JByrd Nurseries
JByrd Nurseries LLC was established in 2013 by South Jersey horticulturist Paul Richards, a landscape professional with decades of experience working directly with contractors, designers, and project managers throughout South Jersey and across New Jersey. Today, JByrd focuses on helping landscape professionals source the right plant material for their projects—whether it’s standard inventory or hard-to-find items—while providing reliable availability and jobsite delivery to keep projects on track.
It’s not just about plant material.
IT’S ABOUT PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD.
About Paul Richards
Paul Richards is a horticulturist and founder of JByrd Nurseries, working directly with landscape contractors across South Jersey to source plant material for their projects. He is personally involved in plant sourcing—helping contractors secure the right material while ensuring consistent quality standards such as proper sizing, caliper, and overall plant health.
He provides guidance on plant selection, spacing, and site conditions—helping contractors make informed decisions before installation. When needed, he can provide input based on project plans to help ensure plant material performs as intended.
Known for his hands-on approach, Paul works closely with contractors to understand project requirements, timelines, and site conditions—often helping source hard-to-find material and offering practical solutions when challenges arise.
Contractors frequently rely on Paul for recommendations and substitutions based on his plant knowledge and design background—helping keep projects on track when availability changes or adjustments are needed.
Industry Experience
Paul began his career working at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC, where he developed a strong foundation in plant care, horticulture, and landscape practices.
He later founded HortiCare Landscape, a design/build firm focused on residential landscape projects in the Washington, DC region. In 1997, he relocated to South Jersey, where he continued to grow his business and expand his expertise in both landscape design and plant sourcing.
Over more than 14 years, he built and operated a successful and award-winning landscape company, gaining firsthand experience in the challenges contractors face in sourcing, scheduling, and executing successful landscape projects.
Today, Paul uses that experience to support landscape contractors through plant sourcing, availability, and practical, project-focused recommendations.
Plant Expertise & Product Support
Paul understands how site conditions impact plant performance and works closely with contractors to recommend the right material for each project. His recommendations take into account sun and shade exposure, soil and environmental conditions, deer resistance, growth potential, and the overall aesthetic vision for the project. This may include guidance on plant selection, spacing, and long-term performance based on site conditions.
His background in landscape design and contracting allows him to make informed recommendations that align with both project goals and long-term plant performance.
He takes pride in sourcing high-quality, properly sized plant material so installations look complete from day one—helping contractors deliver immediate visual impact without waiting for landscapes to fill in over time.
This practical, project-based approach helps contractors make confident decisions and keep projects moving efficiently.
Awards & Recognition
These awards reflect Paul’s background in landscape design and installation, experience he now uses to better support contractors in selecting and sourcing plant material.
• New Jersey Home & Landscape Show: Best Landscape Design (2005, 2002, 2001), Best in Show (2004, 2003)
• Washington, DC Flower & Garden Show: Best Outdoor Garden (1996), Best Use of Color in a Garden (1995), Best Garden for Outdoor Living (1994)
The Story Behind the Name
Customers often ask, “Why JByrd?”
The name honors Paul’s father, Jack Elias Byrd Richards. Jack instilled the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity throughout his life and career. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he went on to work as an electrical engineer with NASA’s Earth Sciences Division at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Those same values remain the foundation of JByrd Nurseries and guide how the company works with contractors and customers every day.
Education
Paul holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Landscape Design from the University of Maryland.
Pricing in the field matters.
BUT PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD MATTERS MORE.
Have a plant list or landscape plans?
We’ll review it with you and help source the right material—quickly and accurately.
Send your list or plans—we’ll handle the rest.