About Us
5-Time RHS Gold Medal Winner - Specialist Hostas from the New Forest
Welcome to New Forest Hostas & Hemerocallis. I'm Vicky Meads, and I've dedicated my life to growing exceptional hostas from our nursery in the beautiful New Forest, Hampshire. What started as a passion has grown into an award-winning specialist nursery offering over 1,700 varieties of hostas, ferns, and foliage plants to gardeners across the UK.
The Chelsea Story - 2024 Double Gold
2024 was an unforgettable year. At RHS Chelsea Flower Show - our fourth visit to Chelsea and fifth RHS gold medal overall - We won double gold in both the Hostas and Ferns & Foliage classes. My display, themed "When I Daydream Everything is Perfect," featured stunning sculptures by local New Forest artist Jane Young, including a serene woman in a bathtub surrounded by hostas.
But the most memorable moment came when King Charles stopped at our display. His visit wasn't planned - he was following his usual route when he suddenly stopped, spun around, and came back to look at the hostas. He asked me how business was, and I told him honestly: "It's fine, but it could be better." He seemed surprised when I explained that he was looking at the half of the workforce - me!
The King mentioned that he's always looking for new hostas for his national hosta collection at Highgrove, and one of his staff took my business card. It was a proud moment that reminded me why we do this work - sharing the beauty of these remarkable plants with everyone from fellow enthusiasts to royalty.
Our Expertise
As a specialist hosta nursery, we focus on quality over quantity. Every plant is personally quality-checked before dispatch and sent potted, ready to thrive in your garden. Our collection includes:
- Pest-resistant varieties perfect for slug-prone gardens
- Sun-tolerant hostas that break the "shade-only" myth
- Rare and unusual cultivars for collectors
- Classic favourites for beginners
- Complementary ferns and foliage plants
Our gold medal-winning displays showcase what's possible when you combine the right varieties with thoughtful design, and we're here to help you achieve the same results in your own garden.
How We Work
Based at Springhill Nurseries in Boldre, New Forest, we grow all our plants on-site. While we primarily operate online, we hold open days where you can visit the nursery, see the plants in person, and get expert advice. Throughout the season, you'll also find us exhibiting at major RHS shows and BBC Gardeners World Live - come and say hello!
Our Commitment
Whether you're a complete beginner planting your first hosta or a serious collector hunting for rare varieties, you'll receive the same personal service and expert guidance. Every plant leaves our nursery in peak condition, and we're always here to answer your questions and help you succeed.
Start Your Hosta Journey
Browse our collection of award-winning hostas, check our Shows & Events page to visit us in person, or explore our growing guides to learn more about these magnificent plants. We can't wait to help you create your own perfect hosta display.