Our Visit to HostaJims

This was just too cool!

Speaking for just me, I had a blast at Jim's. I even have a hosta he doesn't so instant trade there! I want to go back later in the year when all the hostas are up doing there thing. Just a beautiful yard, could have stayed all day looking at the hostas. I too have lots of shade area, so it was very educational for me.

Carol. you where in my mind and all of us today, and don't Cuss yourself so. Things happen to not to are liking, most in the time, you ask me a Q on how I lost my Pass DH, Its a very tragic story, one day here next day gone.don't beat yourself up. I can not go into it, I still have a issue, that I have almost set aside, but still there. I just wish I had the time like you and Steve have, I didnt.
This is the wrong tread for me vent this, Sorry.

Jim was a gracious and informative host. I believe a good time was had by all. I do have pix but will not post them until tomorrow. So far I don't see many dupes, so I will take care not to repeat.

Heidi was an equally generous hostess and, as usual, I came away from the experience richer and more knowlegeable (plus significantly more plant heavy!). Pix of Heidi's tomorrow as well.

It was great to see/meet everyone. Carole ~ you were definitely a thread of conversation numerous times today and indeed your spirit was felt. Looking forward to the time we can meet in person.

Kathy (Katie59) and I had an amusing experience at Heidi's. There was an unattended cart in the pathway that was laden with very interesting and attractive plants. We just had to start picking them up, touching them, and trying to identify what they were and had made it through about 1/2 the cart when two women came up to the cart and one said "What are you doing with my plants?" Like kids with our hands in the cookie jar, we both looked at her and babbled an explanation. Turns out it was Patricia (Willow Wind, or Weally Weird) and her daughter, Connie. Both wonderful and friendly...a treat to meet! Also met Neofarmer, the Japanese Maple queen, another fab find!

Seems like we can find eachother, regardless!!

Marvellous tour - wonderful, personal looking garden and home. Many thanks for the photos, and thanks to Jim for letting them take pics. Stunning.

Okay...my contribution. I'll try not to duplicate ~

This is the first picture that caught my eye in Jim's space

Neat and tailored ~

Nice natural looking terrace

Okay...one duplicate. This climbing hydrangea pergola is stunning.

Apparently this hellebore is quite satisfied with her surroundings!

And just when you think they can't get any bigger, you find the mother of all hellebores, and she's on steroids!

Nice varigation (sorry, didn't catch her name)

Kathy...what was this called again? (wink, wink, nudge, nudge ^_^)

Nice Sanguinaria.

And the prettiest blue primula I've ever seen...matter of fact, the ONLY blue primula I've ever seen. Heidi had some but apparently others thought they were pretty as well because she was sold out by the time we got there. Oh well...maybe next time!

The '46 Lincoln. Imagine cruising around in this sled!!!!!

And for me, the final view before leaving. Jim was very hospitable, generous (thanks again for the plants, Jim...they will be treasured!), and informative, not to mention just downright nice. Thanks for the tour. Maybe we can come back when everyone is showing their colors!

everyone, I enjoyed having you tour my place, as you enjoyed looking. it was a fun day for me. you all are invited to stop by any time you're in the area, as the season progresses. I hope you enjoy the Hostas I gave you. you'll have to name them, though. Murmur, let me know when you can make the trip. yes, the car is a 46 Lincoln Zepher. I'll comment more later. I have to get ready for skating. with my senior buddies, Jim

I still have a few more yet, got to tired last night.
And
so missed you Laure, so wish you where there with Carol.^_^


This is Sheris grand entrance.

This was to cool, forgot what plant it was.

This is from the bottom of the slope looking up, And Pixs is walking on the second tier.

Her is another shot of mother plant as Sheri said On Steroids.

Sheri and Rach coming up the steps.

I want to thank everyone for the plants, funny I came with a box to share and I come home with a box, and thats not counting what I bought at Heidis, really enjoyed my visit at Jims. And Jim I would still like to have a mouse ear.

Parting shot, Pix at the GH

Hello Everyone!
Wow beautiful property...great pictures. You guys just had too much fun, how did you take it all in, seeing two such wonderful places in one day? I wish the weather had been better, I stayed inside and potted up 24 new Dahlia tubers, so I had fun too! Just missed out on the social aspect and all the knowledge!
I hope to be able to get an appt. when I go to Heidi's to do a drive by at hostajims too...alls I have to say is WOW!
Wishing for better weather,
Carla

Carla, I'm with you - all I can say is WOW! And I can't wait to see Hostajim's place and see Heidi and Dragonfly again.

And I also must compliment the photographers - you did a great job of taking us on tour . . . many thanks.

Jim, You are a master gardener on steriods. Your place is just lovely and what you have created is magical. Do you call that big Hellebore "stinking helleborus"? I have one by my front door and love it. Your Hosta's are amazing.

tillysrat, I can tease off a start of mouse. I was going to put some of it in the greenhouse to see if I could get some crosses from it. so far it has been infertile both ways. another is Fire Island. it's such a beautiful plant, that I would like to get some seed pods out of it. I do have some limited success with it as a pollen parent. but as a pod parent you get more good stuff. can you tell it's a month away from starting the 08 hybridizing. I'm dreaming of that hosta that will make me famous. ha ha ha. I'm joking of course. but it's fun to dream of good things. I keep saying, I'm retired, I'm retired. and I never take a day off from my hobbies. I need to go to a HostaHolic meeting. but having a day like yesterday, with so many great people, makes all the work well worth it, I'm by far the lucky one. Jim P.S. I'm not sure of the name of the hellebore. I bought it long ago. but I could see it in the Little Shop of Horrors. I haven't moved it because it's so imposing. I keep hearing, FEED ME Seymour!!!!! when I go bye it.

OO Jim man after my heart, LOL I wish I could retire and come up with a great idea like you have, you will be famous someday, its like time in a bottle, it will come.
I so enjoyed your yard, just to cool. someday I would love for people to take a tour of mine, Tillys palace or the woodland adventure.

The most in my mind about your place, Where did you find that cold frame, I want one.
Hugs
Tills
^_^

Jim - thank you so much for opening your home and garden to us. And for the gift of Hosta's! I'm thrilled to be part of what surely is going to be a very successful hosta hybridization career. And I'll be able to say, "I knew you when."

Hello, I'm just getting back to the PC after my little northern trip-we stayed in Seattle and got home last evening. So I guess I am a little late posting my great big THANK YOU! for a wonderful visit in a beautiful garden.

Jim, Thank you so much for your hospitality, the gift of very special, lovely hostas and your time for the tour of your garden. My DH also thanks you for making him feel comfortable in a group of gardeners, and also for his nice green hosta.

Katie, Susy, you all, are most welcome, Jim

I can't wait to come back Jim, and see all the hostas up. You tell me when is a good time and I'll make sure to see you. I hope to get to the "retired" stage in life where I don't have to spend so much time away from my yard.
By the way your car is a beauty! Helped my parents sell their 59 caddy last year. Wished i could have talked them in to giving it to me!

Makes me miss living in Port Orchard...
Great pictures.

Wonderful trip, I enjoyed each and every photo but confused about this
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/fp.php?pid=4875007
What is this?
Excellent photography and I am feeling jealous why not I am there ?
Kaleem

gumlla, those plants are Cardiocrinum, they are native to the Himalayas, I think. it's a giant lily. one or two in the picture are going to bloom this year. the stalk will be about 6 feet high with 10 or more white lilies, with some fragrance. it usually takes about 3 years from when you buy the bulb to when it flowers. it's monocarpic, so it dies after it blooms, but there will be some offshoots from the mother plant. Jim

Jim
Thank you so much for the name. As I am from Pakistan and living in a hot area , my zone is 9b, But I am a great fan of Hostas. Have 20 different species and I can say Hostas are not only for the cold areas.
But your home is really so pretty and few shots are really breath taking.
Pixy told me about you and they all are lucky who visited You lovely Home and garden.
tillysrat
Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos with us.
Kaleem

Nice hosta Gumlla. Do you have to keep your hosta's in complete shade?

I think that is fascinating that you can grow hostas in Pakistan, Kaleem. Which ones do you have. And where did you find them there? We here in the states are spoiled with a nursery every 5 kilometers, there it must be pretty tough, or maybe not. Are all yours potted, and how hot does it get in Pakistan?
Sorry to sound like a child, but it is really intresting to me how plants grow around the world.Just never would have guessed hostas there!!