Organization

In August of 1969, Jim Ellison, his wife Ellen, and their three children, Chuck, Margie, and PJ, moved to Brenham, Texas and began building ten small, wood-frame, plastic greenhouses on the site where houses "D" and "E" stand today. At that time, it was Jim’s goal to grow greenhouse tomatoes as he had been doing elsewhere for the previous seven years.

With help only from the family and an occasional friend or two, building the greenhouses took over a year to complete. By fall, 1971, the first full tomato crop was planted. The profit from that first full year of production was totally inadequate; therefore, economics forced Ellison’s Greenhouses into floral production. This was the beginning of Ellison’s Greenhouses rapid growth, size, and market rise.

In the summer of 1973, our first major expansion included the main building and "A" house, which housed mums, Kalanchoes, and holiday productions. Foliage plants were becoming very popular, so in 1974 "B" house was built solely for green plant production. In 1975 and 1976, "C" house was constructed for foliage plants and the northern end of the main building was added for shipping space. Ellison’s Greenhouses also became a Corporation in 1976. In 1977, "G" house was constructed, as well as the soil building.

1978 was the year of the BIG change. As all ten of the original greenhouses were dismantled, "D" and "E" were constructed in their place. Another addition was made to the southern end of the main building, and new offices were constructed.

Still bigger things were to come. In 1980 we expanded on the 32-acre sight on County Road 66. First came "H" house, then "J" and "I". This location became known as the Heights. In 1983, we decided to try some outside foliage production in shade houses. Now there are two shade houses at the Heights location. 1990 brought other changes. Mr. "E" was elected Chairman of the Board and Mrs. "E" was elected President and C.E.O. of the company. We also added a small house, "K", for starting "outside" high light crops. An outside area similar to the shade houses for "high light" production is under construction.

The year 2000 brought new changes, Mr. and Mrs. Ellison sold the business, assets, name, and trademark to their youngest daughter, P.J. As of July 1, 2000, P.J. now owns the business and is the current President and C.E.O. for Sonny’s Texas Posies Company dba Ellison’s Greenhouses, Inc. The Ellison's still own and manage the Heights location at this time.

Ellison’s Greenhouses, Inc. intends to continue expansion as it is capable of opening new markets and training competent personnel who are ambitious and capable of growing with us. Our goal is not necessarily to be the biggest greenhouse in Texas, but it is set on being the best!