I succumbed to the temptation and bought a beautiful variegated plant called Gold Standard. As time went on, Pauline Banyai became a friend and mentor to me. Pinky shared with me her love of this wonderful plant and some of her hybridizing techniques. My start in the wonderful world of hostas had begun. Since that time I have met many friends through my interest in hostas. Life often takes us in a variety of full circles and one of those has been my relationship with Ron Livingston. A former Mentee, he has now become my Mentor. His scientific expertise and thirst for knowledge has given me many new insights in my hybridizing program. The quest for the perfect hosta continues........ Walking through the Royal Oak Farmers Market on a Saturday morning in the early 1980's I was attracted to a stall where a lady was selling several different kinds of leafy perennials. These unique plants piqued my curiosity, but their exorbitant price (some cost up to $15!) were too much for me. Week after week I would go back and talk to the Hosta Lady. contact stuart back to main click image to enter stuart’s gallery read about the plants