Hosta

Yesterday I attended the British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society AGM held at Broadward Hall Gardens, Shropshire set in beautiful countryside. Where our hosts Caro and Anthony were most gracious and allowed us to spend time in their walled garden containing The National Collection of
Historic English-bred Hemerocallis.
Caro gave us a fascinating presentation about the history and efforts they have undertaken to develop and preserve their wall garden and their National Collection.
The AGM was held, won’t go into the detail here, the minutes will be available to society members once they have been written.
Finally we had cake, tea and coffee to set us up in preparation of the plant auction. There was a lovely collection provided by members and some unusual varieties available. I of course purchased 7 Hostas, which included an Original Stock June provided by June Colley.

Well if you were wondering why we have been a bit quiet, it is because we have been making hay in the 3 and a half field. We got more hay then I had anticipated 410 small bales! This is the first time I have made hay for 30 years, so a little tired now. Ashley and Belinda did a brilliant job of turning, rowing and collecting the bales, when collecting and moving the bales you end up shifting them multiple times, so I moved about 600 bales between stacking, loading, and off loading. I must confess I was slowing down at the end, and Ashley and Belinda finished the last 100 at about midnight.
But all in all a mad rush, but weirdly exciting and satisfying once finished. Small bales are an old fashioned way of farming, but nothing beats it.

Here at the Axe Vale 2024 show for the second day. We had a good day yesterday met loads of lovely people, and had many a good chat about Hostas, slugs and snails.

Well, I thought I would finally sow the meadow seeds. Looked at the weather forecast, and it looks damp for the next few weeks. Temperatures are more like spring than summer. Since the 5 acre had been cut for silage, it was the right height for chain harrowing, hand sowing, and finally, chain harrowing over the top.
In farming you have to take advantage of what the weather brings you. It was supposed to be in the other field. We were supposed to do it last September, then this spring. Hey, ho pip and dandy.
By the way, my Dad was born in Morton in the Marsh.

Here is our display for the Royal Bath and West Show May 2024. I just want to point out that the Golden Hosta is Golden Gate which we managed to make really gold this year.

Here is our table display for Tavistock Pannier Market. Lovely venue and loads of lovely people.

Our Completed display for Devon County 2024

Getting ready for Mapperton House Plant Fair tomorrow and came across this Brother Stefan in the morning sun.

Goes to show how mild this winter has been as in amongst this tray several Twist of Lime and Lemon and Limes have chosen to start flowering!
We will be preparing and checking stock for Mapperton Plant Fair tomorrow, so let us know if you would like us to bring any particular varieties with us. So far we have had a request for Catherine and Diana Remembered.

Haven’t posted much for a little while as have been busy potting thousands of Hostas over the last 2 weeks. Finally finished that and am now looking forward to our first event of the year.
We will be attending Burrow Farm Gardens Spring Show this Sunday 31st March. Nervous and excited, because it has been a while since our last event at Malvern last September, but looking forward to meeting people and sharing stories about Hostas.