Bailey Nurseries acquires Plant Introductions Inc.
Bailey Nurseries acquires Plant Introductions Inc.
Plant Introductions Inc., located in Watkinsville, GA, and developers of numerous innovative varieties of ornamental plants, has been purchased by Bailey Nurseries, based in St. Paul, MN, according to a news release.
“This new venture is a natural progression in our relationship with [PII partners] Dr. Michael Dirr, Jeff Beasley and Mark Griffith,” said Bailey Nurseries president Terri McEnaney in the release.
“We have built such a collaborative rapport over the last 20 years, and we are incredibly excited to continue the groundbreaking work of PII here at Bailey Nurseries. We are also delighted that Jeff, Mark and Dr. Dirr will be staying on board to consult on breeding, plant trials and market trends.”
Griffith, Beasley and Dirr established PII in 2007, converting an abandoned hog farm into a facility to breed, select, evaluate and develop new ornamental plants.
“Mark, Jeff and I are enthusiastic about what has been achieved at PII and its future with Bailey Nurseries,” said Dirr in the release.
“We share a mutual passion for this industry and look forward to the potential of this exciting endeavor.”
Bailey Nurseries will take on the business management side, while the PII team will concentrate on developing new plants.
The two companies have worked together on the Endless Summer hydrangea program since 1998 and also on a number of introductions in Bailey Nurseries First Editions line.
With the acquisition of PII, Bailey Nurseries solidifies its position to supply new genetics and introductions to domestic and international markets.