Abernethy & Spencer celebrates grand opening after major renovation

After nearly a century serving Loudoun County, the historic Abernethy & Spencer Greenhouse & Garden Center is marking its 100th anniversary with the official grand opening of its newly renovated and expanded grounds. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Friday, Sept. 26 at 3:30 p.m. at their location, 18035 Lincoln Road, Purcellville, VA, with a full weekend of events to follow.

The updates come after an extensive, multi-year project aimed at both restoring the garden center’s historic infrastructure and reimagining it for the next generation of gardeners and plant lovers. In addition to revitalizing the selection of native flowers, herbs, trees, and organically grown vegetables, Abernethy & Spencer is introducing several new features designed to make the space welcoming and community-focused.

Among the most anticipated additions is The Conservatory, a restored historic greenhouse that now houses a gift and garden lifestyle shop, cafe cart, library, and orchidarium. At its center is an intricately crafted bronze water garden fountain inspired by Alice in Wonderland, created by award-winning artists from the Chelsea Flower Show.

Another new space, The Glassroom, serves as a multimedia education and event venue built from a reclaimed local greenhouse. Additional upgrades include a new native perennial greenhouse, a restored houseplant and tropical greenhouse for year-round gardeners, and an expanded parrot aviary—home to several beloved resident birds.

The site also features Lola’s Coffee Cart, offering classic drinks and signature refreshments, and a native-planted walking trail for visitors to explore the grounds and connect with the landscape.

“Without the support of the community members who share our passion, we could’ve never brought this vision for Abernethy & Spencer to life,” said co-owner Jim Knowles. “With such a rich, strong foundation from the past 100 years, I want our nursery to be more than just a business. It will be a hub for everything horticulture, offering the best selection of plants anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic. We’re so grateful for all the encouragement we’ve had so far and I look forward to everything we can do together in the future.”

The ribbon cutting was attended by representatives from the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, local business partners, and community leaders. Jim Knowles and co-owner Autumn Knowles and partners Hillary Pennington, Jacob Baker, and Matt Lamberski took part in the ribbon cutting.

The celebration continues throughout the weekend, with a lineup of activities for all ages, including live local music, a scavenger hunt, family-friendly entertainment, face painting, and a raffle featuring a luxury outdoor patio set from Summer Classics, in partnership with local designer Kim Kendall Interiors.

Beyond the festivities, the Grand Opening highlights Abernethy & Spencer’s continued commitment to community and environmental stewardship. Over the past year, the garden center has supported local efforts including replanting flower beds at Lincoln Elementary School, sponsoring Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Walk for Wildlife, and contributing to school theater productions.

“We’ve fallen madly in love with gardening and it’s a relationship that we get to share with all the communities we call home,” said Autumn Knowles. “This care for and celebration of the wisdom of the earth, for the joys and wonders that plants have brought the world and its cultures, is something I’ll always pay forward by growing and sharing plants.

“Every time you plant a tree or work in the garden, it’s like writing little love letters to the land and nature provides endless stories in return. We are dedicated to continuous hard work at Abernethy & Spencer so that this love story goes on for another 100 years and many more to follow,” she said.

Founded in 1925, Abernethy & Spencer has long been a destination for gardeners in Loudoun County and the greater Mid-Atlantic region. Today, it offers more than 700 varieties of perennials, 200 shrubs, and over 100 tree species, alongside a wide array of garden decor, fountains, statuary, and birdbaths. The addition of new gathering spaces and expanded greenhouses signals a new chapter rooted in tradition, community, and a shared love of the natural world.

For more information, contact Hillary Pennington at hillary@abernethyspencer.com or visit them on Instagram at @abernethyspencer.