As a value sensitive shopper, it is important you understand the size and quality you are purchasing. We use terms that may be new to you. We encourage you to read through this section so you will have a better understanding of the plants you are purchasing and their performance now and with maturity.

Eyes:
We describe the size of the plant you are purchasing using the term "eyes". Eyes are the developing shoots that emerge from the root base of the plant. Each eye produces a stalk or shoot that unfolds a whirl of leaves. This is your top growth. A healthy plant will produce more eyes over time. How fast this occurs depends on the growth rate of the particular variety and reasonable care.

Plant Size:
The size of eyes is directly proportional to the size of the variety. In general, with maturity, large or tall hostas develop large eyes, medium develop medium, and small or short develop small. When we refer to large, medium or small eyes in our descriptions the term is relative to the plant size at maturity.

We use these terms to describe the size of plant you are purchasing:

One large or 2-3 medium eyes: Most of our large one eye plants have dormant eyes that will produce additional shoots in the same season or in the next, depending on when you plant and if you give them reasonable care. These are older eyes. If you receive 2-3 eyes they are smaller and typically younger. This size category is typically reserved for fast multiplying plants.

3-5 or 4-6 eyes: These are plants with thin close growing eyes. The number of eyes in the clump will vary depending on the size / maturity of the eyes. Larger eyes will mean fewer eyes. Thinner, younger eyes will mean more eyes. Either way you receive a consistent size clump.

1-2 eye: a large one eye or a medium eye sometimes having a smaller secondary eye. Sometimes having dormant eyes. This size category is typically reserved for average to slow growing varieties and/or newer varieties.

1 eye: a large to medium eye (depending on variety). Sometimes having dormant eyes. This size category is typically reserved for slow growing varieties and/or newer varieties.

Root Systems
All of our hostas are field grown. Field growing provides a more extensive root system. Our plants are exposed to the seasonal changes, a natural environment much like your own garden. The plants you purchase are either cut divisions from larger plants or were divided in a previous year. Depending on the variety, plants may be field grown for one to two years prior to sale in order to regain a quality root system. We are firm believers in a good foundation of roots. This supports quick establishment and growth in your garden.

We do not grow in containers. However, "container talk" is a good descriptive way for you to understand our root sizes. If you should decide to pot your new purchases please consider these sizes.
1 gallon- an appropriate size container for our small varieties. A small variety has a mature plant height of 12" or less. These hostas also have small leaves.
1 1/2 to 2 gallon- an appropriate size for hostas with a mature height of 12" to 24".
2 to 3 gallon- an appropriate size for our larger varieties with mature heights of 24" and above.