Member-only Videos — Speakers & Interviews
Enjoy educational presentations and interviews with the “who’s who” of the hosta world. Grab a beverage, sit back and relax, and watch these videos as you learn more about the care and growth habits of hostas, and the stories and history of the American Hosta Society.
*These videos are intended for AHS members only.
Don Rawson | Educational Seminar
Hosta Hybridizing: Thinking Outside the Box
Explore the unending possibilities and future of hybridizing the genus Hosta with renowned hybridizer, Don Rawson. This presentation was given at the 2025 American Hosta Society national convention held in Peoria, Illinois.
Rob Mortko | Educational Seminar
The “Hot” Hostas of Tomorrow
What’s possible in the world of hostas? Join Rob Mortko from Made in the Shade Gardens in Olathe, Kansas, as he shares about hosta varieties to expect on the market in coming years and why the genus continues to be the #1 perennial in the United States. He’ll also introduce you to important hybridizers in the hosta world. This presentation was given at the 2025 American Hosta Society national convention held in Peoria, Illinois.
Andy Marlow/June Colley Baker | Educational Seminar
Keynote Presentation: Beloved Hostas & Travel Adventures
June Colley and her partner, John Baker hail from England, and their garden is recognized among the best in the country, named “The Hanging Hosta Garden.” She has traveled the world in search of rare and native hostas. She was to be the keynote speaker at the 2025 American Hosta Society national convention held in Peoria, Illinois. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend due to an illness in the family. Andy Marlow graciously filled in and shared her talk on her behalf.
Don Dean | Interview
A Conversation With a Hosta Legend
A teacher at heart, Don Dean uses his skills to educate others on the world of hostas. Don started out a reluctant gardener but soon found himself exploring numerous perennials, with hostas holding a special place in his heart. He eventually served as president of The American Hosta Society. A hybridizer himself, Don is known for his blue hosta introductions, but has expanded his efforts into new varieties. Hear his story and many more from the American Hosta Society.
Tom Michelleti | Interview
A Conversation With a Hosta Legend
Tom has been heavily involved in the hosta world for years, having served as president of The American Hosta Society. Hear how his love of hostas grew from the “green” one and the “green and white” one to numerous varieties available today. Tom also shares how he helped lead the American Hosta Society into a new era and why he truly believes hostas are “The Friendship Plant.”
Mark Zilis | Interview
A Conversation With a Hosta Legend
Mark Zilis has traveled the world to deepen his understanding and love of the genus Hosta. Known for his in-depth knowledge and scientific expertise in propagation, Mark was instrumental in introducing tissue culture in the hosta industry. Mark owned a nursery (Q&Z) and is featured often as a speaker for hosta events. He is committed to documenting thousands of hostas, leading him to publish The Hosta Handbook and the “bible” of the hosta world, The Hostapedia: An Encyclopedia of Hostas.
Harold McDonell| Interview
A Conversation With a Hosta Legend
Harold is an influential figure in the hosta world, born and raised in Georgia. Originally a “daylily person,” Harold got involved with hostas purely by accident after responding to a newspaper article. Harold shares about his relationships with other hybridizers and his adventures in the hosta world, including the challenges of growing hostas in a southern climate. His true passion is hosting Hosta Shows and was instrumental in establishing The Benedict Garden Performance Award. He is also a recipient of the Alex J. Summers Distinguished Merit Award.