Hoffman Nursery Adds R&D Horticulturist

Hoffman Nursery has added Leanne Kenealy to its team as research and development horticulturist. Kenealy will concentrate on establishing optimal growing methods and new product lines. Her research will address a wide range of options for best practices, plant health and efficient growing systems.

Kenealy has a Masters in horticulture from Clemson University in South Carolina. While there, she worked with Gregory Reighard on peach tree breeding and conducted annuals trials.

Her most recent position was with Moore Farms Botanical Garden in Lake City, South Carolina, where she advanced from grower to production coordinator. She scheduled, produced and maintained all nursery and greenhouse crops for the garden.

At Hoffman Nursery, Kenealy will initially concentrate on optimizing the new greenhouse facility to grow high-quality liners more quickly and efficiently. In early 2016, the nursery added 17,000 square feet of greenhouse space, and another 17,000 square feet will come online March 2017.

The goal is to produce ideal trays that ship well, pot up easily and finish quickly, according to Hoffman Nursery. She will standardize and expand the existing trial program. New plants will move through the pipeline more quickly and get comprehensive assessments.