Hosta La Vista as we chat with the dynamic duo behind Lazy Toad Farm in Clearwater, Minnesota – Joe Rand and Todd Fussy! Discover the inspiring story behind their thriving farm, born from a shared passion and a love for carrying on family traditions. We'll dig into their incredible collection of shade-loving hostas, explore their delicious array of handcrafted pickles, and learn all about their vibrant CSA program brimming with locally grown cut flowers. Plus, get the inside scoop on their upcoming Open Farm Days – a perfect opportunity to experience the beauty and bounty of Lazy Toad Farm firsthand, right here in the heart of Minnesota. Get ready for a conversation that's as rich and flavorful as Lazy Toad Farm itself!

Listeners, we have a very fun, light-hearted episode for you this week. Join us as we chat with Julie Lewter and Susan Ragsdale from The Hosta Society of North Alabama as they recount their 2024 Excellent Midwest Hosta Visit spanning 9 days and over a 2,500 miles in a Mitsubishi Outlander.

You'll laugh as they recount this trip they chronicled on Facebook for us all to enjoy. You can see all of their photos and videos on Facebook at The Excellent Midwest Hosta Visit.

So sit back, relax and remember this great trip with us. Get ready for their 2026 trip: The Excellent Midwest Hosta Visit 2.0!

As always, if you have comments, questions, a suggested guest for the pod or a rhyme you'd like us to use on air, email us at [email protected].

Click 'subscribe' or 'follow' on your podcast app to be alerted to the latest episode and never miss a new one. Leave us a review if you like the show, it helps so much.

As always, thanks for listening!

Seedlings, Symptoms, and Show Stoppers: The Many Hats of David Teager
This week on Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, we're joined by a true jack-of-all-trades in the hosta world—David Teager. From germinating seeds to judging show tables, David has done it all, and he’s generously shared his knowledge every step of the way.

In this episode, Betsy and Mandy dive into David’s multifaceted contributions to the hosta community. We explore his popular YouTube channel, where he breaks down the magic of growing hostas from seed, his vital role as an admin in the Hosta Diseases and Pests Facebook group, and his longtime service as an AHS show judge—now honored with the title of Judge Emeritus.

David offers practical insights, cautionary tales, and encouragement for gardeners at every stage. Whether you’re starting your first tray of seedlings or wondering what that strange spot on your leaf might be, this episode is packed with the kind of wisdom only a true hosta veteran can provide.

From Prairie to Paradise: Dave Hornbaker and the Art of Garden Building
This week on Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, we're heading to the heart of Illinois to visit with Dave Hornbaker, second-generation co-owner of the beloved Hornbaker Gardens. What started as a dream on a patch of prairie has blossomed into a destination nursery known for its sweeping hosta collections, serene landscapes, and a welcoming spirit that draws gardeners from all over the Midwest.

Betsy and Mandy chat with Dave about how it all began—from the early days of digging in the dirt to building a full-scale garden center and event venue. We explore their philosophy of gardening as an art form, how they built a reputation for excellence in hostas and companion plants, and what keeps the Hornbaker family grounded (pun fully intended!) in their mission to inspire.

Whether you've walked the shady paths at Hornbaker Gardens yourself or just dreamed of visiting, this conversation will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and itching to get back into the garden.

The Cochato Way: Growing with Heart and Humor — with Chuck Doughty
In this episode, we sit down with the one and only Chuck Doughty of Cochato Nursery—longtime grower, collector, American Hosta Society President, and the man behind one of the most beautiful hosta nurseries around.

Chuck shares how a small plot of land in Massachusetts became the birthplace of Cochato, how he approaches hostas with both precision and playfulness. We talk AHS leadership, favorite seedlings, past hosta heroes, and how to keep things growing—both in the garden and in the community.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just hosta-curious, Chuck’s stories, energy, and passion for the plant will leave you smiling and inspired.

Hosta la Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast — where the leaves are lush and the friendships perennial.

This week, we sit down with Andy Marlow — longtime AHS leader, former president, and the sharp eye behind The Hosta Journal's photo editing team. From his first hosta in 1979 to decades spent shaping how we see and share these beloved plants, Andy brings insight, humor, and heart to everything he touches. Whether you're a gardener, photographer, or Society member, you'll find something to love in this wide-ranging conversation with one of the most influential figures in the hosta world.

In this episode, we dig in with Kathy Pedersen of Heavenly Hostas — grower, guide, and the heart behind one of the Midwest’s most beloved award-winning gardens. Kathy shares stories from the field, what she looks for in a great plant, and the joys of having a show garden. We also explore her life-long friendship with legendary hybridizer Hideko Gowen, and how that relationship helped shape her path in the hosta world. It’s a warm, funny, and insightful conversation you won’t want to miss.

Welcome back to a new episode of Hosta La Vista — your favorite podcast for all things green, leafy, and slightly obsessive. This week, your hosts Betsy Peterson and Mandy Olson head to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, to chat with Barb Rauckhorst, President of the North Coast Hosta Society and a proud Master Gardener.

Barb shares her story of falling in love with hostas, leading one of Ohio’s most active local societies, and finding purpose and joy through community gardening. We’ll talk about club events, growing membership, and what it really means to serve as a Master Gardener.

Barb also touches on horticultural therapy, a meaningful practice that uses gardening to support healing and wellness. To learn more, visit the American Horticultural Therapy Association at www.ahta.org.

Thanks for listening — we’re so glad you’re here!

This week on Hosta La Vista, we're honored to welcome Dr. Mary Albrecht, the Vice President-Genus Hosta of the American Hosta Society! Join Betsy Peterson and Mandy Olson as they sit down with Dr. Albrecht to explore her journey and deep expertise within the world of hostas. Learn about her pivotal role in the AHS, her insights into the future of the "friendship plant," and the valuable contributions she's made to the Society. This episode offers a unique perspective from one of the AHS's key leaders.

As always, if you have questions or thoughts for the pod, reach out to [email protected]

Click 'follow' to never miss an episode.

Get ready for a masterclass in hostas! This week on Hosta La Vista, we're absolutely thrilled to welcome the legendary Don Rawson! Sisters Betsy Peterson and Mandy Olson sit down with a true titan of the hosta world – a hybridizer extraordinaire whose creations, like Betsy's personal favorite 'Alligator Rock', consistently astound. We're huge fans of Don's groundbreaking work and immensely appreciate his invaluable contributions to the Hosta Library. Tune in as Don shares stories, insights, and perhaps a few secrets from his decades of cultivating and creating hosta beauties. This is a must-listen you won't want to miss!