Dixie Hosta

Mike Chambers is one of the past presidents of the Mid-South Hosta Society. After looking at his garden I think you will agree that he is well qualified. Mike took time to answer a few questions about how he developed and maintains his garden.

“My first hostas were planted in 1996 on the advice of a friend visiting from England. I planted 3 Honeybells and 3 Hyacinthinas. I did it because we had so much shade that the grass would not grow. I liked the hostas and started to find a few more when my big trees started to die. When Larry Tucker put an ad in the paper about a Hosta Society I had about 40 varieties, but knew nothing about them. Shortly after the Society’s official opening in October 1998 I went totally insane. I now have 317 varieties and just over 500 in the garden. I have about 200 in pots that I have divided in a shade house at my mother’s home.”

When asked what was his recipe for success, Mike gave me this schedule. “In October, I start seeds in my workshop, my slug control and move any plants I need to split. I clean the yard of leaves and debris. In January I start forcing plants for the Expo in March. By late February I spend most every Saturday either redoing beds that I want to change or those that tree roots have invaded. As soon as the hostas start emerging I fertilize the smaller ones and all those in pots and put composted leaves around them. I wait until April to mulch so I can cover up all the fallen blooms and seeds that are starting to sprout. From March until late May I spend about 25 hours a week in the garden.”

“I water twice a week, once for 3 to 4 hours with my sprinkler system. I also water each hosta for a few minutes with the hose or water wand so I can inspect each plant. I spray Miracle Gro every month from March until July. I very aggressively attack my slugs by treating them with pellets in October, thus getting them before egg laying and then spraying with ammonia and water when I have them under control.”

This fall I will redo my mini-beds because the tree roots are moving in which is a problem common to hostas. (Look at Mike’s raised bed its a great way to deal with the tree roots. Also lots of his hostas are planted in pots.) I also try to add at least 1 or 2 new trees each year.”

“My yard is clay so I dig a 2 foot hole and remove all the clay and add Pro-Mix from J&B Products as my new soil. I buy it by the pick up load. Its a mix of sandy loam, course sand, lots of pine bark and just a very little peat moss. My hostas love it.”

I just had to ask Mike the dreaded question. Which is your favorite hosta? Mike replied “I really like Halycon as my blue green. I think you must have some yellow in the spring to wake up the garden. I like Fragrant Bouquet and Shade Fanfare for this. I like several different ones at different times of the year.” I then asked which hostas are looking the best this year? “June, Lakeside Surf Rider and Sun Power are looking outstanding. Also, Tyler’s Treasure has really taken off.”