Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Nursery & Gardening Center in Charlottesville, VA
Founded in 1975 by Clare and George Carter, Ivy Nursery has been a cornerstone of Charlottesville's horticultural community for nearly five decades. Our founders, both holding Master's Degrees in Landscape Architecture from the University of Virginia, established the nursery on principles of plant quality, knowledgeable staff, and expert design advice. We specialize in offering locally grown, pollinator-friendly plants including roses, annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs, while maintaining a commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Our landscape contracting services extend from small residential projects to large-scale institutional developments, with George Carter personally overseeing every installation. The nursery's location on Scenic Route 250 West provides convenient access to both homeowners and professional landscapers.Our team of horticulturists combines academic expertise with practical experience to provide tailored gardening solutions. We maintain strict quality control over our inventory, carefully selecting plants suited to our hardiness zone for optimal growth. The nursery's greenhouses showcase tropical plants, orchids, and seasonal floral arrangements, while our gift shop offers garden-inspired home decor. Our 40-year track record includes completing every project on schedule and maintaining zero client disputes. We prioritize organic solutions for plant care and offer delivery services for larger plant purchases.
Services
Landscaping
Nursery Plants
Contracting
Greenhouse
Gardening Advice
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of uninterrupted service with zero missed deadlines
- Founders hold Master's Degrees in Landscape Architecture
- Locally grown plants from pollinator-friendly growers
- On-site expert oversight for all landscape contracting projects
- Proven track record of completing 100% of contracted work
What people say
Beautiful plants
Expert advice
On-site expert
No missed deadlines
Pollinator-friendly
Services
Landscaping
Our landscape design services combine academic expertise with practical experience to create customized outdoor spaces. We offer site analysis, plant selection, and implementation plans tailored to Virginia's climate. Clients receive detailed proposals with seasonal planting schedules and maintenance recommendations.
Nursery Plants
We offer a comprehensive selection of locally grown plants including roses, annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs. All inventory is carefully chosen for hardiness zone compatibility. Our staff provides planting guidance and pest management solutions with preference for organic treatments.
Contracting
From small residential projects to large institutional developments, we handle complete landscape implementation. Services include grading, planting, irrigation, and hardscaping. George Carter personally oversees all projects to ensure quality control and schedule adherence.
Greenhouse
Our greenhouses maintain tropical plants, orchids, and seasonal floral displays year-round. We provide expert care guidance for indoor plants and offer repotting services. The facility also serves as a protected environment for delicate plant varieties during winter months.
Gardening Advice
Professional horticultural advice is available for plant selection, pest management, and garden design. Our staff assists with sun/shade analysis, moisture requirements, and deer-resistant plant choices. We also offer site visit consultations for complex landscaping needs.
People
Clare Carter
Co-Founder
Co-founder with Master's in Landscape Architecture from University of Virginia. Oversees nursery operations and customer service. Recognized for creating welcoming retail environment that combines expertise with community engagement.
George Carter
Co-Founder & Landscape Director
Co-founder and Master's Degree holder in Landscape Architecture. Personally supervises all contracting projects. Known for technical expertise in large-scale installations and commitment to completing projects on schedule without disputes.
Questions
What makes Ivy Nursery's plants different?
All plants are locally grown by pollinator-friendly growers without harmful pesticides. We carefully select varieties suited to Virginia's hardiness zone for optimal growth and performance.
Do you offer landscape design services?
Yes, we provide complete design services including site analysis, plant selection, and implementation plans. George Carter personally oversees all design projects from concept to completion.
Are your staff members qualified horticulturists?
Our team includes certified horticulturists and gardeners with expertise in plant care, pest management, and landscape architecture. Founders hold Master's Degrees from the University of Virginia.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Charlottesville and surrounding Central Virginia areas, including Albemarle County. Our delivery radius extends to accommodate both residential and commercial clients.
Can you help with large institutional projects?
Yes, we've successfully completed major projects at institutions like University of Virginia, Martha Jefferson Hospital, and Monticello Visitor's Center. George Carter personally oversees all large-scale installations.
Do you offer delivery services?
Yes, we provide delivery for larger plant purchases and landscape materials. Delivery availability depends on order size and location within our service area.
