Hoffmann acquires Smith Gardens

Hoffmann Family of Companies recently announced it has acquired a majority interest in Smith Gardens, a family-owned and -operated greenhouse growing company headquartered in Bellingham, Washington.

In 2026, Smith Gardens celebrates 125 years of growing plants in the Pacific Northwest. Today, the company is led by the fourth generation of the Smith family — Eric and Mark Smith — with members of the fifth generation actively involved. Smith Gardens will continue under Eric and Mark’s leadership, as they retain partial ownership and remain in their leadership roles guiding the company’s strategic direction.

This strategic partnership aims to expand HF Companies’ growing agricultural vertical into a new geographic region, complementing its existing holdings in California, Florida, Illinois, Missouri and Mexico.

Smith Gardens operates more than four million square feet of greenhouse, with over 100 acres of outdoor production space, and employs 1,200 people. In addition to producing and delivering annual and perennial ornamental plants, the company also operates a merchandising service division.

The acquisition also includes Pacific Plug & Liner, Smith Gardens’ young plant propagation division. Located nine miles from Monterey Bay, Pacific Plug & Liner uses its coastal climate to produce specialty plugs and liners in 250,000 square feet of greenhouse space. This part of the company is known for perennials, innovative young plant varieties, and trend-driven programs that support customer and retail success.

Greg Hoffmann, CEO of Hoffmann Family of Companies’ Real Estate arm, said, “We are very proud to have Smith Gardens join our agriculture vertical and to add another outstanding family-owned business to our portfolio. Eric, Mark, and their team have built a remarkable company, and we believe they will achieve even greater success with expanded resources, invested capital, and the support system we provide.”

Eric Smith, CEO of Smith Gardens, commented, “When we met the Hoffmann family, it quickly became clear that they value long-term relationships, customer focus, and growing a great team — just as we do. As we considered a partner for the next phase of our growth, culture was a top priority, and we found the right alignment here. Mark and I are honored to remain at the helm and maintain the continuity that began with our great-grandfather and has guided our family through every generation.”