Shielded by a gigantic white pine, an undulating stream falls gently into a small pond at the front of the house. Pause to admire the garden filled with tiny hostas near the front driveway. Dainty clumps of Hosta ‘Popo’, H. ‘Hoey’, H. ‘Frosted Mouse Ears’ and H. ‘Little Miss Muffit’ grow happily under a huge oak.

Behind the house, lush plantings of hostas and shade-tolerant companion plants surround the family swimming pool. Sun-loving perennials and pots of colorful annuals provide masses of bright color.

The Waflers began gardening here in 1977 with a few free plants including H. ‘Lancifolia’ and H. ‘Undulata’. Over the years, the gardens around the house preempted more and more turf grass. Then, five years ago, these self-titled “GFP” (gluttons for punishment) gardeners decided that the “wild” lot next door needed civilizing. Now their gardens contain about 850 varieties of hostas and companion plants.

In addition to old standbys, garden visitors will discover H. kiyosumiensis, H. ‘Tokushima Aiyagawa’ and H. ‘Hyuga Urajiro’. As you wander the many paths in this new garden, look for these unusual Japanese names tucked in here and there. Serious collectors and new hosta lovers will admire the distinctive dusty yellow leaves of H. ‘Marrakech’. Perhaps this special plant may even show off a pink bud or two.