Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Landscaping Solutions in Charlottesville
J W Townsend has been a trusted name in landscaping and horticultural services since 1983, serving Charlottesville and throughout Virginia. Our commitment to excellence is rooted in decades of hands-on experience, with over 900 cumulative years of horticultural expertise across our team. We specialize in garden installation, native grass meadows, and fine gardening, combining technical precision with a personal touch to exceed client expectations. Our team includes 32 Virginia Certified Horticulturists, 6 Certified Arborists, and 37 Registered Pesticide Technicians, ensuring every project benefits from specialized knowledge and industry-recognized credentials.We prioritize sustainable practices, such as drought-tolerant meadow creation, which supports biodiversity while delivering aesthetic value. Our community involvement reflects our dedication to local organizations, reinforcing our role as a responsible and engaged business partner. With a focus on long-term client relationships, we offer a 'Guaranteed for Life' maintenance program, underscoring our confidence in the quality and durability of our work.
Services
Garden Installation
Garden Maintenance
Container Gardening
Turf Management
Hardscape Installation
Native Grass Meadows
Special Projects
Pest & Disease Management
Seasonal Lighting
Drainage Systems
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of experience in landscaping and garden design
- 900+ cumulative years of horticultural expertise across our team
- 32 Virginia Certified Horticulturists and 6 Certified Arborists on staff
- Community-focused with support for local organizations and events
- Sustainable practices including native meadow and pollinator habitat creation
What people say
Exceptional craftsmanship
Knowledgeable staff
Beautiful sustainable landscapes
Exceeded expectations
Reliable and professional
Services
Native Grass & Wildflower Meadows
Our native grass and wildflower meadows combine ecological benefits with aesthetic appeal. These drought-tolerant installations attract pollinators, enhance biodiversity, and require minimal maintenance. We use hand-selected seed mixes tailored to client preferences and environmental conditions, ensuring long-term success. Clients benefit from sustainable landscapes that evolve beautifully over time.
Garden Maintenance
Our garden maintenance services leverage over 320 years of collective experience to ensure landscapes thrive. We offer specialized care including rose pruning, pest management, and soil health optimization. Clients receive personalized attention, with a focus on preserving plant health and achieving long-term garden vitality through expert techniques and certified professionals.
Garden Installation
From bed preparation to large-scale tree planting, our garden installation services prioritize precision and quality. We handle drainage, plant selection, and aftercare to ensure successful growth. Clients benefit from tailored solutions, including 'Guaranteed for Life' maintenance programs, ensuring their investment remains vibrant and well-maintained for years to come.
Turf Management
Our turf management services deliver premium lawn care through expert mowing, fertilization, and pest control. We use sharp equipment daily to maintain grass health and employ sustainable practices to protect the environment. Clients enjoy lush, well-groomed lawns that enhance property aesthetics while adhering to eco-friendly standards.
Container Gardening
Our Hotpot container gardens offer unique, professionally maintained plant displays. Available in various materials, these gardens add seasonal beauty to patios and entryways. Clients receive ongoing care from skilled gardeners, ensuring their containers remain vibrant and tailored to their specific aesthetic preferences and environmental conditions.
People
Steve Pekary
General Manager
Steve Pekary, our Vice President and Garden Maintenance Manager, brings over 20 years of horticultural expertise. An Advanced Virginia Certified Horticulturist and Certified Arborist, he was named Young Professional of the Year by the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association in 2016. Steve's leadership ensures high-quality service and team excellence.
Leigh Townsend
President
Leigh Townsend, President of J W Townsend, holds a B.S. in Construction Science and Management from Clemson University. A LEED-accredited professional and Certified Horticulturist, he combines technical expertise with a passion for sustainable landscaping. His leadership drives innovation and client-focused solutions.
Luke Puglia
Manager of Gardening Services
Luke Puglia manages our Garden Maintenance department with over 20 years of industry experience. A Penn State graduate and certified arborist, he oversees teams that deliver meticulous care to residential and commercial properties, ensuring landscapes remain vibrant and well-maintained year-round.
Danielle Brown
Project Manager
Danielle Brown, a Project Manager at J W Townsend, holds a B.S. in Psychology from JMU and a landscape design certificate. A Certified Horticulturist, she combines design expertise with client communication skills to deliver tailored landscaping solutions that meet both aesthetic and functional needs.
Phil Ofrias
Vice President / Garden Installation Manager
Phil Ofrias, Vice President and Installation Manager, has over 30 years of experience in horticulture. A Certified Arborist and Commercial Pesticide Applicator, he oversees large-scale installations, ensuring technical precision and adherence to the highest standards of quality and safety.
Questions
Why should I choose J.W. Townsend for landscaping?
Our 40+ years of experience, certified professionals, and commitment to sustainable practices ensure high-quality, tailored solutions that exceed client expectations.
Do you offer meadow installation services?
Yes, we specialize in native grass and wildflower meadows, combining ecological benefits with aesthetic appeal using hand-selected seed mixes.
What is included in your garden maintenance services?
Our maintenance includes pruning, pest management, soil health optimization, and seasonal care, delivered by experienced horticulturists and certified technicians.
Can I customize my container garden?
Yes, our Hotpot container gardens are available in various materials and designs, with ongoing professional maintenance to ensure lasting beauty.
Do you provide turf management services?
Yes, we offer premium lawn care including mowing, fertilization, and pest control using sustainable practices for lush, healthy turf.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and up to 100 miles from Charlottesville, with accommodations for projects farther away.