduced to American gardens via Europe in the mid 1800's.
There are so many varieties of hosta: small plants to large plants with small or large leaves (with everything in between!); solids, patterned, or variegated leaves. Undoubtedly, there is a hosta for every garden or landscape setting. Three of our favorite varieties at Martin Viette include: Hosta 'Whirlwind'; Hosta 'Guacamole'; and Hosta 'Regal Splendor'.
Hosta 'Whirlwind' is prized for its compact growing habit. Twisted, curved leaves with white centers and dark green veins and margins make a statement in rock or woodland gardens, planters, mixed borders, or when massed.
'Whirlwind' produces beautiful spikes of lavender flowers in mid-summer. Hardy in Zones 3-9 (we are considered Zone 7); grow in partial or full shade and moist, well-drained soils.
Hosta 'Guacamole' delights with large, dense clumps of beautiful oval leaves with chartreuse green (think the color of sliced avocado) centers and darker green margins. And if you love fragrance in the garden, you'll love the scent from its dreamy white flowers in mid-summer. Best grown in full or part shade; hardy in Zones 3-8 (we are considered Zone 7). Allow some space between plants; 'Guacamole' can be 2'+ tall; 4' wide once established. Use in mixed beds and borders; shade or woodland gardens, large swaths of color when used as a groundcover under trees.
Hosta 'Regal Splendor' (hardy in Zones 4-9) produces long spikes of trumpet-shaped, lavender flowers that stand well above powdery gray leaves with creamy yellowish-white margins. Full to partial shade (morning sun intensifies the coloration in the leaves); and moist, well-drained soils. Allow for some space - 'Regal Splendor' will grow 3" tall and wide. Use in beds and borders; woodland or shade gardens; massed plantings.
Hostas can have a shady side to their personality - they do enjoy shade, especially during the long, sunny days of summer. Some gardeners, commercial growers, and hosta aficionados (including the American Hosta Society) agree that, if given ample moisture, some varieties of hosta (especially the yellow and white leaved varieties) will grow in full sun locations. Generally speaking, hostas do quite well as a groundcover under trees, or in rock gardens, or landscape beds and borders with morning sun, followed by afternoon shade.
Planting: Dig the hole twice as wide, but no deeper. Remove the container, then tease-out the roots and set in the planting hole. (Heavy soils should be amended with compost or composted manure prior to planting.) New plantings should be watered regularly.
Maintenance: Very little, if any, maintenance is required during the growing season. If you want, spent flowering spikes can be removed. After a killing frost, cut back and dispose of leaves. Fertilize in early spring when new growth appears. Divide and replant in early spring or fall; some will argue that hostas can be divided and replanted any time of the year, provided the ground is not frozen.
Beware of deer; they, too, love hostas. Repellents can be used to keep them at bay.
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Shop our August hours at Martin Viette Nurseries in East Norwich - everyday 9am to 6pm.
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After years of talking about it, finally our blog has germinated! We hope you enjoy 'The Garden Keeper' blog, accessible at our website. All comments welcome: info@martinviette.com
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It's time to fast forward 6 months! We're planning our 2015 Winter Lecture series and ask for your input. Please tell us what you want to learn about this winter - topics, ideas, themes, workshops, speakers. Please send them to: education@martinviette.com. Then, stay tuned to future e-blasts, Facebook, mailers and store signage for a full schedule of events. |
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Summer B-B-Q's, pool parties and family get-togethers. . . Is it time to evaluate, upgrade, or create outdoor living areas in your landscape? Our expert designers at Ireland-Gannon Associates can help! Our award-winning firm has affordable solutions for beautifying your outdoor surroundings. Whether a simple planting, new patio or terrace, or a grand country club setting with swimming pool, putting green or cabana, our experienced design/build team will do it all. From concept to completion, we will create your dream.
Ireland Gannon is located at Martin Viette Nurseries, Route 25A, East Norwich (516) 922-4800. Or, we invite you to visit us on the web: www.irelandgannon.com
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The Interfaith Nutrition Network, 'The INN', is the largest human service agency of its kind on Long Island, providing daily assistance to the many needy people living in our communities. Their shelters and soup kitchens are always in need of donations. Your donations will be brought to the INN for distribution. We thank you for any assistance that you can provide.
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Do you know Landscaperoutlet.com? Landscaper Outlet offers high quality outdoor living products at unbelievably low prices. On the website you'll find a wide variety of outdoor living products including fountains, statuary pieces, BBQ's, and outdoor furniture. The folks at Landscaper Outlet have been in the outdoor living business for generations and take pride in their products, services and knowledge. When you are looking for technical assistance, product information, or just shopping around, Landscaper Outlet is here to serve you. You can also visit the Landscaper Outlet kiosk the next time you shop at Martin Viette Nurseries in East Norwich. |
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Have you heard of Pinterest? It's a virtual pin board that allows you to organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can browse pin boards created by other people to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests. Follow Martin Viette on Pinterest! |
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Calling all gardeners! Follow Martin Viette every day on Facebook for the latest in gardening tips, plant picks and more. |
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Martin Viette Nurseries
email:
info@martinviette.com
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