I know the feeling of needing a hosta house keeper. Even though I am two months out from my hip surgery, I still need a great deal of help from my neighbor, Bert. It’s wonderful to have him help with planting and digging. Though I must admit, it’s very fulfilling to do things myself........ I just can’t any more, so I sure am happy to have him. Wish someone would come along and help you too! One can dream........ lol

debra

My flower scapes are all over the place ht wise. They would look neater with them cut down but I love watching the hummingbirds and bumble bees visit them so I leave them.

I have 2 feeders under the front porch eaves and we go out 30 mins before sunset when they swarm around for the last drink before bed time. It is amazing how when the sun goes down they disappear even though it is still light out. There are 2 pairs with 2 babies each. The babies are so tiny and cute. They had more boys than girls this year. They chase each other all around and if the feeder guard won't let them drink they go to the hosta flowers which are in front of the porch. I sure will miss them when they leave in Sept.

debra..even if I had help this place will never be perfect..I'm actually ok with that..I've cleaned off debris right before I take pics sometimes but didn't have time today..

liquidfeet..those scissors look nice..I usually use my Felco pruners..I wear bandaids to cushion my fingers..I saw Tiger Woods wearing them years ago and stole the idea..when I skip them I can tell a difference..

frankielynnsie..I leave them too..when I saw a hummingbird on one of mine it melted my heart..I have very few scapes..I've always wondered if it's because of my shade..the Krossa Regal and Clausa scapes pictured are both in front..growing in more sun than most of my hostas..

I always leave my hosta scapes for the hummingbirds and pollinating insects. I cut them down variety by variety as they wilt. I have a huge stand of undulata albomarginata that had very few scapes this year for some reason.

Yes, when we have trees we have that inevitable debris. It was extremely hot & dry this year until last week and the trees are already shedding leaves. You are right it is a combo of more shade and establishing for your KR's. Your clausa are flowering much more this year. I am endlessly fascinated by them.

I have a battery powered leaf blower that isn't quite strong enough to be a good leafer blower but makes it the perfect Hosta leaf debris cleaner. If only I could remember to bring it with me on my photo safaris.

I don’t know NW, it looks pretty good to me! Mother Nature gave me a leaf blower this past week, 70 mph wind, the yard looked like autumn. The hosta didn’t care, at the end of the season I didn’t care too much either. Just glad we had no major damage. I have scapes to trim, can’t seem to get it done, I’d rather sit and look at the gardens and watch our resident hummingbird

Sherry

steve..we have 2 leaf blowers..my husband uses the corded one for the roof and driveway..I'm clumsy and don't use them well..you gave me an idea..what about a small battery operated personal fan?..

Sherry..thank you!..one benefit of a woodland..some untidiness is ok..I'll take scapes and a hummingbird every time over a pic perfect yard..

I want a house cleaner indoors so that I have time to go outdoors and work in my yard. I figure I could tell someone what to do indoors but I would never be able to explain what and how I want things to be cleaned up outdoors. The leaves will be coming soon and all of the containers will have to be cleaned out--ugh. Cleaning up the garden at the end of the season is my must hated garden chore.

I don't think a small fan would work well but you never know until you try.

steve..it would probably be faster to just pick off the debris instead of moving a little fan around to direct the debris just right to blow it away..I'm starting to think like my gadget freak husband Lol..

miles..you're right!..there's a bigger opportunity to make "cleaning mistakes" outside than inside..my neighbor had people spread mulch in the spring and they pulled perennials thinking they were weeds..just thinking about fall makes me tired..

Nicholsworth, I will send you my resume in the morning! I'd love to tend that beautiful woodland garden!

popmama..you're hired!..when can you start? lol..