Plant Development Services, Inc. Announces Key Staff Additions and Promotions

Loxley, Alabama – Plant Development Services, Inc. (PDSI) is pleased to announce the addition and promotion of key talent within its team to fuel the growth of its top-selling family of brands. The following staff new hires and promotions reflect the experience and fresh talent driving the company’s continued success:

Joshua Geiger Joins Plant Development Services Inc. as Propagation Manager

PDSI has appointed Josh Geiger as Propagation Manager to spearhead production for acclaimed consumer brands Southern Living® Plant Collection, Encore® Azalea, Sunset® Plant Collection, Better Boxwood® and Butterfly Candy® Buddleia. Josh brings nearly a decade of hands-on horticultural production experience to the role, including management roles overseeing propagation, facilities, and herbicide application with Flowerwood Nursery. 

Having assumed his new position in October, Josh has since excelled at managing PDSI’s propagation operations, leading plant production and working with his new team to improve techniques and productivity. With his horticultural expertise and collaborative approach, Josh is helping PDSI establish a firm foundation for future growth.

Nicole Keppel Promoted to Social Media and Content Manager

Plant Development Services is pleased to announce the promotion of Nicole Keppel to Social Media and Content Manager. Nicole has excelled in her three years with the company, holding several different roles and responsibilities within PDSI’s marketing team. Tasked with driving online engagement and reach, Nicole’s successes include overseeing growth of over 100,000 new followers among the company’s online audiences and launching social media platforms for the debut Better Boxwood® and Butterfly Candy® Buddleia brands. Her new role will see the expansion of these responsibilities, furthering PDSI’s digital presence and developing its audience.

Plant Development Services Inc. Hires Kate Pierce as Marketing Assistant

Kate Pierce joined PDSI as Marketing Assistant in June 2025, having previously interned with the company’s marketing team. Bringing her master’s level training in cognitive psychology and psycholinguistics, Kate’s experience includes research into consumer perception of persuasive language, which she uses to develop insights and drive marketing strategy. In her new role, Kate will leverage her expertise to advance PDSI’s social media and communications efforts with trade and consumer audiences.

About Plant Development Services Inc.

Plant Development Services Inc. was founded in 1996 by Greg Smith of the third-generation, family-owned Flowerwood Nursery, Inc. Plant Development Services owns and/or licenses more than 300 patented plant properties and boasts these top-ranking plant brands: Encore® Azalea, the Southern Living® Plant Collection, the Sunset Plant Collection®, Better Boxwood®, and Butterfly Candy®. To learn more about Plant Development Services Inc., visit plantdevelopment.com.