What does it take to earn a Gold Medal at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show?
This week on Hosta La Vista, Betsy and Mandy welcome Jonathan Hogarth of Hogarth Hostas, holder of the UK's National Collection of Small and Miniature Hostas and newly crowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner. After years of exhibiting at Britain's most famous flower shows and collecting multiple silver and silver-gilt medals, Jonathan achieved the highest honor in horticulture with his 2026 Chelsea display of miniature hostas.
Jonathan shares the fascinating story behind his passion for small and miniature hostas, how he became the curator of the National Collection, and why these tiny treasures deserve a place in every shade garden. We discuss exhibiting at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the pressures of preparing an award-winning display, and what it felt like to finally hear the word "Gold."
Along the way, we explore:
- The world's smallest and most collectible Hostas
- Growing miniature Hostas in containers and troughs
- Building and maintaining a National Plant Collection
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show behind-the-scenes stories
- Slug and snail control techniques
- Hosta care tips for gardeners with limited space
- The 2027 AHS Indianapolis, IN national convention
Whether you're a seasoned collector, a shade gardening enthusiast, or simply curious about the fascinating world of miniature Hostas, this episode offers a rare glimpse into one of horticulture's most specialized and rewarding pursuits.
Jonathan's collection has been featured at RHS Chelsea, RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, RHS Chatsworth, and RHS Malvern, where his displays have earned numerous awards and helped introduce thousands of gardeners to the beauty of miniature Hostas.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Visit Jonathan's website at hogarth-hostas.co.uk and visit Hosta la Vista at hostalavista.org