Tucked away outside of Independence, Iowa, In The Country Garden & Gifts is the kind of place serious hosta collectors love — a family-run nursery with over 700+ hosta varieties, a carefully curated collection of rare and exclusive offerings, and a reputation that has been quietly growing into something the entire hosta world is paying attention to.

This week on Hosta La Vista, Betsy and Mandy sit down with Josh Spece to dig into how he built one of the Midwest's most respected hosta destinations from the ground up, with his family by his side every step of the way. We talk about how he curates his standout collection, what goes into selecting exclusive varieties, and how he balances a thriving mail-order business with the in-person magic of his nursery events.

Whether you're a seasoned collector hunting your next grail plant, a new homeowner just falling in love with shade gardening, or someone who has been watching the hosta world evolve and wants to know who's shaping its future — this episode is essential listening.

Topics covered:

• How Josh Spece and his family built In The Country Garden & Gifts into a must-visit Iowa hosta destination
• Curating 700+ hosta varieties and the strategy behind exclusive offerings
• Running a family nursery with heart — balancing mail order and in-person events
• The stories behind Josh's favorite plants and what excites him about what's coming
• Why In The Country Garden & Gifts is a Midwest road trip worth planning
• What's next for Josh Spece and the future of hosta collecting and breeding

Don't sleep on this one. Follow 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.