The Beginning of Wiley’s Garden Center

The story of Wiley’s Garden Center began over a decade ago with Charlie Wiley, a lifelong Alleghany Highlands resident. Knowing he didn’t want a dormant retirement, Charlie purchased the Jackson River Garden Center and dedicated years to nurturing a small business.

Charlie’s dedication laid the foundation for what would eventually become Wiley’s Garden Center. However, as time passed, it became clear that the garden center needed new energy and ideas to thrive. The ownership transition to Jimmy and Adam marked the start of a new chapter and a renewed sense of purpose.

A Blossoming Partnership for the Community

Jimmy and Adam met at a local art event where Adam showcased his plants from Hamilton Roots, and Jimmy served coffee from his wife’s business, Kanawha Cafe. They initially connected through their shared IT backgrounds and passion for side gigs, which laid the foundation for a growing friendship. Adam and Jimmy have taken on new roles, focusing on plant nutrition and inventory management, and infrastructure development, respectively.

“Both of us have a passion for greenhouses and growing produce,” said Adam. “A lucky series of events led us to take over Wiley’s Garden Center. We wanted to do something meaningful for Covington.”

Their partnership quickly blossomed into a shared vision for transforming Wiley’s into much more than a garden center. “We want to take this business and revamp it,” Jimmy notes. With a focus on sustainable growth and community engagement, they’ve been working hard to transform the center.

Planted Within the Alleghany Mountains

Wiley’s offers everything you need to grow plants, from indoor tents and lights to fertilizers and bulk mulch. Soon, visitors can buy locally grown produce straight from its garden.

Adam and Jimmy envision Wiley’s Garden Center becoming a community staple. Adam emphasizes, “We want Wiley’s to grow into something new and different that serves the local residents.”

This initiative is designed to inspire and help others see Covington as a great place to live and thrive. The overarching goal is to create more job opportunities, improve infrastructure, and attract prospects for everyone in the community. By attracting new businesses, improving public services, and creating a supportive network that benefits the community, this initiative will help foster an environment where residents can enjoy a higher quality of life.

Wiley’s Garden Center is deeply rooted in the area, working closely with local schools and the city to create educational opportunities and inspire the next generation. “We want kids to have a better future in our community,” Jimmy emphasized. “We partner with the schools to bring in students to learn about hydroponics and horticulture.”

Rooted in the Community

Jimmy and Adam remain focused on their mission as Wiley’s Garden Center grows. “It’s a labor of love,” Jimmy remarked. “But we’re committed to making Covington a better place for everyone.”

Wiley’s Garden Center is more than a business; it’s a community project to foster growth, education, and a brighter future. As they continue to expand their offerings and outreach, Adam and Jimmy invite everyone to visit, learn, and grow with them.

As they continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: Wiley’s is not just about plants; it’s about enriching the local community in ways far beyond horticulture. Highlands Community Bank is proud to support Wiley’s Garden Center through its transformation while it navigates financial opportunities and invests in necessary improvements.

For more information and updates, visit Wiley’s Garden Center on Facebook. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Wiley’s has something for everyone.

Visit Wiley’s Garden Center:

Location: Covington, VA
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM; Saturday, 9 AM – 5 PM, Closed on Sunday

Follow Wiley’s Garden Center on Facebook for the latest updates and special offers!