Robin C. Pearce, from Worlds End Nursery near Worcester replaced Una Dunnett on the published programme to come and deliver a fascinating talk on Hostas on Wednesday June 1.

Robin explained that hostas were originally known as plantain lilies and were native to north east Asia. The species was named after Thomas Nicholas Host who introduced them in the late 1800s.

Originally grown for their impressive foliage, the plant tends to prefer light shade and damp conditions but is easy to grow with few problems apart from our notorious friend the slug!

Hostas are very popular in north America because they suit the American way of gardening. They prefer a cold winter when they are dormant.

Although they are prized for the variety of their striking foliage, they do have flowers to and some are perfumed. Gertrude Jekyll grew them in pots, (a great idea for smaller gardens) while William Robinson grew them in his wild garden.

Hostas can be used architecturally in gardens, and they can be seen in some impressive locations such as Niagara Falls, Highgrove House and at Bowdens, in Devon (https://www.bowdenhostas.com/) which holds the national collection.

Americans call them the ‘Friendship Plant’ because they can be divided at any time of year and they are particularly vigorous in July and August.

Snails present the main problem and Robin suggested various ways of trying to control then; slug pellet in February before the foliage gets too dense; spraying WD40 around the rim; coffee grounds garlic spray, and nematodes. A member of the audience suggested crushed oyster shells.

Robin showed a number of slides with different varieties: Diamond Tiara; Lemon Lime; ground cover varieties such as Hosta Loyalist and Hosta Undulata; Clifford’s Stingray and Enterprise; Lakeside Dragonfly with pointed leaves; Geisha (very good for spreading); Blue variegated Aristocrat; Remember Me; and miniature ones such as the mouse ear varieties – Feather Boa; Lime Fizz; Cracker Crumbs contrasting with the giants of Blue Mammoth, Blue Angel, Snowden which do not attract slugs so much. There are also hostas with red stems, such as Fire Island and Cherry Berry.

Hostas like hummus, such as fish blood and bone in spring with a liquid feed in summer. They can be very useful and are popular with florists as they provide a striking foliage effect.

Robin summarised his talk by naming a few ideal companion plants such as arums, snowdrops podocarpus, bergenias, brunnera, lily of the valley, cyclamen, epidemia, and dactylhoriza.

Robin has now closed his nursery but is open by special arrangement to groups (http://www.worldsendgarden.co.uk/).

As we’d all hoped, Robin brought along a few of his plants for sale which were quickly taken away by an enthusiastic audience.

The coach trip to Wollerton Old Hall Garden, (www.wollertonoldhallgarden.com/) on July 6 replaces the normal monthly meeting at a cost of just £15 per head for travel and entry starting at 9.30 am from the Villages Hall, Broad Lane WR10 2LY Anyone wishing to join should contact Lesley Miller on 07854 362318 as soon as possible or email info@bishasmptongardeningclub.org.uk.

LESLEY MILLER