Milmont Greenhouses

Fifty Years of Growing, Right Here in the Valley

Milmont Greenhouses was founded in 1973 by Willis and Salina Miller, and more than fifty years later it’s grown into a genuine destination: a 33,000-square-foot greenhouse plus cold frames, an acre of outdoor perennials and garden mums, a big garden-center building, and outdoor display areas. The thing that sets it apart is that they grow most of what they sell right on-site, which is why the quality and selection are the stuff of loyal-customer legend. It’s worth the pretty drive over the mountain.

Why Families Love It

A visit to Milmont is a surprisingly fun family outing. Kids love wandering the colorful greenhouse rows, and exploring the garden center’s  fountains, birdbaths, and statuary. It’s also a hands-on way to teach little ones where food and flowers actually come from or to start a family garden project. Kids can help pick up veggie and herb starts, or choose annuals for a first flower bed. The range is enormous: annuals and perennials, houseplants, herbs and vegetables, shrubs, trees, roses, and more. This is all found alongside pottery, pavers, garden décor, and a gift selection that includes candles and locally made preserves and crafts. Customers rave about the knowledgeable, helpful staff, and the business is a CharlottesvilleFamily Family Favorite four years running, in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Handy touches for planners: their website has a plant calculator and mulch-and-soil calculators, plus a seasonal events calendar and gift cards.

What to Expect

It’s an easy day-trip, roughly 40 minutes west of Charlottesville. Come ready to stroll; the greenhouses and outdoor areas are big and browsable, and there’s no rush. Let the kids help choose a flower or a vegetable start to plant when you get home. If you’re tackling a bigger project, ask the staff for guidance (they’re known for it) and use the plant and mulch-and-soil calculators to nail down quantities before you load up. Browse the garden décor and gift shop on your way out, and it’s worth peeking at their events calendar beforehand in case something seasonal is happening the day you visit.