Robert Barlow along with wife Margaret have over 500 varieties of hostas in their collection. Their collection was awarded a Plant Heritage National Collection status in 2018. Their collection contains over 120 hosta varieties which have been introduced by British breeders, many of which are now very rare.

Following retirement, North Staffordshire Hostas is run as a hobby to support their national collection.

Robert is a member of the British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society. Other shade loving plants will be available from their stall.

He gives talks and presentations on ‘Hostas’, ‘Plants Suitable For More Shady Areas’, and also ‘Well Dressing Festivities’. He is prepared to travel within the Midlands, North West of England and North Wales areas.