How did this all begin?
	The business began over 20 years ago when Ann & Roger Bowden were invited to purchase some hostas from a recently deceased neighbour.

The small collection of hostas were shortly put into a catalogue for sale and over the years the number and variety of them grew. In time, Ann & Roger became well known for their specialist knowledge and the various milestones and key points in the business can be seen below:

1981 Acquired John Goater's Hosta collection of 1,396 hosta pots

1982 Produced catalogue for sale of the excess stock

1985 Continued swapping plants with friends from across the world

1989 Exhibited at RHS Vincent Square

1990 Awarded National Collection status

1993 Awarded Gold at Devon County Show

1995 Awarded Gold at NEC Gardener's World

1996 Exhibited for the first time at Chelsea Flower Show

1999 Awarded Gold at Chelsea Flower Show

2002 Awarded Gold at Malvern Flower Festival

2003 Awarded Gold Medal at Hampton Court Flower Show

2004 Business remains in the family with Ruth Penrose (nee Bowden) now running it with her husband Timothy.

2005

Business enters 25th year with Ruth and Tim Penrose running it and Ann & Roger working as consultants to the business

2006

The largest hosta catalogue we have ever sent out hits the doormat and we are busy packing and sending thousands of lovely hostas to our loyal customers! Slugbusters is published.

2007

We welcome visitors from all over the world to our nursery to browse the finest collection of Hostas in the United Kingdom.

2008

We are awarded a Royal Warrant and are very proud to be honoured in this way.