Bowden Hostas was established by Roger and Ann Bowden in the early 1990s when they purchased dormant plants from a deceased friend - John Goater. What started as a hobby quickly grew the Bowdens came to play a significant role in the introduction and popularisation of hostas in the United Kingdom. They were also key figures in the British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society over the years.

In 1992 the Bowdens were invited to exhibit at the Devon County Show where they were awarded a Silver medal. Their high point came in 1999 when they were awarded their first gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Roger was responsible for breeding the Devon range of hostas, including Devon Blue, Devon Giant, Devon Green, Devon Gold, and Devon Mist.

In 2004, they sold the business to their daughter Ruth and son in-law Tim, and this became the cornerstone for the Bowdens range of brands and plants.

Charles Roger Finch Bowden and Ann Bowden both passed away peacefully, just over a month apart in 2015.