Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Center in Cockeysville, MD
Valley View Farms has been a family-owned and operated garden center since 1962, evolving from a small roadside stand to one of the mid-Atlantic region's most comprehensive horticultural destinations. Our team of dedicated professionals, many with decades of tenure, combines generational expertise with hands-on experience to deliver exceptional products and personalized service. We pride ourselves on cultivating community relationships through charitable contributions and educational initiatives while maintaining rigorous standards for plant quality and customer satisfaction. Our operations span 12 greenhouses and extensive outdoor growing areas, supported by a staff that includes certified horticulturists and industry-recognized specialists. Through seasonal expansions and year-round departments, we provide tailored solutions for both novice gardeners and professional landscapers.Our commitment to excellence extends to specialized services like water garden design, deer-resistant plant consultations, and customized delivery and planting assistance. As stewards of sustainable practices, we prioritize locally sourced inventory and environmentally responsible growing methods. With over 60 years of continuous operation, we maintain our founding vision of combining agricultural heritage with modern horticultural innovation. Our leadership team, including third-generation owner Andy Foard, continues to drive this legacy through active participation in industry advancements and community engagement. This enduring dedication to quality, education, and customer care has established Valley View Farms as a trusted regional authority in outdoor living solutions.
Services
Perennials
Annuals
Water Gardens
Houseplants
Christmas Shop
Garden Shop
Wild Bird Supplies
Pottery & Statuary
Lawn Care Products
Herb Department
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We offer 1500+ varieties of locally grown perennials and 200+ native plant selections
- Our staff includes Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists and 30+ year veterans
- We provide expert delivery and planting services for all nursery purchases
- Our Water Gardening Department was nationally recognized as a top-three facility
- We maintain 12 on-site greenhouses for year-round plant production and care
What people say
Best selection of plants
Knowledgeable helpful staff
Quality merchandise
Exceptional shopping experience
Unmatched plant quality
Services
Perennials Department
Our Perennials Department offers over 1,500 varieties of sun and shade plants, including 30+ ornamental grasses and specialty peonies. Expert staff assist with plant selection for native gardens and provide maintenance guidance. We maintain extensive collections of locally adapted species and rare cultivars.
Water Gardens
We provide complete water garden solutions including pond installation, aquatic plant selection, and koi fish care. Our award-winning department features six display ponds and specialized support for backyard ecosystem creation. Certified technicians offer ongoing maintenance advice and seasonal care programs.
Houseplants
Our Greenhouse showcases air-purifying houseplants that improve indoor air quality and humidity levels. We offer expert guidance on light requirements, watering schedules, and container selection. The department features rare specimens and common favorites for both novice and experienced plant owners.
Christmas Shop
The Christmas Shop provides seasonal decorations including live greens, wreaths, and imported international gifts. Our designers create custom holiday displays using premium materials. The department maintains traditional elements while introducing contemporary decorating trends for festive outdoor spaces.
Garden Shop
Our Garden Shop stocks premium potting mixes, soil amendments, and organic gardening solutions. We offer expert advice on lawn renovation and maintenance schedules. The department carries specialized tools, protective gear, and planting accessories for both residential and commercial use.
People
Andy Foard
Owner & CEO
Third-generation owner with 40+ years experience in all aspects of the business. University of Maryland graduate in Business Administration who designed many store facilities. Became sole owner in 2015 after working with his father.
Tim McQuaid
Store Manager/Water Gardens Manager
30+ year veteran who started in farm operations and became Water Garden Manager. Specializes in aquatic ecosystem design and outdoor education programs. Active in community conservation initiatives and youth outdoor activities.
Carrie Engel
Greenhouse Manager
40+ year employee and gardening media personality appearing on WBAL TV's Sunday Gardener. Expert in plant propagation and seasonal crop planning. Maintains extensive industry connections through national horticultural conferences and road trips.
Scott Carbone
Nursery Manager
15+ year team member with University of Maryland Landscape Management degree. Coordinates regional tree and shrub procurement while managing inventory quality standards. Specializes in plant health diagnostics and customer consultation services.
Kathy Foard
Christmas Shop Manager
50-year employee with Goucher College English degree who transformed the Christmas Shop into a regional destination. Oversees seasonal merchandise procurement and display design while maintaining traditional holiday elements from the business's early years.
Questions
Do you carry native Maryland plants?
We offer extensive native plant selections in our Perennial and Nursery departments. Our Plant Finder tool helps identify regionally appropriate species for local ecosystems and wildlife support.
Can I get help designing my garden?
Our experienced staff provides personalized garden planning assistance. We offer plant combination recommendations, spacing guidance, and seasonal maintenance schedules tailored to your specific growing conditions.
Do you deliver plants?
Yes, we provide delivery and professional planting services for trees and shrubs. Contact our Nursery department at 410-527-0700 to schedule this service during regular business hours.
How do you care for houseplants?
We provide specific care instructions for each plant purchase. General guidance includes checking soil moisture before watering and using proper drainage techniques. Our staff offers detailed advice on light requirements and humidity control.
What gardening classes do you offer?
We host seasonal gardening workshops covering topics like lawn care, perennial maintenance, and holiday decorating. No advance registration is required - simply attend any scheduled class at our Cockeysville location.
What is your plant guarantee?
We guarantee healthy plant material at time of purchase. If issues arise within two weeks, bring the plant back in its original container for diagnosis and replacement consideration under our standard return policy.
