History
These Roots Run Deep
Our horticultural heritage dates back over 120 years.
When Harry Smith immigrated from Scotland, he bought a 40 acre farm overlooking Bellingham Bay. He then built a greenhouse and planted the first seed of Smith Gardens. Year after year, season after season, we’ve carefully tended to that seed, watching it proudly as it has grown into four facilities, more than a thousand team members, and a legacy of trusted experience and dedication. At Smith Gardens, we stand by what we sow, and we can’t wait to see where we grow next.
Time to grow
1897
Brothers David and Harry Smith emigrate from Scotland to New Zealand, South Africa, Nova Scotia, and finally Bellingham Bay, Washington, where they begin working with their brother John Smith on a bulb farm.
1901
David, Harry, and Nettie Smith purchase 40 acres on Bellingham Bay and start their own farm – the original Smith Gardens.
They sold veggie starts and produce at local farmers markets in Bellingham Bay, Lynden, and Ferndale.
1950s
The second generation of Smiths, Andy, Nellie, and Russ, take over the business.
When modern transportation enables California to deliver produce to Washington daily, Smith Gardens shifts its focus to flowers, bedding plants, and potted crops.
A small shop is opened on the farm to sell trays of Marigolds, veggie starts, and cut flowers.
1960s
As a teen, Terry Smith (3rd Generation) sells mums out of the back of his truck to flower shops.
1969
The original Smith Gardens logo was developed by Terry Smith (Mark and Eric’s Dad) who also coined the term “Our Business is Growing”.
1970s
For the first time, Smith products are sold into grocery stores throughout Whatcom and Skagit Counties.
1988
Terry acquires 60 acres of a former dairy farm in Marysville, Washington and starts the second site of Smith Gardens.
The 4th generation of Smiths joins the company when Mark Smith comes aboard as the production manager.
1993
Eric Smith (4th Generation) starts spending his summers building greenhouses in Marysville.
1994
Doug Ward joins the team as CFO.
1995
Carolyn, Terry and Mark Smith worked together with a local creative designer to develop this logo.
1997
Smith Gardens acquires our first transplanting machine.
Expansion continues to a third, 2-acre site in Aurora, Oregon.
1999
The Watsonville, California site, formerly a rose farm, is acquired, and Pacific Plug & Liner was launched.
2004
Brothers Mark and Eric Smith officially take over the family business from their parents, Terry and Carolyn.
2012
The Aurora Oregon facility is expanded and two additional state-of-the-art greenhouses are added.
2012
The Smith Gardens team works together to create an updated logo.
2019
Aurora has once again expanded, this time adding in a new staging and shipping area with 10 loading docks along with 6 acres of new greenhouse.
2021
Smith Gardens celebrates 120 years!
2021
In celebration of 120 years a new logo is launched!
Time to grow
Brothers David and Harry Smith emigrate from Scotland to New Zealand, South Africa, Nova Scotia, and finally Bellingham Bay, WA, where they begin working with their brother John Smith on a bulb farm.
David, Harry, and Nettie Smith purchase 40 acres on Bellingham Bay and start their own farm – the original Smith Gardens.
They sold veggie starts and produce at local farmers markets in Bellingham Bay, Lynden, and Ferndale.
The second generation of Smiths, Andy, Nellie, and Russ, take over the business.
When modern transportation enables CA to deliver produce to WA daily, Smith Gardens shifts its focus to flowers, bedding plants, and potted crops.
A small shop is opened on the farm to sell trays of Marigolds, veggie starts, and cut flowers.
As a teen, Terry Smith (3rd Generation) sells mums out of the back of his truck to flower shops.
The original Smith Gardens logo was developed by Terry Smith (Mark and Eric’s Dad) who also coined the term “Our Business is Growing”.
For the first time, Smith products are sold into grocery stores throughout Whatcom and Skagit Counties.
Terry acquires 60 acres of a former dairy farm in Marysville, WA and starts the second site of Smith Gardens.
The 4th generation of Smiths joins the company when Mark Smith comes aboard as the production manager.
Eric Smith (4th Generation) starts spending his summers building greenhouses in Marysville.
Carolyn, Terry and Mark Smith worked together with a local creative designer to develop this logo.
Doug Ward joins the team as CFO.
Smith Gardens acquires our first transplanting machine. Expansion continues to a third, 2-acre site in Aurora, Oregon.
The Watsonville, California site, formerly a rose farm, is acquired, and Pacific Plug & Liner was launched.
Brothers Mark and Eric Smith officially take over the family business from their parents, Terry and Carolyn.
The Aurora Oregon facility is expanded and two additional state-of-the-art greenhouses are added.
Logo is launched.
Aurora has once again expanded, this time adding in a new staging and shipping area with 10 loading docks along with 6 acres of new greenhouse.
Smith Gardens celebrates 120 years!
In celebration of 120 years a new logo is launched!