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At its heart, Grelen remains grounded in the land —
Cultivating not only plants and landscapes, but meaningful experiences for those who visit.
What began as a small tree nursery in Virginia has grown into one of the largest rural businesses in the state, with a multifaceted collection of businesses rooted in horticulture, landscape, hospitality, and the beauty of bringing people together.
Founded in 1990 by Dan Gregg, Grelen Nursery began on a corner of his grandparents’ cattle farm in Orange County, Virginia. Over the past three decades, the nursery has grown into one of the region’s leading horticultural operations, spanning 1,000 acres and supplying exceptional trees, shrubs, and plants to customers throughout Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic. Today, its landscape division is a major part of the nursery’s success, with crews designing, installing, and maintaining landscapes across Virginia. The nursery also continues to grow and ship high-quality plant material to wholesale customers up and down the Eastern Seaboard, extending Grelen’s reach well beyond its fields in Somerset.
As the nursery expanded, so did the vision for the land itself. Inspired by the natural beauty of the property and the experience of sharing it with visitors, The Market at Grelen opened in 2013 as a European-inspired garden shop, café, pick-your-own farm, and gathering place overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Under the leadership of Leslie Gregg, The Market evolved into a destination where agriculture, gardens, hospitality, retail, events, and community come together.
Although Grelen Nursery and The Market at Grelen are incorporated separately, the two businesses beautifully complement one another. Together, they reflect a shared appreciation for plants, land stewardship, design, and the power of meaningful places.
Today, Grelen encompasses a growing collection of experiences and properties throughout Central Virginia, including nursery operations, landscape services, event venues, overnight accommodations, retail spaces, gardens, orchards, and walking trails. From weddings at Boxwood Villa to weekends at Spotswood Lodge, shopping at Grelen Downtown, or afternoons spent walking the trails and orchards in Somerset, every Grelen property reflects the same guiding philosophy: beautiful places have the power to inspire connection.
Meet the Visionaries
Co-Owner; Landscape Manager
Zeke Galvin
Zeke Galvin joined Grelen Nursery in 2000, when he moved from Boston to Charlottesville to serve as Landscape Manager — and to marry his sweetheart, Jeni Galvin, who was living in Charlottesville at the time. Since then, he has played an integral role in the growth and evolution of Grelen Nursery, helping develop the landscape division into the thriving operation it is today, with seven crews serving clients throughout the region.
A true expert in plants, landscaping, and project management, Zeke brings deep knowledge, steady leadership, and a thoughtful eye to an incredibly complex part of the business. His clients love working with him, not only for his expertise, but also for his approachable nature and genuine commitment to creating beautiful, lasting landscapes.
Now part owner of the entire Grelen operation, Zeke continues to help guide the company’s growth while staying closely connected to the work, the clients, and the landscapes that have shaped Grelen for more than two decades.
Founder & CEO, Grelen Nursery
Dan Gregg
Dan Gregg is the founder of Grelen Nursery, which he established in 1990 on what has grown into a 1,000-acre nursery in Somerset, Virginia. A Cincinnati native and former banker from Baltimore, Dan brought both business acumen and a lifelong love of nature to his vision for Grelen. He holds a BA from Duke University.
Dan’s connection to the land began early, rooted in visits to his grandparents’ farm, the original Grelen in Orange County. His grandparents, who were from New York City, created the farm as a retreat from city life — a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the beauty of the Virginia countryside. It was there that Dan’s grandmother gave him his first seeds as a young boy, planting what would become a lifelong passion for growing, cultivating, and stewarding the land.
A true visionary, Dan saw the potential to cultivate not only exceptional trees, shrubs, and landscapes, but also a place where people could connect more deeply with the natural world. His passion for the outdoors, thoughtful land stewardship, and enduring appreciation for Virginia’s beauty continue to shape the spirit of Grelen today.
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Founder & CEO, The Market at Grelen
Leslie Gregg
Leslie Gregg is the founder of The Market at Grelen, which she established in 2013 on Grelen’s 1,000-acre nursery in Somerset, Virginia. A Midwestern transplant from Cincinnati, Leslie followed her soon-to-be husband to Charlottesville in 1991, where she raised three children and quickly fell in love with the natural beauty of Virginia. She holds a BA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Virginia. Guided by her passion for beautiful spaces and strong background in marketing and retail, Leslie set out to create a welcoming destination that would serve as a kind of sanctuary: a place where guests can gather to celebrate everyday joys, mark major milestones, and truly unwind in nature.
Where Hospitality Grows from the Ground Up
From restored historic homes to curated event spaces, the Grelen collection offers places to stay, gather, and celebrate in the heart of Virginia. Each property blends timeless charm with modern comfort—designed to create memorable experiences rooted in a sense of place.
