A Visit with Hosta Expert Mike Shadrack
It's hard to do justice to this beautiful garden with only a photo...
During the recent Buffa10 garden bloggers get-together in Buffalo, we were fortunate enough to spend an afternoon with Mike Shadrack and Kathy Guest Shadrack in their beautiful garden. These two avid gardeners have created an oasis in the midst of the forest, filled with both hostas (Mike’s passion) and daylilies (Kathy’s favorite) of all shapes, colors, and sizes.
Mike is co-author of The New Encyclopedia of Hostas, the second edition of his classic work written with Diana Grenfell. I was lucky enough to buy a copy which Mike autographed while chatting about hosta growing, blogging, and birthdays. It’s a beautifully illustrated book, full of captivating hosta photos taken by Mike himself – some of them from his own garden. With complete growth and cultivation information for seven hundred cultivated hostas, this book has something for everyone.
Mike Shadrack and Monica Hemingway (aka Garden Junkie)
Walking around the lush plantings, it’s hard to believe that the Shadracks started building their garden only five years ago. But, as Kathy said, “With two avid gardeners who both enjoy creating beautiful outdoor spaces, what else would we be doing?” They’re created a number of distinct gardens within the larger space, including the daylily bank and the ‘octopus garden’, a unique rock garden in the shade of the forest. The property is divided by a small stream that runs right beneath the house, overlooked by a lovely stone patio and a wooden deck.
The Shadracks and their friends were kind enough to treat us to an English high tea – home-baked scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam, and tea served in fine china cups. Delicious! I couldn’t resist have seconds – and then thirds…
Miniature hostas in the 'Mouse Collection'
Mike has been busy breeding and growing miniature hostas; Kathy’s new book on miniature hostas will come out later this year. There were pots of miniatures scattered throughout the garden, each containing tiny descendants of a larger hosta. In the photo to the right, you can see a collection of miniatures derived from ‘Blue Mouse Ears Supreme’, including ‘Mouse Trap’, ‘Minnow Mouse’, and ‘Frosted Mouse Ears’.
Finally, there were all of those gorgeous daylilies. Much as I like hostas, I’m a sucker for a good daylily. I took tons of photos of the flowers and labels and will be ordering some in the near future!
A nice place to take a nap...
That is a great shot of you and Mike – and I might add that the other poto is one of the better shots I’ve seen of Kathy’s lily garden. I was talking to her the other day and told her that she’s got a very hard garden to photograph. This, apparently, is information she already had!
Thanks, Jim. I really struggled to get a shot that looked at least somewhat like her lovely garden. The combination of sun and shade makes it really, really difficult. I suppose the answer is to photograph in the proper light conditions – but since we were there in the middle of the afternoon, there wasn’t much choice… I’ve been reading through Mike’s hosta book and making a list of all the hostas I want to buy – it’s getting way too long!!
The Shadracks were such delightful hosts and the gardens were just amazing. I would love to go back there and explore further!
What fun to revisit that lovely afternoon we had in this most extraordinary garden! Great photo of you with Mike.
Do you have any advice for looking after Hosta Blue Mouse Ears? I some coming in and I have never encountered them before.
Not sure that it’s any different than other miniature hostas – shade, enough (but not too much) water, decent soil… Best to plant in a container where you can see it. Good luck!