COVER STORY
Member Highlight on
Boulevard Flower Gardens
In
the early 1950’s, Maybelle and George Landa built three glass greenhouses, establishing a local landmark on the well-traveled Route 1, also known as “the Boulevard”. Boulevard Flower Gardens began selling houseplants, seasonal annuals and homegrown florals in 1955. By 1982, the roots had grown strong. Maybelle declared retirement and son Mark Landa with his wife, Francine took the reins. In 1986, 72 acres of farmland was purchased three miles north at the I95 interchange on Ruffin Mill Road in southern Chesterfield County. Greenhouses were constructed to increase the growing opportunities for plant production; pumpkins and strawberries were planted for future “pick your own”. Throughout the 90’s, the Boulevard retail location continued to grow. With an increased selection of annuals, perennials, fresh flowers, water gardening, interior plant scaping services, nursery stock additions and a landscaping division, the business was profitable but the 1.5-acre site could not offer enough parking to meet the needs for future growth. The Route 1 location closed in 2007, transitioning to Chesterfield as BFG began a new chapter. This site was closer to their growing operation which had expanded to 16 greenhouses for production on 24 acres. The new retail building was 33,000 square feet and included a cafe, offering wine and meeting space. The business was honored as “Top Revolutionary Garden Center in the Southeast” by leading industry magazine, Garden Center/Meister Media that year. Tough lessons were learned when moving an established business and then struggling with a downturn in the economy. The next five years only strengthened the determination to meet the needs & interests of the community. An acre of asparagus was added to the seasonal PYO, and the customer base was slowly increasing with opportunities for educational gardening classes, school field trips and venue options. Mark and Francine were sharing business knowledge and the love of gardening with their two daughters, Madison Williams and Casey Landa. By 2016, they joined the leadership team, to eventually share and assume ownership within the company. With offers to sell the road frontage that year, intentional and strategic moves were made by the family. The girls were convinced they could continue the dreams of their grandmother, Maybelle. Plans fell into place as the third generation grabbed the wheel and planned the future layout of their next sales space.
10 • VNLA News • Winter 2023
Owners Mark and Francine look forward to retirement.
Next generation of growers: Mark Landa with 2 of his youngest grandchildren Jack & Lane Williams. May 2022.
