hostas: a bridge between old gardens and new trends

Every time I walk through my backyard, the lush hostas under the maple tree take me back to my grandmother’s garden in Ohio. She used to say, "Hostas are the heart of a true shade garden." Back then, we prized their resilience and how they filled shady corners with life. Today, I see younger neighbors replacing them with trendy succulents and gravel beds, chasing low-maintenance and modern looks. But I wonder—are we losing something precious? Hostas thrive in our humid Midwest summers, their broad leaves catching morning dew, sheltering toads and fireflies. Yet, some in our community complain: "Hostas are too old-fashioned," or "They attract too many slugs." The HOA even debated banning large hosta beds, citing uniformity and pest control. Still, every spring, when their shoots push through the mulch, I feel a quiet joy. There’s healing in their steady return, a living memory of family and tradition. Maybe it’s time we talk: Should we honor these old favorites, or make way for new styles? What do you think—are hostas a cherished legacy or a relic of the past? #hostas #gardeningdebate #familytradition #Gardening