Conceived in 1988 as the "American Hosta Growers Group" by Bob Solberg and Bruce Banyai, it was reorganized as the "American Hosta Growers Association" (AHGA) in 1998. This is a trade organization and is not directly associated with The American Hosta Society. It is made up of nurseries and commercial enterprises who specialize in growing and selling hostas.

Their intent is to encourage an expanding interest in hostas among the gardening public. They approach this goal through marketing programs and informing the public of proper cultural practices, pest management and standardized hosta nomenclature.

In 1996, the AHGA initiated the Hosta of the Year promotion. Each year, an outstanding hosta cultivar is named and promoted by the members of the group. Click Here