Big changes are coming for Uniquely Hostas! In this episode of Hosta la Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, we sit down with Justin and Andrea Geske to discuss an exciting new chapter for their business as they prepare for a major move this September.

Justin shares the story of how he and Andrea came to own Uniquely Hostas and reflects on the incredible mentorship and friendship he shared with legendary Hosta hybridizer Jeff Miller of Land of the Giants. Their relationship began when Justin was still in high school and was given the opportunity to hybridize under Jeff's guidance—a partnership that helped shape his passion for Hosta breeding and growing.

We also dive into the Geskes' impressive hosta seedling program, discuss which Hostas are currently in tissue culture, and talk about what it takes to bring exciting new Hosta introductions to gardeners and collectors.

Andrea joins the conversation to share the success of her popular WhatNot sales, and the couple recounts the devastating June storm that toppled a 100-year-old oak tree on their property. Rather than viewing it as a loss, they found a creative and inspiring way to repurpose the wreckage.

Whether you're interested in Hosta hybridizing, tissue culture, growing rare Hostas, the history of Land of the Giants, or simply want to hear what's next for one of the hobby's most exciting nurseries, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and surprises.

Topics Covered:

• Uniquely Hostas' upcoming move and future plans
• Hosta hybridizing and seedling development
• Hostas currently in tissue culture
• Jeff Miller's mentorship and Land of the Giants history
• Andrea Geske's WhatNot Hosta sales
• Storm damage and creative garden solutions
• The future of Uniquely Hostas

Don't miss this candid conversation with two passionate Hosta growers whose next adventure is just beginning.

To learn more about Uniquely Hostas, shop their hostas, and follow along as they begin this exciting new chapter, visit their website and follow them on social media. https://www.uniquelyhostas.com/

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Have a question, topic suggestion, or guest recommendation? We'd love to hear from you!

Hosta la Vista, Baby!

Ever wonder how thousands of your favorite Hostas make their way from a single plant into gardens across the country? This week on Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, we're joined by Rob Mortko, owner of Made in the Shade Tissue Culture Lab, President of the Midwest Regional Hosta Society, frequent Hosta convention speaker, and dedicated Hosta sport hunter.

Rob takes us inside the fascinating world of Hosta tissue culture (TC), explaining how the process works, why growers rely on it, and the advantages it offers for producing healthy, consistent plants. He also shares some of the challenges and drawbacks of tissue culture, helping gardeners understand both sides of this important propagation method.

Along the way, we chat about Hosta sports, Hosta conventions, and the future of Hosta introductions. Rob even gives listeners a sneak peek at several exciting Hostas that could be headed to the market in 2027.

Of course, no visit from Rob would be complete without a little fun. We put his Kansas knowledge to the test and discover whether he can survive a trip through the Sunflower State!

Whether you're a Hosta collector, hybridizer, grower, or simply curious about how new Hostas are produced, this episode is packed with insights you won't hear anywhere else.

In this episode:

• How Hosta tissue culture works
• Benefits and drawbacks of tissue culture
• The role of TC in the Hosta industry
• Hunting for Hosta sports
• Midwest Regional Hosta Society updates
• Future Hosta introductions expected in 2027
• A Kansas-themed game segment with Rob

Subscribe, follow, and share with your favorite Hosta-loving friends. And if you enjoy the show, leave us a review and help more gardeners discover the friendship plant!

Hosta la Vista, Baby!

What started with a Father's Day gift has grown into one of the Midwest's most beloved Hosta destinations.

In this episode, Betsy and Mandy welcome nearly the entire Giese family—Mike, Kelly, Michael, Christina, Carisa, Kyle, and even a few grandkids—from The Hosta Stop Gardens in Plover, Wisconsin. Together, they've built a family business that has become a must-visit destination for Hosta collectors across North America. The nursery has grown from a few hundred varieties into thousands of Hostas, companion plants, display gardens, online sales, and a thriving hybridizing program.

You'll hear how Mike's fascination with streaked Hostas evolved into a serious hybridizing program, why award-winning seedling competitions have become such an important part of their Hosta journey, and what it takes to evaluate thousands of seedlings in search of the next great introduction.

We also discuss their registered introduction 'Awe Snap', a sport of H.-Sugar Snap. Mike's interest in breeding fan-favorite 'Blue Jeans Bling' and how it's become a backbone of his hybridizing program. The growing collection of seedlings currently under evaluation, and the excitement of deciding which plants might someday earn an official release.

Whether you know The Hosta Stop through their online sales, convention appearances, vendor booths, educational presentations, or their stunning Wisconsin display gardens, this episode takes you behind the scenes of the family, passion, and hard work that make people say, "You just Hosta Stop."

Visit their website at hostastop.net or visit their Facebook seedling sales. You can also see them at many Hosta Conventions in the Vendor room. Drop by and say hi to the Giese family, they'd love to chat and catch up.

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You can also reach us at hostalavistapodcast@gmail.com