A Turd in My Punchbowl (or Cats in My Garden), Part I

I was very proud of my first flower bed, even though it consisted of just three Hosta plants. One of the Hostas (the smallest one), is the first plant that I have overwintered outside. It was purchased when Hostas were on sale last Fall. What I didn't know at the time was they can't be kept inside. When I showed it to one of my neighbors, she exclaimed, "What are you doing with that Hosta so late in the year??" I didn't really know myself.

Upon further research and trying to keep the poor thing alive indoors until Spring. I found that if it were to survive at all, before the ground froze, I would have to: cut off what was left of the leaves, dig a semi-deep hole and bury the entire plant upside-down. I insulated it with extra soil and hoped for the best.

In April, after the last snow, I dug up the hibernating Hosta. I discovered that it was in great shape. So, I proceeded to plant it right side up, and wait for the first leaves to emerge. After about a week, it began to sprout! My first success as an outside gardener since I was a child. Everyday, the Hosta seemed to grow larger, stronger and more beautiful.



After a couple of weeks of feeling like a proud parent, I decided to create a Hosta bed. This is when the trouble began...