As Kridler recommended cultivars that he’s tested in his nursery, Knock showed slides featuring dozens of Hosta from her home garden. Kridler spoke of his favorite hostas (he grows some 400 different kinds at his nursery) and gave out growing tips garnered from his experiences in growing them. Afternoon shade, lots of moisture and heavy feeding in spring or fall were his first tips. He fertilizes his with a 21-7-14 fertilizer. He also suggested not to mulch too close to the crown and when variegated forms revert to solid green always cut it out with a knife at the crown. 

Kridler also pleased the 55-plus group with cooked -on-site fried Hosta florets. The recipe for the batter is as follows: 1 tsp baking powder; 1 C cornstarch; 1 C ice water; 1 egg yolk; and Panko breadcrumbs for dredging. One could also use a tempura or Vidalia onion batter. Of course never use flowers that have been sprayed. Kridler hauled along a truckload of perennials, including hostas, he set up indoors. Referring to their cultural needs and his experience with these companion plants, Kridler showed many new varieties for the home garden.  Delighted attendants bought many of his choice plants after the talk. 

Kridler Gardens’ address is: 4809 Homeworth Road, Homeworth, Ohio. Near Salem, it sits on 100 acres with plantings covering 20 acres and featuring an arboretum of unusual and rare trees and shrubs.  You can also catch Kridler or his staff and their wares at the Canton Farmers Market on Saturdays throughout the summer. His website is: www.kridler-gardens.com.