Joe’s introduction to daylilies was unexpected, as his background was primarily in construction and foundational earthwork.

A trip to Disney World in 1983 inspired a shift in direction. Upon returning to Baton Rouge, he began collaborating with commercial landscaping companies responsible for managing property grounds. Demonstrating an aptitude for hands-on horticultural work, he quickly advanced to directing crews and overseeing landscaping projects for commercial office buildings, retail centers, and residential properties.

In August 1992, Joe visited a dedicated daylily garden, which significantly broadened his understanding of the species. Following this initial exposure, he acquired thirty plants for fall planting.

Within a year, his collection expanded to over 1,200 cultivars. His garden was subsequently featured on local and regional garden tours, as well as serving as an open garden for the 1998 American Hemerocallis Society (AHS) National Convention. During the Lafayette National Convention, Joe first served as a bus captain, establishing connections with key leaders within the organization. He went on to serve as bus captain for six additional conventions and served as Convention Chair for the 2011 National Convention, where his garden was again featured on tour.

While Joe initially engaged in daylily hybridizing on a minor scale, a visit to Larry Grace’s garden defined a clear focus for his work. Impressed by Grace’s seedlings and notable introductions such as 'J T Davis' and 'Clothed in Glory,' Joe established a dedicated hybridizing program with new stock and mentorship. Although professional, family, and environmental factors temporarily altered his focus, relocating the garden to its current site enabled daily evaluation and breeding operations.

Joe’s primary hybridizing objective is developing varieties engineered to thrive in southern Louisiana’s climate. His active breeding efforts focus on red tetraploids, large diploid unusual forms (UFs), and edged diploids.

Within the horticultural community, Joe is recognized for his distinctive cultivar naming conventions, storytelling, regional humor, and active volunteer service.

His leadership roles include serving as Appointed Director for AHS Regions 7 and 9. Over a period spanning more than two decades, he has held key leadership positions including President of the Baton Rouge Daylily Society, Region 13 Director, Region 13 President, and Region 13 Newsletter Editor.