EPISODE · Aug 9, 2025 · 49 MIN
Hosta Photography & The Hosta Journal: Andy Marlow on AHS Leadership & Getting 'Bobbed'
from Hosta La Vista · host Betsy Peterson & Mandy Olson | Hosta Shade Gardening Podcast
If you've ever been quietly talked into doing something for the hosta world by someone who made it sound completely reasonable at the time — congratulations. You've been Bobbed.This week on Hosta La Vista, Betsy and Mandy sit down with Andy Marlow of Hopkins, Minnesota — former President of the American Hosta Society, Photo Editor of The Hosta Journal, master photographer, retired college radio host, and hosta renaissance man. Andy has been growing hostas since 1979 and has spent decades shaping how the hosta community sees and shares these beloved plants.Much of Andy's deep involvement in the hosta world traces back to the late, great Dr. Bob Olson — AHS legend, former President, go-getter of the highest order, and the man for whom hostas and AHS awards have been named. Dr. Olson had a gift for cheerfully recruiting people into remarkable things. Andy calls it being Bobbed. The hosta world is better for every person Bob ever Bobbed.In this episode we dig into the art and science of stellar horticulture photography — the rule of thirds, how to frame a winning shot, what separates a good garden photo from an award winning photo, and why light matters as much as the plant itself. Whether you're shooting on a phone or a professional camera, Andy's insights are practical and genuinely game-changing for anyone who wants to document their shade garden beautifully.Topics covered:Stellar horticulture photography tips for gardeners at every levelThe rule of thirds and award winning photo compositionFraming, light, and technique for hosta and shade garden photographyAndy Marlow's path from his first hosta in 1979 to AHS PresidentPhoto editing at The Hosta JournalThe legacy of Dr. Bob Olson — AHS legend and the original source of being BobbedThe American Hosta Society — history, evolution, and what's aheadFollow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. Got questions or a story to share? Email us at [email protected], or find us on Facebook and Instagram at Hosta La Vista Podcast.
What this episode covers
If you've ever been quietly talked into doing something for the hosta world by someone who made it sound completely reasonable at the time — congratulations. You've been Bobbed.This week on Hosta La Vista, Betsy and Mandy sit down with Andy Marlow of Hopkins, Minnesota — former President of the American Hosta Society, Photo Editor of The Hosta Journal, master photographer, retired college radio host, and hosta renaissance man. Andy has been growing hostas since 1979 and has spent decades shaping how the hosta community sees and shares these beloved plants.Much of Andy's deep involvement in the hosta world traces back to the late, great Dr. Bob Olson — AHS legend, former President, go-getter of the highest order, and the man for whom hostas and AHS awards have been named. Dr. Olson had a gift for cheerfully recruiting people into remarkable things. Andy calls it being Bobbed. The hosta world is better for every person Bob ever Bobbed.In this episode we dig into the art and science of stellar horticulture photography — the rule of thirds, how to frame a winning shot, what separates a good garden photo from an award winning photo, and why light matters as much as the plant itself. Whether you're shooting on a phone or a professional camera, Andy's insights are practical and genuinely game-changing for anyone who wants to document their shade garden beautifully.Topics covered:Stellar horticulture photography tips for gardeners at every levelThe rule of thirds and award winning photo compositionFraming, light, and technique for hosta and shade garden photographyAndy Marlow's path from his first hosta in 1979 to AHS PresidentPhoto editing at The Hosta JournalThe legacy of Dr. Bob Olson — AHS legend and the original source of being BobbedThe American Hosta Society — history, evolution, and what's aheadFollow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. Got questions or a story to share? Email us at [email protected], or find us on Facebook and Instagram at Hosta La Vista Podcast.
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Hosta Photography & The Hosta Journal: Andy Marlow on AHS Leadership & Getting 'Bobbed'
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