Where my hostas grow, there is a lot of humus as opposed to clay. When we
bought our house, we removed all shrubbery, grass, etc., and started fresh
with new topsoil, everything fresh.  We also mulch heavily, so we have a
organic soil.  But you are right about the moisture.  The place they were
originally planted contained a bird bath that is continually refilled by a
drip system, as well as a fountain that is automatically replenished, so the
area gets plenty water.  About two years ago we installed an automatic
sprinkler system, so the areas they were transplanted to also get a lot of
moisture.

Sylvia

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kathryn Goguen" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, January 17, 2000 8:05 AM
Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] images + Jenny Cline


> Sylvia,
> Its not the sandy soil that hostas don't like - its the fact that they
need
> a lot of water.  So - sandy soil drains quickly and you must give them
more
> water.  The clay soil holds the water around the plant.  Kay Goguen
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Conchologists of America List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
> Behalf Of Lynn Scheu
> Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2000 6:12 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: images + Jenny Cline
>
>
> "Sylvia S. Edwards" wrote:
> >
> > Hostas thrive here in North Alabama.  They will really grow in shady
> areas -
> > one of the few things that like the shade.  Ours get very tall, not just
a
> > ground cover, and bloom (the flowers aren't particularly pretty,
though).
> > The foliage is spectacular, especially in the variegated variety.  I
> believe
> > they are in the lily family and started from a small bulb.  But they
> > multiply profusely.  We keep dividing them and now have them all over
our
> > yard.  They are tolerant of some sun, but not a lot.  No reason you
could
> > not grow them in Florida as long as it is in the shade.
> >
> > Sylvia S. Edwards
> Sylvia,
>
> A COA friend planted some hostas at her house in Jacksonville Beach on
> my recommendation for shady areas. Well, they didn't thrive. In fact
> they soon died off. I think they do not like sandy soil. Everywhere I
> have them, and I have a lot, they are in heavy clay. You live on clay
> too, don't you? They are equipped to get what they need from soil, no
> matter how heavy or root bound. So loose open, quickdraining sandy soil
> which loses fertility very fast could be a problem.
>
> Thanks, Bob Dayle, for getting us a message from Captain! Jenny Cline.
> What a time she must have had in Honduras. Can't wait to hear the
> details...a pity she didn't get to do a ton of shelling!
>
> Lynn Scheu
> Louisville, KY
> [log in to unmask]
> Have you paid your 2000 COA dues? Need info? Write to Doris Underwood at
> <[log in to unmask]>
>
>
> > Huntsville, Alabama
> > [log in to unmask]
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Richard Sedlak" <[log in to unmask]>
> > To: <[log in to unmask]>
> > Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2000 2:29 PM
> > Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] images & Fancy Website Construction.
> >
> > > Hi Peggy....
> > >
> > > A hosta is a very popular shade/"ground cover" plant for northern
> gardens.
> > > They have big bold leaves in many textures, patterns and
> variegations..and
> > > they do flower.  Our Florida equivalent would be perhaps the Ti plants
> > > (cordyline) or the Peace Lily
> > >
> > > Happy Shelling,
> > >
> > > Richard Sedlak
> > >
>