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Julie Carley & Gary Mosiman Minnetonka, Minnesota

Their love of hostas started in 1985 after moving into their home. They began gardening in their
shade covered yard. They have been members of the Minnesota Hosta Society for over 20 years
and joined the AHS in 2010. When the MHS voted to create a Display Garden in 2013, they became
the co-chairs who designed the gardens, solicited hostas, and worked with other MHS members to
install the garden in the city park at the historic Smith-Douglas-More House. In 2019, it was
designated as an official AHS National Display Garden.

The first thing one sees when driving up to their home is the “sun garden” on the left which is filled
with perennials, native prairie plants, and a sprinkling of annuals that are taking advantage of the
only full sun on the property. Just beyond is a long row of mature H. ‘Patriot’, backed by Holmstrup
arborvitae. H. ‘Patriot’ and H. plantaginea, along with colorful yellow hemerocallis surround the front
sitting area. Walking through their white latticed arch you’ll find a narrow, winding, flagstone “Hosta
Walk” that contains some of their favorite oldest hostas. Stepping up onto their deck, one can enjoy
an overview of the multi-level back gardens, which were designed with rustic timber walls to help
create multiple levels. Also lining the deck are potted, annual, and deck plants, which are favorites
of the ‘fun-to-watch’ hummingbirds all summer. They have wintered over many of these annual pots
for 20+ years. Thanks to their Minnesota weather, they are forced to spend 7 months each year in
the basement in semi-dormancy.

A few steps down are the first of the gardens they carved out 34 years ago and planted initially
with common “gift” hostas (isn’t that how we all got started?) moved from their prior residence. As
you look around the area beyond and to the left, you will see hundreds of hostas (875 varieties as of
this writing), complemented by daylilies, lilies, and monarda, along with numerous other annual and
perennial companion plants for added color. Benches are scattered throughout their gardens to
relax and enjoy the views.

DANNY LAWSON

H. ‘ Silver Lode’ was a real standout. DANNY LAWSON

One of many paths through the
yard to take.

The Online Hosta Journal | 27