ABOUT
WATKINS NURSERIES
Watkins Nurseries is a fifth-generation wholesale plant nursery and tree farm. We specialize in providing a wide range of trees, native and exotic plant materials, as well as mulch, soils, compost, and aggregates. Our focus is on delivering high-quality products to our clients. We take pride in being a family-owned business and strive to differentiate ourselves from our competitors by offering exceptional products and services.
HISTORY
Watkins Nurseries, Inc. was founded in 1876 by J. B. Watkins as a small fruit tree farm in Powhatan County, Virginia. Over the course of 140 years, and with the involvement of five generations of the Watkins family, it has grown to over 500 acres of land across the central Virginia area that is currently used in the production of field-grown, landscape-size plant material.
​
In the mid-1860s, when J. B. Watkins began the operation, the demand for fruit trees and fresh fruit was strong. He and his brother moved the operation to Chesterfield County and were able to expand it over several years. In 1876 they established the family owned nursery which specialized in providing surrounding farms in central Virginia with fruit trees by mail. In the early 1900s, J. B. began offering trees and plants for Richmond area homes, and Watkins Nurseries became a source for ornamental plants, both native and imported. These ornamentals have since become a staple for the modern landscape industry across the country.
​
The Great Depression altered the focus of Watkins Nurseries and required new adaptations. The nursery scaled back its growing efforts and began a fully operational dairy and poultry farm providing basic food for employees, families, and neighbors.
In the decades following World War II, residential and commercial development restored a thriving demand for landscape plantings and their installation, and, once again, Watkins Nurseries adapted.
​
Since its conception in 1876, Watkins Nurseries has remained an integral part of the community and a consistent contributor to the nursery industry. Adapting with the changing times has allowed Watkins to continuously thrive throughout the over 140 years we have been in business.​​
LOCATIONS
Dry Bridge Road - Midlothian
Our Dry Bridge Road location in Chesterfield County is our main headquarters, it houses our business office, plant center, wholesale landscaping materials, rental equipment, bulk materials, and green waste recycling production. The original farm in Midlothian has produced a wide array of hand-dug trees and plants as well as flowering and ornamental trees.
​
Big Oak Farm - Powhatan
Big Oak Farm in Powhatan County is where much of our field grown inventory is located.
​
Winterham Farm - Amelia
Winterham Farm in Amelia County is the primary production area for the nursery at this time. It is located near Amelia Courthouse and consists of 300 acres of land. This farm was acquired in August of 1998, and active field production began immediately. The entire Winterham farm tree operation is irrigated with adequate row spacing for growth and harvest. The water source is a 15 acre, man-made pond with pump and distribution system that exceeds a mile and half of 8” and 6” water mains. The Amelia soil and the irrigation provide a highly efficient environment for trees.