Roger and Ann Bowden are hugely significant not only in the story of Bowden Hostas, but also in the introduction and popularisation of hostas during the early 1990s in the United Kingdom. They were key figures in the British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society over the years.

Hostas for them started as a hobby when they purchased dormant plants from a deceased friend - John Goater.

As is so often the case, the hobby grew like topsy and in 1992 they 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 a Gold medal at 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.

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