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

<p>Step into <strong>The Painted Leaf Hosta Garden</strong> with <strong>Lonna Engel</strong>, whose Williamsport, Pennsylvania <strong>hosta garden</strong> has grown from a single bed in 2016 into a spectacular collection of more than <strong>900 hosta cultivars</strong>. 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.</p><p>On this episode of <strong>Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast</strong>, 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.</p><p>We discuss:<br>Growing and collecting over 900 hosta varieties<br>Designing a memorable shade garden experience<br>Deer-resistant gardening and her homemade ammonia-based deer deterrent<br>Crystal chandeliers hanging among the trees each spring<br>A unique koi pond where retired hostas are grown hydroponically<br>Companion plants and garden design ideas for shade gardens<br>The touching story of a garden frog memorial that visitors never forget</p><p>Lonna also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at her popular Instagram account, <strong>@paintedleafhostagarden</strong>, and shares some of the gardeners who inspire her, including the whimsical and knowledgeable Dr. Garden Fairy.</p><p>Whether you&#39;re a seasoned <strong>hosta collector</strong>, an avid <strong>shade gardener</strong>, 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.</p><p>Follow <strong>The Painted Leaf Hosta Garden</strong> on Instagram at <strong>@paintedleafhostagarden</strong> and subscribe to <strong>Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast</strong> 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.</p><p>#Hosta #Hostas #HostaGarden #ShadeGarden #ShadeGardening #HostaCollector #HostaPodcast #GardeningPodcast #Perennials #PlantParent #GardenDesign #TheFriendshipPlant #PaintedLeafHostaGarden #LonnaEngel #PennsylvaniaGardens</p>