Lisa,

Wow! I didn't know Hakone got that tall! It does look nice with that Color Glory but there are a lot better selections than Color Glory. You won't be happy with it in a few years, trust me (I have two and they are way in back where I don't have to look at them). In fact, I'd rather you moved a piece of your Paul's Glory there than purchase a PG.

How about a Liberty, Earth Angel, Sagae or September Sun in back?

Captain Kirk gets large and has been a very good grower for me. I just got it in 2006 but must admit the local hosta vendor gave me a huge division with several eyes. Perhaps, Captain Kirk is not tall enough for the back of your bed, however - I think it only gets 22" tall.
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I think you can have too much gold if you went with all solid gold hostas or gold variegated hostas. Mixing it up makes each one stand out. I'd like to see a solid green in there...How about a Krossa Regal? Put that between your large gold/green hosta and Hakone grass.

I think the August Moons will look great in front...but be prepared to dig up more turf in 2009 to make room for some small/minis in front as the hosta bug grabs you!

Welcome to the Hosta Forum!

Char

Hi Lisa,
I love that picture from Fine Gardening. They recently sent out a mailer with this picture to promote subscriptions and I saved it because I really liked the combination of plants. Char provided a great list of substitutions for Color Glory. There are so many excellent hosta that look similar...so there is no reason to invest in a weak performer. Besides, Hakone grass looks good all season and late into the fall, therefore you want a hosta that will do the same. I'm sure your new garden will look great.

Welcome Lisa ! I can't offer a specific hosta because mine are all 3 yrs or younger, so not enough known how or experience. Might I suggest you check out the gallery for some you think would work for you & then come back & ask about them. From what you describe an upright green or blue might be nice. Ken has one called Leading Lady he posted on here, boy it was a knockout!! Check the Hosta Abc's from last year too. I am sure some one will chime in w/ some good suggestions for you just wanted to say hello & welcome :) ~Dot

Hi Lisa,
That is a lovely cover photo, and a magnificent grass it surely is. They have the Aurea hakone grass in front for a reason. From what I have read and seen, it does not grow up much beyond 16" under the best conditions. It is very slow growing up and slow spreading. The low camera angle in that photo makes it appear much taller than it is. This six year old clump in our garden, front and centre, is at most 14" tall and the same across. You wouldn't want anything substantial in front of it. Note the green hakonechloa to the left, planted at the same time, is about 24" tall and 3' across and much bushier.

Great suggestion already given to put Sagae and/or Krossa Regal in behind. Sagae has to be the choice if you don't have one! These are two "must have" hostas.

thanx! I'm afraid my vision of Aug. moon was smaller than reality; I didn't think they were a large hosta, but "moon" should have been a clue! Sagae has been on my list to find a spot for - didn't think about it here, so thats an excellent suggestion. Your pic's are lovely & I appreciate the 2 season landscape views. thanks for the fast responses.

Hey,and welcome Lisa! Here is a pic of my garden from 2006. I have three golds in the same area. 2 August Moons,down in front and down the hill from my Sum and Substance. In this woodland garden,mine are more chartreuse in color,but you get the picture! Phil
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Lisa703, I'm not trying to teach my taste or anyone else's.

Look inside yourself and ask if you want bright colorful and varied or simple and peaceful. After it is planted you will look at that spot for a long time.

I have quite a few different hosta but I like the area the between my house and garage the best that is 100% blue, it is simply peaceful to me.

I don't always do it but I prefer to plant at least 3 of a variety up to 5 or 7 in triangle designs.

Hopefully this photo will show what I'm talking about between the house and garage.

The second photo is another area that I find very peaceful I go here almost every day and just stand or sit quietly for a while.

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Buy yourself a big Atlantis and give it a location where it will have room to get big and really shine.
It grows fast, loves a bit of sun.
Rox

~ WOW ~ Lovely peaceful gardens all ! Eo your picture #2 reminds me of my place w/ out the hill in the back. The Atlantis idea sounds good too , thats one on someday.. want list.

wowie zowie. what beautiful gardens and excellent suggestions! I followed the suggestion to look at the gallery section and my mood improved 100%. It even beats looking at catalogs. These are real gardens with real plants in a variery of seasons. spectacular! you are a very generous group. thank you for sharing. Lisa