HOSTA la Vista Baby...

Partners in crime, Lynn and yours truly

 Chances are if you turn on Hosta Lane you just might find some hostas. In the town of Kiel, Wisconsin, it's a given you will find 1,000's of hostas for sale on the nice shady grounds of Pond Side Gardens, located at 14028 Louis Corners Road in a residential neighborhood. This would be a deadly neighbor for any gardener.


It comes by its name honestly as across the street is a lovely aerated pond stocked with fishies and a mowed area with some lovely plantings by its gazebo. 

Kathleen just lives right down the street...

There's even a nice bench to sit and 'ponder' your surroundings/ take a pic as we did in our case. Here's Kelsey (l- rear) with her Mom Kathleen (standing) and seated Aunts Lynn and Yvonne.

Whether you are in the market for hostas/ would just like to meander the humongous variety of hostas in their display gardens, you won't be disappointed.  Owners, Dennis and Diane Lenz have been collecting and growing hostas for over 10 years and are very knowledgeable besides friendly. They can tell you what grows best where and its future size. The hostas are not greenhouse raised so you know they are zone hardy and healthy. Whatever doesn't sell this season is replanted.  That could mean almost a 1000 replanted. Whoa.

On the display side the hosta gardens have markers as to their common names and the years they were planted. This educates the prospective buyer as to an idea of how large the plant grows. 

Of course I couldn't go home emptyhanded and 'plant' shopping is the best therapy I know.  It wasn't easy choosing which ones to take home as there are over 500 varieties on the grounds. You are given a clipboard and pen at arrival to write down the hostas that appeal to you. Some are sold out and marked as such so I always looked first so I didn't fall in love with those.You don't have to worry about finding ones to love. Not only their appearance catches your attention but their names are noteworthy. 

In the purchasing area all the hostas are alphabetized and are placed according to size- Small, Med and Large. Labels also reconfirm your choice and sun preference. Yes, some hostas do like more sun than others.

Grandtiara, June Fever, Maui Buttercup, Niagara Falls, Rainforest Sunrise and Sum and Substance all came home with me.  

Don't these guys look like they are going to be really happy in the End of the Rainbow Valley?

I had to say "Hosta la vista, Baby" because if I 'm ever in this hood again, I'll be back.