Welcome to another exciting episode of The Garden Question. Today, we're venturing into the captivating realm of plant breeding, a topic that's as fascinating as it is innovative.

We all relish the joy of designing our own gardens, but have you ever dreamt of crafting your very own plants, tailored specifically for your garden? Well, buckle up because we're about to dive into this extraordinary world with an expert who's mastered the art of plant breeding.

In this episode, I'm thrilled to introduce you to David Roberts, a trailblazer in the horticultural universe.

David's journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Armed with a master's degree in horticultural science from the prestigious North Carolina State University, he embarked on a path that led him to a profound passion for ornamental plant breeding.

During his academic pursuits, he worked closely with esteemed mentors, Dr. Dennis Werner and Dr. Tom Ranney, honing his skills and nurturing his love for the art and science of plant breeding.

Here's where the story takes an exciting turn: Bailey Nurseries, Inc. recognized David's exceptional talent and enthusiasm, welcoming him into their family in 2015.

Since then, he's been the driving force behind Bailey Innovations, serving as the general manager and head plant breeder.

Currently, as the Director of Plant Breeding for Bailey Innovations, David oversees the breeding direction and orchestrates plant trials right from their nursery in the Winterville, GA.

Join us as we unravel the secrets behind the artistry of plant breeding, exploring David's experiences, insights, and the magic that happens at Bailey Innovations.

Prepare to be inspired, because today, you're in for a treat. Get ready to witness the bloom of creativity right here episode 164 - Creating New Fun Plant Varieties: The Art and Science of Breeding – David Roberts. An encore presentation.

In episode 164 of The Garden Question Podcast, host Craig McManus delves into the fascinating world of plant breeding with expert David Roberts.

He discusses the process and goals of plant breeding, the balance between aesthetics and performance, and the importance of trends and innovation in the field.

Listeners will learn about the journey of creating the Eclipse hydrangea, the role of happy accidents in plant breeding, and the potential future of gene-editing technologies like CRISPR.

Roberts also discusses exciting new plant varieties and the history of Bailey Innovations, a leader in plant breeding.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in horticulture, from novice gardeners to seasoned experts.

Time Line 

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:47 Exploring the World of Plant Breeding

01:17 Meet David Roberts: A Plant Breeding Pioneer

02:58 The Goals and Challenges of Plant Breeding

03:39 Trends and Innovations in Plant Breeding

05:56 The Science and Art of Plant Breeding

09:30 Happy Accidents in Plant Breeding

16:19 The Journey of Eclipse Hydrangea

25:16 Bailey Innovations: A Legacy of Excellence

29:30 Innovations in Hydrangea Breeding

30:31 Exploring the Potential of Vitex

33:07 Pollinators and Plant Breeding

36:56 Focus on Native Plants

38:01 Designing and Growing a Garden

42:09 Personal Journey into Horticulture

43:51 Influential Figures in Horticulture

46:04 Lessons from Gardening Mistakes

47:20 Global Production Practices

49:22 Florist vs. Garden Hydrangeas

52:43 Future Garden Vision

53:21 Current Plant Obsession

54:20 Connecting with David Roberts