Native, Non-Native, or Invasive? Making Sense of the Garden Debate with Neil Diboll of Prairie Nursery

Hosta lovers, have you ever been told that your garden should be "all native"? Or wondered where hostas fit into today's growing native plant movement?

In this thought-provoking episode of Hosta La Vista: The Friendship Plant Podcast, Betsy and Mandy sit down with native plant pioneer Neil Diboll, President of Prairie Nursery in Westfield, Wisconsin, and one of North America's leading voices on native landscaping. Neil has spent more than four decades helping gardeners understand how native plants can create beautiful, sustainable landscapes while supporting pollinators, birds, and local ecosystems.

Together, we tackle the often-heated conversation surrounding native plants vs. non-native plants vs. invasive species. Are ornamental plants really the villains some social media commenters make them out to be? How should Hosta enthusiasts respond when the native plant debate shows up online? And is there a way to celebrate both Hostas and native plants in the same garden?

Neil shares practical advice for gardeners who want to:

• Understand the difference between native, non-native, and invasive plants
• Add native plants without tearing out an established shade garden
• Choose native trees that provide beauty, habitat, and shade
• Incorporate native wildflowers and groundcovers alongside hostas
• Create a more wildlife-friendly landscape without sacrificing aesthetics
• Select native plants that thrive in shady conditions

Whether you're a dedicated Hosta collector, a shade gardening enthusiast, or simply curious about the native plant movement, this episode offers a balanced, practical discussion that moves beyond the social media arguments and focuses on creating gardens that are both beautiful and ecologically valuable.

Topics discussed: native plants, Hostas, shade gardening, native trees, pollinator gardens, prairie restoration, invasive species, woodland natives, sustainable landscaping, wildlife gardening, Prairie Nursery, Neil Diboll, and gardening for biodiversity.

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