Rooted in Horticulture
Bailey Nurseries has been rooted in horticulture for over 120 years, now proudly in its fifth generation of family leadership. This legacy of growing and cultivating plants is more than a business, it’s a way of life passed down through the decades. For many who find themselves in the world of horticulture today, the seed was planted long before a career path was chosen. It may have started with helping a parent plant flowers in the front yard, pulling weeds alongside a grandparent in the vegetable garden, or simply enjoying the sense of peace that comes from time spent outdoors.
These early experiences often create deep emotional connections to the land and the joy of watching something grow. At Bailey, this story is echoed in countless ways, among family members who followed in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents, and among employees and partners who found inspiration in their own childhood gardens.
Horticulture offers Something Timeless
The opportunity to work with nature, create beauty, and nurture life. For younger generations, it’s a career that blends science and creativity, sustainability and tradition. Whether through 4-H programs, school garden clubs, or family rituals like planting a garden, the next wave of horticulturists is growing, shaped by hands-on experiences and the influence of the previous generation.
For the people at Bailey Nurseries, the passion for plants is more than professional, it’s personal. And that passion continues to bloom in the hearts of future growers, gardeners, and green-industry leaders.
Where the Spark Begins
These early memories, often the small and quiet moments, spark a lifelong passion for plants. Many of our team members were first introduced to horticulture by a parent, grandparent, or mentor. What began as a weekend chore became a cherished time spent together, and eventually, a calling.
Horticulture is more than a career. It’s a connection to nature, to family, and to community.
Why Horticulture Still Matters
In a world that often feels fast-paced and screen-heavy, gardening offers something refreshingly real. It’s hands-on, deeply satisfying, and grounded in the rhythm of the seasons. It teaches patience, responsibility, and resilience. These are qualities younger generations are rediscovering in new ways.
Programs like 4-H, school gardens, and community park projects help cultivate curiosity and provide access to tools and teachers. Social media has even become a surprising gateway, with plant-loving creators sharing tips, triumphs, and their own growing journeys.
Growing for the Future
At Bailey Nurseries, we’re proud to be part of this movement. Our legacy is built not just on plants, but on people. The ones who love the smell of dirt and feed their passion through curiosity, care, and hard work. Whether it’s a nursery passed down through the generations or a high school student discovering horticulture for the first time, the joy of growing is something we all share.
We believe in nurturing more than plants. We nurture passion and purpose. That’s why we support initiatives like Seed Your Future, a national movement working to promote horticulture and inspire the next generation of plant professionals. Through educational resources, awareness campaigns, and youth engagement, Seed Your Future is helping to show students that working with plants isn’t just rewarding, it’s a viable, vibrant career path. Interested? Learn more about the Seed Your Future program.
Growing What’s Next
At Bailey Nurseries, we’re doing our part by opening doors through real-world opportunities. Our internship program gives students hands-on experience in everything from greenhouse production and fieldwork to research, sales, and innovation. It’s a way for young people to get their hands dirty, ask questions, and grow not just plants, but their own potential in the green industry. We believe that by investing in future growers today, we’re shaping a more sustainable and inspired tomorrow. See if our internship is right for you.
Whether you’re exploring a career in horticulture, looking for a meaningful internship, or want to support the movement through Seed Your Future, there’s a place for you in this story. The future of gardening is bright and it’s being shaped by the hands, hearts, and hopes of the next generation.
