Hosta La Vista

Betsy Peterson & Mandy Olson | Hosta Shade Gardening Podcast
  • 5.0 (8)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A hosta and shade gardening podcast for growing beautiful, low-light landscapes. Sisters Betsy Peterson and Mandy Olson explore hosta varieties, care, shade garden design, and companion plants that thrive where the sun doesn’t. Get practical tips on shade perennials, hosta cultivation, slug and deer resistance, plus the joy of building a hosta garden. Featuring weekly interviews with top hybridizers, nurseries, and collectors across the Midwest. New episodes every Saturday during the growing season.

  1. 1D AGO

    Christina Brinkmann: Germany's Hosta Hybridizer Behind the Chris' and German Lines

    Meet Christina Brinkmann — the passionate hosta hybridizerfrom Gütersloh, Germany, who has been quietly revolutionizing the hosta world since 2013. With over 2,900 hosta varieties growing in her garden alongside thousands of seedlings, Christina is one of Europe's most exciting and innovative breeders, and in this episode, she brings her warmth, knowledge, and infectious love of the plant straight to your earbuds. Christina is known for two distinct lines. Her Chris'Hostas showcase her love of striking red and purple petioles, streaked foliage, and long-leafed varieties — including standouts like Chris' China Star, Chris' Tropical Sundown, Chris' Red Lightning, Chris' Darkest Purple, and Chris' Admin, a touching tribute to the friends who help manage her Facebook group. Her German Hostas carry a very special distinction: they are all tetraploids — plants with four sets ofchromosomes instead of the usual two — giving them thicker, more rubbery leaves, more intense colors, and greater resistance to both frost and sun. German Yellow Dragon, a Proud Dragon seedling, was the first of her tets tohit the market, and her German line has only grown from there. Fransen Hostas, one of Europe's premier hosta nurseries, proudly carries her work, as well as Josh from In the Country Garden and Gifts as well as Uniquely Hostas. In this conversation, Christina opens up about what drew herto tetraploid breeding, why she loves red petioles and streaked hostas, how she selects which seedlings are worthy of a name, and what it's like to introduce European-bred cultivars to collectors around the world. She is as delightful asher plants — and trust us, that's saying something. Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to follow, subscribe, orleave us a review on your favorite podcast platform — it means the world to us and helps more hosta lovers find the show! Find us and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagramat @Hosta La Vista Podcast. Have a question, a story, or a hosta you want to talk about?We'd love to hear from you at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com. Tune in next week for another episode celebrating the plant that brings us all together — the beloved FriendshipPlant! THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Green Hill Hostas Green Hill Hostas has been introducing exceptional new hosta cultivars to collectors and the nursery trade for over 40years. If you're looking for rare, carefully selected, and quality-grown plants, Bob is your guy. Visit them at HostaHosta.com. Hornbaker Gardens A true destination garden center, arboretum, and botanicalgarden nestled in the Illinois countryside near Princeton. With over 400 hosta varieties, a legendary Hosta Ravine, and stunning display gardens, Hornbaker Gardens is a must-visit pilgrimage for any serious shade gardener. Visit themat HornbakerGardens.com. In The Country Garden & Gifts Located in Independence, Iowa, In The Country specializes inhostas and succulents with a deep love for the collector and the curious alike. They carry an exceptional and carefully curated selection — including Christina Brinkmann's own cultivars! Explore their catalog at InTheCountryGardenAndGifts.com.

    1h 11m

  2. MAY 16

    Body Shop Botanist: Al Ritchey of Al's Auto Body & Arboretum

    Only hosta people would find this perfectly normal. Pull into a working auto body shop on a back road in Walworth, Wisconsin — the smell of primer in the air, cars in the bays — and then walk around back to discover one of the most breathtaking hosta arboretums in the Midwest. That's exactly what awaits at Al's Auto Body & Arboretum (hostafest.net), where owner and self-described "owner, operator, weeder, waterer, planter, potter, and slug-slayer" Al Ritchey has spent over three decades quietly building a five-acre hosta paradise beneath a canopy of oak, hickory, and walnut trees. This might be our quirkiest episode yet — and that is really saying something for a hosta podcast. But here's the thing: this is exactly what hosta people do. They carve out a niche in the most unlikely of places, and before you know it, 500+ varieties are growing behind the shop and Master Gardeners are busing in from across the region. Al is a natural conversationalist with a great story — a lifelong car guy who started planting hostas in 1991 just to landscape around his shop, and never stopped. Today, he calls the arboretum his therapy: "If I get frustrated in the shop, I take it out on the weeds." His first introduction, Compadre, mutated from the Emerald Tiara family over 20 years ago after contact with a pre-emergent herbicide. Al watched it carefully for years to make sure it held true, and named it Compadre — a "friendship plant" — before finally releasing it for sale. He waited nearly 20 years to introduce it, which tells you everything you need to know about this man's patience and his standards. But the showstopper? Burlesque — a sport of the beloved Strip Tease hosta, and Al's most spectacular introduction yet. Worth serious money in the hosta world, Burlesque cannot be tissue cultured, which means the only people who own it got it directly from Al himself. This is a collector's plant, full stop. If you're anywhere near the Lake Geneva area this spring, mark your calendar: Hosta Fest 2025 — celebrating 25 years — runs May 24–25 from 9am–5pm, May 26 (Memorial Day) from 9am–2pm, and May 31 & June 1 from 9am–5pm. Admission and parking are free, and there are over 450 hosta varieties on display with at least 175 for sale, including large specimen plants. No one leaves empty-handed. 📍 Al's Auto Body & Arboretum | W6866 N Walworth Rd, Walworth, WI | hostafest.net | (262) 275-2800

    1h 13m

  3. MAY 13

    The Ultimate Hosta Weekend? Doug Beilstein on World Cup, Road Rage & the 2026 American Hosta Society Ohio Convention

    Welcome to a special midweek episode of Hosta La Vista for hosta lovers, shade gardeners, perennial enthusiasts, plant parents, cut flower fans, and anyone who finds joy in beautiful gardens. The countdown is on for the upcoming American Hosta Society Ohio Convention happening June 11–13 in Dublin, Ohio, and we’re joined by longtime hosta enthusiast, hybridizer, and organizing committee member Doug Beilstein to share an insider preview of one of the gardening world’s most anticipated summer weekends. Still on the fence about attending? This episode might convince you to go. Doug gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what’s coming, including 14 spectacular tour gardens filled with inspiration for hosta lovers, shade gardeners, perennial collectors, landscape enthusiasts, and anyone who loves seeing how passionate gardeners design their spaces. If you enjoy garden tours, open gardens, botanical travel, or finding new ideas for your own yard, these gardens alone are worth the trip. We also talk about one of the weekend’s biggest highlights: the Thursday night BBQ at the home of Jeanne and Dick Barbee—a gathering full of plants, stories, friendship, and the kind of garden magic that happens when passionate plant people get together. But this episode goes far beyond the convention. Doug shares stories from his fascinating journey in horticulture, including starting a blueberry farm with his brother, meeting icons, and becoming one of the hobby’s respected hybridizers. We talk about some of his many hosta introductions over the years, including favorites like World Cup, Cup of Grace, Leapin’ Lizard, and Road Rage, along with the stories and inspiration behind them. Gardeners, perennial lovers, and plant geeks alike will enjoy Doug’s insights into plant breeding, hybridizing, and what it takes to create memorable plants that stand the test of time in real gardens. Doug also reflects on his memories of legendary hosta figures, including Mary Chastain of Lakeside Hostas, Van Wade and shares stories about the friendships and experiences that shaped his gardening life. Whether you grow hostas, perennials, cut flowers, cottage garden favorites, or simply love listening to gardening podcasts while working in the yard, this episode is packed with garden stories, plant inspiration, and plenty of laughs. In this episode:• A preview of the 2026 Ohio Hosta Convention in Dublin, Ohio• Details on 14 inspiring tour gardens• The Thursday BBQ at Jeanne & Dick Barbee’s home• Stories behind famous hosta introductions like World Cup and Road Rage• Conversations about hybridizing, perennial gardening, and shade plants• Doug’s blueberry farm beginnings, naming hostas• Memories of hosta history and the people who shaped the hobby Love hostas, shade gardening, perennial gardening, cut flower gardens, plant collecting, flower farming, horticulture, or garden travel? You’re in the right place. Still thinking about attending? Registration is open now at hostaconvention.org. Follow Hosta La Vista so you never miss an episode featuring hosta growers, hybridizers, garden personalities, and the joy of building a beautiful garden. Visit our website at hostalavista.org

    1h 29m

  4. MAY 9

    Bob Solberg of Green Hill Hostas | The Man Who Created the Hostas Everyone Grows Hybridizing Guacamole, Curly Fries & the Future of Hosta Breeding

    If you've ever grown Guacamole, Curly Fries, or First Frost, you've already met Bob Solberg's work. In this Season 2 premiere of Hosta La Vista, we sit down with the legendary hybridizer behind Green Hill Hostas — a nursery that grew from a backyard passion project into one of the most respected names in hosta breeding worldwide. Bob has introduced around 100 hosta cultivars to the market over his career, and he's still as excited about the future of hostas as ever. In this conversation he shares what the hybridizing process actually looks like, the story behind some of his most beloved varieties, his friendship with fellow hosta legend Loleta Powell, and what he thinks the next generation of growers needs to know. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a new plant parent who just fell down the hosta rabbit hole or curious about starting your own breeding program — there's something here for you. Topics covered: How Bob Solberg hybridizes hostas and what he looks for in a new cultivarThe stories behind Guacamole, Curly Fries, and First FrostHow Green Hill Hostas grew from backyard to global nurseryBob's friendship with Loleta PowellWhat's next for hosta breeding — and why the best may be yet to comeAdvice for new and younger growers getting into hostasFollow or subscribe on Spotify, Youtube or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode, and share with a fellow plant lover to help us grow. Find us on Instagram and Facebook at hosta la vista podcast. Drop us a comment, say hello, and let us know what you'd like to hear next. Remember, you can always email us at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com.

    45 min

  5. SEASON 2, EPISODE 5 TRAILER

    We're Back! Hosta Vista Podcast Season 2 Premieres May 9th

    Hosta Vista Podcast — Season 2 premieres MAY 9TH! Every Saturday all summer long, your favorite hosta and gardening podcast is back with new episodes featuring plant experts, nursery owners, landscape designers, and disease specialists. If you're a plant parent who started with a monstera and is ready to take your passion from indoor to outdoor, this is your next obsession. Hostas are the ultimate shade garden plant — and we have the experts to prove it. Season 2 guests include hosta expert Bob Solberg, Christina Brinkmann, Al Ritchey, and Dr. Warren Pollock — plus convention coverage, storytellers, and so much more. We can't wait for you to hear it all. Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned hosta collector, there's something here for every plant lover. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode — just hit the + (follow) button in the corner to get notified the moment new episodes drop. Find Hosta Vista Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Threads. Questions? Email us at HostalaVistapodcast@gmail.com Music by Tomasz Redman

    2 min

  6. JAN 20 ·  BONUS

    Hosta La Vista is Back | Season 2 Preview & What's Coming This Spring

    We know January can feel like the longest month in the garden calendar — so consider this your little dose of green in the grey. Betsy and Mandy are back with a Season 2 preview episode of Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, and we have a lot to look forward to together. We're hard at work planning a season we think you're really going to love — new guests, new gardens, new stories, and the same love for hostas and friendship that brought us all together in the first place. Season 2 kicks off May 9th with legendary hosta hybridizer Bob Solberg of Green Hill Hostas. Bob has introduced around 100 cultivars to the market including Guacamole, Curly Fries, and Cracker Crumbs — so if you've ever wondered who's responsible for naming hostas after your snack cabinet, we found him. He was doing food-named plants before it was cool. If you're planning to attend the Midwest Regional Hosta Society Convention in Madison, Wisconsin this July, come find us — Betsy and Mandy will both be there and would love to meet you in person. While you wait for May, catch up on all of Season 1 — every episode is available now wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so Season 2 finds you the moment it drops. Got questions or just want to say hello? Email us at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook and Instagram at Hosta La Vista Podcast. See you in May — we cannot wait. Betsy and Mandy

    17 min

  7. 10/11/2025

    Hosta Seeds, Frost Tips & a New Jersey Garden Tour | Gail & David Russo of The Russo Garden

    Protect your hostas from frost with a cardboard box — that's just one of the practical gems Gail Russo shares in this Season 1 finale of Hosta La Vista. We're visiting Gail and David Russo of The Russo Garden in Cedarville, New Jersey, for a deep dive into their stunning multi-habitat landscape featuring hostas, daylilies, sunny and shady beds, ponds, and water features. Learn how the Russos grow and sell hosta seeds through Facebook's Seed Growers group, overwinter seedlings, and collaborate with a nursery to bring new varieties to market. Whether you're curious about hosta seed growing for beginners, fall garden prep, or how to design a diverse shade garden, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Gail also contributes articles to the AHS e-Newsletter — a free quarterly publication from the American Hosta Society available to members and non-members alike. She's actively looking for gardeners to feature, so reach out if you'd like to share your story. Read her July issue here: https://americanhostasociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/July2025.pdf Topics covered: How to protect hostas from frost using cardboard boxesGrowing and selling hosta seedsOverwintering hosta seedlingsDesigning a multi-habitat garden with shade and sunSeasonal hosta care tips for fallContributing to the AHS e-NewsletterSubscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you don't miss Season 2. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, or email us at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com.

    50 min

  8. 10/04/2025

    1,000+ Hostas in Oregon! Mandy Visits Sebright Gardens in the Willamette Valley & It Did Not Disappoint

    Ever wondered how to manage irrigation in a shade garden, or what it looks like when someone turns a passion project into one of the most remarkable nurseries in the country? This episode has answers. Mandy made the trip from the Midwest to Salem, Oregon to walk the four acres of display gardens at Sebright Gardens — and came back with stories worth sharing. We sit down with co-founder Kirk Hansen to talk about how he's built a living collection of over 1,000 hosta varieties alongside hardy ferns and epimediums, making Sebright one of the largest shade-garden nurseries west of the Mississippi. Kirk started Sebright as a private passion project in 2003. Today it's a destination for shade gardeners, plant parents, and hosta collectors from across the country — and yes, they do ship beyond Oregon's borders. In this conversation we get into the real nuts and bolts of managing a large shade garden: irrigation strategies, the challenges of growing under established trees, how to curate companion plants that complement hostas, and what the visitor experience is actually like when you walk those mossy paths yourself. Whether you're designing a shady corner of your backyard, dreaming of a Pacific Northwest road trip, or just fell down the hosta rabbit hole recently — this one's for you. Topics covered: Irrigation strategies for large shade gardensGrowing hostas and shade plants under treesHow Sebright Gardens grew from a backyard project to a destination nurseryCurating 1,000+ hosta varieties alongside ferns and epimediumsWhat to expect when visiting Sebright Gardens in Oregon's Willamette ValleyShipping plants across state lines — what's possible and how it worksShade garden design inspiration from the Pacific NorthwestFollow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. Got questions or a story to share? Email us at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook and Instagram at Hosta La Vista Podcast.

    30 min
See All (27)

Trailers

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

A hosta and shade gardening podcast for growing beautiful, low-light landscapes. Sisters Betsy Peterson and Mandy Olson explore hosta varieties, care, shade garden design, and companion plants that thrive where the sun doesn’t. Get practical tips on shade perennials, hosta cultivation, slug and deer resistance, plus the joy of building a hosta garden. Featuring weekly interviews with top hybridizers, nurseries, and collectors across the Midwest. New episodes every Saturday during the growing season.

Information

  • Creator
    Betsy Peterson & Mandy Olson | Hosta Shade Gardening Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Betsy Peterson & Mandy Olson | Hosta Shade Gardening Podcast
  • Show Website
    Hosta La Vista

You Might Also Like