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Cultivating relationships, one client at a time
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Mike Hildebrand and his signature golf cart.

James River Nurseries was founded in 1983

It all started with two guys and two trucks.

Back in August of 1983, Al Jones and Mike Hildebrand got together to form James River Nurseries. Including them, the company had a total of four employees.

Their first shop was located across from Virginia Center Commons, where the current Ukrops is located. The first “office” was Mike’s kitchen table, where his wife, Susie kept the books.

The kitchen table eventually gave way to an office in the Raintree Office Park. Then, in 1991, with a total of 20 employees, the company moved to its present location, Old Woodside Equine. The historic 70-acre estate on Route 623, near Ashland, dates back to the late 1800’s.

Now in its 26th year, James River Nurseries, has branched out across the Commonwealth and beyond, with 35 trucks and up to 80 full-time employees.

Like any fledgling business, James River Nurseries started small. We fondly remember those days and that’s why we’ve never forgotten our roots.Signwithtulips1

Through the years, we have been honored to be chosen as the landscape providers for major projects, such as the Virginia Governor’s Mansion, Richmond International Airport, Wyndham, Innsbrook Office Park, The University of Richmond, St. Francis Medical Center, West Broad Village and Bass Pro Shops.

But during that time we have continued to provide the same quality materials and services to the individual homeowner.

Simply put, we are committed to providing each client - from the largest developer to the new homeowner - with unmatched value.

James River Nurseries’ success is based on two things; our people and our products.

Many on our staff have been with us for more that 20 years. Our “collective” horticultural experience surpasses 200 years.

Our plant materials come from the best growers in the Southeast and beyond.

The experienced buying team travels from the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest to personally select materials that meet our stringent standards.

 The long-standing business relationships we have established with our growers, allow us to provide the best available pricing on the highest quality plant material. These plants are consistently bigger and healthier than those of many competitors, but cost no more.

In addition to the added value, our plants have a higher survival rate and their robust stature results in a fuller, more attractive landscape, from the moment they are planted.

Perhaps the greatest compliment that our clients pay to James River Nurseries is their desire to invite us back to work on projects with them - time and again.

 

Testimonials

To Whom This May Concern:

For 25 years, Mike Hildebrand and James River Nurseries have provided top quality materials, installation and follow-up for all of Realty Ventures Group’s real estate projects.  He and his fabulous staff have also done work at my personal residence.  Over all these years, Mike and James River Nurseries have performed superbly providing the very highest quality service.  I can enthusiastically recommend Mike Hildebrand and James River Nurseries for all your landscaping needs.

Richard W. Nuckols, president

Realty Ventures Group, Inc

Realty Ventures Group Has Developed

  • Tarrington
  • River Gate
  • Hampton Park
  • Tillman’s Farm
  • The Grove

.

For over 25 years, James River Nurseries has been a key business partner to HHHunt Communities. Their vast knowledge and experience of landscape design and maintenance, high quality of materials, creativity, competitive pricing and consistent aim for excellence has been integral to the success of our master planned communities. But even above their superb products and services, it is their talented and dedicated people have made James River Nurseries the clear choice for HHHunt.

    Daniel T. Schmitt, president

   HHHunt  Communities

Dear Mike,

 I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the outstanding work you and your company has done for Windsor Business Park, Building VII.  The beautiful landscaping that your company provided has made our business park one of the nicest landscaped business parks in the area.

 Your workforce and the expertise they bring to the job have made our office park a beautiful place to come to each workday.  Our company appreciates the quality of the plant material your company provides at a competitive price.   Most which is grown locally.

 You and your men are always available when problems develop providing solutions to correct expediently. Windsor Business Park is very fortunate to have James River Nursery handle our landscaping needs. 

 For Windsor Business Park the most important benefit received from using James River Nursery is the landscaping helps attract new tenants to our park even when the economy has slowed.  The second most important benefit for using your company is the quality of material received making the finish product the best money will buy.   Not only did we receive value for the dollar we received a life-long friend.  Thank you.

 John S. Frost

Construction/Property Manager

 Windsor Business Park

To Whom This May Concern:

Of all the contractors, subcontractors and vendors with whom I have worked over the last 25 years, Mike Hildebrand and his firm--James Rivers Nurseries are at the top of the list.

When it comes to providing top of the line quality materials with the best possible service and then backing it up with an unconditional guaranty, no individual or company can compare.

James River Nurseries performance has been dependable and consistent through the years despite the changing markets or economic times.  Mike is always accessible and he willingly attends to smallest detail. James River’s employees are not satisfied until the customer is pleased and that means everyone—owner, tenant, and/or visitor.

James River’s landscape designs, installations and follow up always exceeded our firm’s expectations. While managing Trammell Crow Company’s and Childress Klein Properties’ operations in Virginia, I consistently heard from our regional and national management teams how much nicer our properties’ landscaping looked upon project completion.

Mike helped us set the bar of expectations high while helping us hold to a tight budget.  Not only do we consider James River Nurseries a valued and trusted business partner, we have enjoyed our friendships built with Mike and his team through the years.

We wholeheartedly recommend James River Nurseries and Mike Hildebrand!      

Charles Macfarlane

Managing Member

Macfarlane Partners, LLC

 

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