The popularity of most plants comes and goes and comes again as time goes on. Some, though, are always in demand. Hostas are one type of plant that we're always on the lookout for. A great Hosta can make as much difference to the look and feel of your garden as any other plant, especially in the shade, where suitable plants are harder to find. They add a lush texture that few, if any, other plant can bring. Hostas are available in a variety of sizes and colors, from the deepest green to bright white variegation. Some, like Hosta 'Venus,' even feature brilliant blooms. But then, I probably don't have to tell you any of that.
What you might not know about is our new Hostas for Fall 2008. This year we have 'Blue Ivory,' a compact Hosta with a dark blue center to its leaves. 
It's quilted, giving it great tolerance to slugs and snails, and it does well in shade. We've also got Hosta 'Great Escape,' a sport of 'Halcyon' with amazing white margins contrasting with a deep iron-blue center. This vigorous grower is one of those rare Hostas whose flowers will be eagerly awaited, with bell-shaped lilac blooms that stand high above the plant on slender, elegant stems. Perhaps the most exciting of our new Hostas, though, is the Hosta 'Dark Shadows,' an intense, deep blue hosta that turns toward green in summer, maintaining a lovely aquamarine tone all season. The depth of its color is especially impressive from a Hosta that thrives in light shade. It's one of the lower-growing Hostas I've seen, spreading wide to make for great mass plantings or ground cover.