GRELEN
Finding Inspiration at Every Turn
Mission: To create a welcoming environment which celebrates open space, agriculture and the farm-to-table philosophy while successfully providing products and services that add value to our clients' lives within a successful and sustainable business model.
Our Story
Dan Gregg, Founder of Grelen Nursery, Inc., has loved plants and trees as long as he can remember. In 1990, he left banking to follow his dream and moveto Orange County where he started Grelen Nursery on a corner of his grandparent’s cattle farm. In 1997, as local demand grew, Dan hired Zeke Galvin as a partner to manage the landscaping side of the business.
In 2003, Gregg and Galvin purchased a 200-acre farm located in Somerset, Virginia. This provided much needed space for expansion and during the next five years, Grelen acquired two adjoining properties. Today, Grelen Nursery sits on an absolutely gorgeous 600-acre property and is one of the largest retail tree nurseries in Virginia. They grow hundreds of types of trees, shrubs and plants and offer a full range of landscaping, hardscaping and tree care services. After 27 years, Grelen Nursery is known for having the highest quality products and services.
The idea of a destination garden market and local pick-your-own experience was conceived in 2010 as a result of receiving many compliments about the layout of the Nursery and the spectacular views on the property. As a result, the partners planted berries and fruit trees, renovated a farmhouse and added gardens and a terrace. Once completed, Leslie Gregg, Dan’s wife, came on board to oversee the buying, marketing and operations of the new Market.
The Market at Grelen opened in April, 2013 as a European-Style Garden Shop and over time the concept has continued to evolve. Almost immediately, couples asked to get married at Grelen so a 4500 sq. ft. clear tent was installed and a full time Venue Manager was hired. In addition, the Casual Cafe concept was born in response to clients who were arriving hungry after traveling quite a distance to enjoy the “Grelen Experience.” Then a full time chef joined our team, and a large veggie garden was added to compliment the berries and fruit trees. The menu now includes delicious farm to table fare, as well as a wonderful selection of Virginia beer, cider & wine. In addition, given the incredible natural beauty that defines the property and is being enjoyed by so many visitors, a public trail system (Grelen Trails), Pick-your-own Orchards and Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Fields have been developed over the years. Grelen Trails is now 6 miles and connects to James Madison's Montpelier trails while the PYO fields boast blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches and apples during the season.
The Events & Properties division has grown over the years, too, now including Boxwood Villa, Spotswood Lodge & The Depot. Each of these venue offer a variety of lodging and event options.
Grelen has definitely developed since it's inception in 2013 and we encourage you to come enjoy what we have to offer! We are all about slowing down and savoring the experience and we hope you will find some time to come out and explore Grelen!
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