Saunders Brothers

Saunders Brothers Nursery was established among four brothers in 1917, and continues to be an agricultural touchstone for Nelson County, VA. Paul and Tatum Saunders and four of their sons manage their substantial wholesale nursery operation, plus cultivating 150 acres of peach, Asian pear, and apple orchards. Beginning in mid-summer, Bennett Saunders cruises the orchard to check fruit ripeness and to assess yields per variety; his brother Jim Saunders manages their retail market and lines up customers for wholesale pick up and delivery. Fruit for the Local Food Hub arrives within a day or two of hanging on the tree! September signals the arrival of Asian pears – these perfect spheres are crisp and juicy, and make the perfect snack for local schoolchildren as delivered to Charlottesville City Schools through the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Cooler fall weather means that apple season is in full swing in Central Virginia, and Saunders Brothers specializes in local favorites like Pink Lady, Gold Rush, and their very own apple called Piney River Gold.