Business Details
47 Years
experience
Rare & Native Plants for Southern Gardens
Founded in 1979, Woodlanders has dedicated over four decades to discovering, cultivating, and introducing rare and native plant varieties to gardeners across the United States. Our mission combines a deep appreciation for botanical diversity with a commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring each plant supports biodiversity and environmental stewardship. As a mail-order nursery, we have perfected the art of shipping plants nationwide, maintaining their health and vitality from our growing grounds to your garden. Our living collection includes over 2,200 varieties, reflecting our passion for preserving plant heritage and sharing it with future generations. Under new ownership, we continue to honor the legacy of our founders while expanding our offerings and embracing innovative horticultural practices.Our team of experts, including nursery manager George Mitchell and horticulturalist Bob McCartney, brings decades of experience to every aspect of our work. We prioritize traceability and ethical sourcing, ensuring transparency in how we grow and deliver our plants. Our Aiken, South Carolina nursery spans 20,000 square feet, surrounded by trees we have planted over four decades. We believe plants are not just commodities but storytellers, connecting people to the natural world and its rich history. Through our blog, The Node, we share insights and expertise to educate and inspire gardeners of all levels.
Services
Rare Plant Sales
Mail-Order Nursery
Native Plant Introduction
Gardening Resources
Botanical Education
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of expertise in rare plant cultivation.
- Our mail-order system ensures safe nationwide plant delivery.
- Every plant purchase supports biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
- We maintain a living collection of over 2,200 unique varieties.
- Our team includes veteran horticulturists with decades of specialized knowledge.
Services
Rare Plant Sales
We offer an extensive selection of rare and native plants, including over 2,200 varieties unavailable elsewhere. Our collection features heirloom woody plants, Southeastern natives, and exotic species from global ecosystems. Each plant is carefully propagated and grown to ensure optimal health for gardeners seeking unique botanical additions.
Mail-Order Nursery
Our nationwide mail-order service delivers plants with precision and care, maintaining their vitality during transit. We use eco-friendly packaging materials and have perfected shipping methods over 45 years of operation. Customers receive detailed planting instructions and support to ensure successful garden integration of their purchased specimens.
Native Plant Introduction
We specialize in introducing underutilized native plants to modern horticulture through careful selection and propagation. Our work focuses on southern U.S. species and climate-appropriate exotics that enhance local ecosystems. This includes developing cultivars better suited for contemporary garden environments while preserving genetic diversity.
Gardening Resources
Our educational resources provide in-depth information about plant care, ecological benefits, and historical significance. The Node blog offers seasonal gardening tips, plant profiles, and conservation insights. We help customers make informed choices about rare plant integration into various landscape types.
Botanical Education
Through plant documentation and storytelling, we educate gardeners about botanical heritage and ecological stewardship. Our resources explain plant origins, traditional uses, and environmental roles. We foster a deeper understanding of how cultivated plants contribute to biodiversity and climate resilience in garden settings.
People
Fiona von Grey
Owner
Fiona von Grey combines botanical expertise with business acumen, having studied medical botany at Emory University. Her passion for plants began in southern India, where she explored Ayurvedic medicine. She now leads Woodlanders with a vision to preserve rare plant heritage while innovating for modern horticulture.
George Mitchell
Nursery Manager
George Mitchell brings decades of horticultural experience to Woodlanders, overseeing nursery operations and plant propagation. His expertise in Grenadan flora complements his deep knowledge of southern U.S. native plants. He continues to guide the nursery's growth and plant selection processes.
Bob McCartney
Horticulturist
Bob McCartney shares extensive knowledge of native southern plants, cultivated during his career at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. His expertise in plant introductions and garden design informs Woodlanders' selection and documentation practices. He remains an active mentor to the nursery team.
Questions
What types of plants does Woodlanders specialize in?
We specialize in rare and native plants, including Southeastern natives, heirloom woody plants, and exotic species from global ecosystems.
Do you ship plants nationwide?
Yes, we offer nationwide mail-order shipping with specialized packaging to ensure plant health during transit.
How can I care for rare plants after purchase?
We provide detailed care instructions with each plant and offer ongoing support through our website resources.
Are your plants ethically sourced?
Yes, we prioritize traceable sourcing and sustainable growing practices that support biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
Can I visit your nursery in person?
Our Aiken, SC nursery is open for plant sales on scheduled dates like our annual Fall Plant Sale.
How long has Woodlanders been in business?
We've been cultivating rare plants since 1979, with over 45 years of horticultural expertise.
