The Abernethy & Spencer Greenhouse and Garden Center in Purcellville is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a three-day event this weekend. The event runs from Friday, September 26, to Sunday, September 28.
The Conservatory Opening
As part of the festivities, Abernethy & Spencer will unveil the Conservatory — a new café, gift shop, and bookshop inside a restored, historic greenhouse. The grand opening is at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Neighboring Purcellville winery Endhardt Vineyards will provide refreshments while local musician Worth Hawes performs.
Anniversary Celebration
The main celebration is on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the center’s 18035 Lincoln Rd. address, with several educational and entertaining activities. Enjoy face painting, photo ops, scavenger hunts, and live music from The Waychangers and Pat Foley. Then, grab a drink from Endhardt Vineyards, a fresh cup of coffee from Lola’s Coffee Cart, and fried chicken from Lady K’s Cafe food truck.
Local experts like author Marianne Willburn will be available for gardening and plant-related questions, and Jennifer Juengling of the Lincoln Preservation Foundation will discuss the neighborhood and garden center’s history.
On Sunday, the fun continues with a tea party in the Conservatory at 10 a.m., as well as a talk with the Virginia Cooperative Extension, a watercolor giclee print show, face painting, and a chance to meet designer Kim Kendall.
Guests who spend $19.25 or more during the weekend earn a raffle ticket for garden-themed prizes like a set of outdoor chairs, bird baths and feeders, and gardening gift baskets. Winners will be announced on Sunday at 3 p.m. after the tea party in the Conservatory.
Abernethy & Spencer’s History
Over the past century, the garden center passed through many hands and names. Bentley “E.B.” Gregg and his son G. Holmes Gregg originally opened the garden center in 1925 under the name Hill Top Plant Gardens. David Lohmann purchased the center in 1997 and changed the name to the current Abernethy & Spencer.
In March 2024, Hillary Pennington, Jacob Baker, Jim and Autumn Knowles, and Matt Lamberski purchased the garden center together. The group of friends and owners then updated the property and renovated several greenhouses and buildings, including the new Conservatory and Lola’s Coffee Cart.
Feature image courtesy Hillary Pennington
