i would pot up a piece of one of yours.. and go knock on the door and offer to trade him ...

even better.. i might wait until i saw him in the garden ...

ken

Great idea Ken! I wasn’t sure if it would be conceived too “aggressive” ringing the house bell and asking.

however I personally wouldn’t feel that way if someone asked me.

Unfortunately I never see anyone outside in this part of the road and Iam often there walking the dog.

I like Ken's idea. Do it in person, not notes or mail. First of all, introduce yourself as a neighbor who also loves hostas, and ask the owner the name of that particular one, and tell them how much you admire it. Ask them if they would like to trade with you. Or once you know the name of the plant, go buy one.

-Babka

I've traded lots of plants with my neighbor..her yard is small and mine is huge..the first time she offered me "surprise" lillies..then she asked if she could have some pachysandra and I said "of course"..since then hellebores (found a pot on my deck)..Golden Tiara hostas..sweet woodruff..2 bananas..have come my way..I've given her a schefflera, a nandina, a bergenia and some pots..it's fun and both of us like the idea of giving something away that's still useful rather than throwing it away..I like the idea of offering something when you ask for something..when she asked for pachysandra she had given me the lillies..

I told a student once I would provide all the hosta needed to finish this berm his adults appeared to be turning into a hosta haven, in trade for one piece of a hosta they had I had never seen before. Unfortunately I have no reason to think he passed the offer on to his mom. This is the beginning of the same story I posted about the two neighbors and the parent plant that looks ill to me. sigh. Be brave and meet your neighbor!!!

I truly believe most gardeners are more than happy to give tours. I would start with that. Like Babka said, introduce yourself, tell them you admire their garden. Ask if they might give you a tour. That will allow you to get a feel for them. Then bring up the idea of a trade.

Maybe you could arrange a neighborhood hosta swap. I do love a good plant swap! We have them around here twice a year. Sadly, hostas are not a thing here so I never get any. But I have brought some and given them away. And I usually get so much more in return!

Well now that is just it. You don't know the lay of the land until you begin the approach. If that hosta was the one from his great grandmother, and you are a total stranger who wants a piece of his great grandmother. Go away. Be cool.

Around here, folks stroll by and pick the fruit off the trees in your front yard as if they were entitled to it. Different part of the world.

-Babka

Thank you so much for all your comments. I was weighing in wether or not to ask personally or with a note. I do like personally more, Iam “only” 50 years old but I really dislike this entire texting rather than calling your own friends. Why does everyone prefer this way :-) oh well :-)

guys i keep you posted once I had the guts :-)