Shopping in Hopewell

In 1955, Maybelle and George Landa began crafting makeshift bundles of pansies to sell alongside produce at their roadside stand. Before long, they were offering fresh-cut Christmas trees, cut flowers, and various houseplants, and the business bloomed into Boulevard Flower Gardens at Ruffin Mill. After decades of growth, the business was passed down to son Mark Landa and his wife Francine.

Today, Boulevard Flower Gardens resides on 6 acres that house a 33,000 square-foot greenhouse and hosts a wide variety of events. Computerized climate control creates optimal growing conditions for plants and a retractable A-frame roof hopes to lure a baseball franchise to hold spring training. The diverse staff includes certified horticulturalists, a full-service florist, and Wilbur the potbelly pig, a friendly mascot who's famous for his seasonal pumpkin carvings. When not tending to the nursery or the gift shop's selection of jellies, flags, and local wines, Mark Landa can be seen dispensing gardening wisdom on WRIC 8's morning news program.

Constructed in 1726, the Georgian mansion at Berkeley Plantation is the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V—a signer of the Declaration of Independence and Virginia's fifth governor—and his son, President William Henry Harrison. Still featuring 18th-century details and additions––including arches later installed by Benjamin Harrison VI, a descendant of original owner Benjamin Harrison IV, under the direction of Thomas Jefferson––the house is populated today by guides dressed in period garb. These experts point out significant artifacts in the main building and give visitors a chance to explore its artfully designed and manicured grounds on their own.

A most unique boutique offering Merle Norman skin care and cosmetics including complimentary makeovers. We also offer wigs, whimsical gifts, consignment handbags, ear piercing, and facials.

Tropical Treehouse Florist treats flora fanciers to arrangements of finely attuned blooms. The bouquets' enticing fragrances brighten up jovial occasions or cheer up friends going through hard times, such as the untimely loss of a beloved pet rock. Anniversary celebrators can chivalrously hand a dozen red roses to the sole denizen of their heart ($45.95), and the glass-vased Mom’s the Greatest, filled with elegant spring flowers and greenery, helps grateful progeny spoil splendid child-bearers on Mother's Day ($29.95). The Secret Garden, chock-full of hydrangeas, roses, lilies, daisies, and more in a wicker-accented tin, bestows down-home charm to genuine green thumbs ($39.95).

The friendly staffers at family-owned-and-operated Petals & Bows Florist happily tailor their bouquets to customers’ needs. Their purview incorporates seasonal arrays of fresh-cut blossoms, ranging from classic red roses to sprays of purple limonium, and can come paired with accessories such as festive bows or teddy bears. Prompt service ensures arrangements ready in time for special events, such as weddings, landmark birthdays, or commemorating a couple’s first kiss that didn’t include a lost tooth.

Gangs of ottomans and mattresses populate Atlantic Bedding and Furniture, whose continually changing designs from Coaster, Forbidden City, Harden, Sealy, Old Town Imports, and other top brands help customers to capture the furniture species of their choice sans long waiting periods. Treat hard-working eye awnings to a decadent break with a solid hardwood Leonardo bed backed by a strong, modern headboard covered with tufted upholstery that boasts the color of morning cappuccino but the flavor of tufted upholstery ($347 for a queen, $516 for a king). Taking home a Davenport nightstand means never having to precariously perch glasses or bequeathed dentures on thin windowsills ($125). Home-office workers can perch glowing Internet portals atop a classic table desk, creating an imposing pedestal that distracts interning offspring from their demands for a salary ($400).