Lonna Engel of The Painted Leaf Hosta Garden: Building a 900+ Hosta Collection in Pennsylvania

Step into The Painted Leaf Hosta Garden with Lonna Engel, whose Williamsport, Pennsylvania hosta garden has grown from a single bed in 2016 into a spectacular collection of more than 900 hosta cultivars. From miniature hostas to giant specimens spanning 7 feet across, Lonna has transformed her shade garden into a destination for hosta lovers and plant enthusiasts alike.On this episode of Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, Betsy and Mandy explore the inspiration, creativity, and dedication behind one of the most captivating private hosta gardens in the country. Lonna shares how she designed her collection to feel more like a living museum, where every pathway reveals new hostas, garden art, and unexpected surprises.We discuss:Growing and collecting over 900 hosta varietiesDesigning a memorable shade garden experienceDeer-resistant gardening and her homemade ammonia-based deer deterrentCrystal chandeliers hanging among the trees each springA unique koi pond where retired hostas are grown hydroponicallyCompanion plants and garden design ideas for shade gardensThe touching story of a garden frog memorial that visitors never forgetLonna also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at her popular Instagram account, @paintedleafhostagarden, and shares some of the gardeners who inspire her, including the whimsical and knowledgeable Dr. Garden Fairy.Whether you're a seasoned hosta collector, an avid shade gardener, or just discovering the world of hostas, this episode is filled with practical gardening advice, hosta-growing tips, creative garden ideas, and the stories that make the hosta community so special.Follow The Painted Leaf Hosta Garden on Instagram at @paintedleafhostagarden and subscribe to Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast for weekly conversations about hostas, shade gardening, hosta nurseries, hybridizers, companion plants, garden design, and the people who make the hosta world such a welcoming place.#Hosta #Hostas #HostaGarden #ShadeGarden #ShadeGardening #HostaCollector #HostaPodcast #GardeningPodcast #Perennials #PlantParent #GardenDesign #TheFriendshipPlant #PaintedLeafHostaGarden #LonnaEngel #PennsylvaniaGardens