A hub for families, gardeners, and neighbors to learn, explore, and connect in Lewisburg
Riverbend Garden Center isn’t just a place to pick up a plant. It’s quickly becoming a gathering spot for families, gardeners, and neighbors who love to learn, explore, and connect. Byron Black, the current owner, is bringing his lifelong passion for landscaping and community engagement to the region, creating a space where horticulture and heart meet.
Byron grew up on a 300-acre Christmas tree farm, where retail and community connection were part of daily life. After earning a landscape architecture degree from West Virginia University in 2014, he found his way back to the retail side of horticulture. “I want other families to be a part of this,” he says. “That’s the big draw for me, creating a space where we can have educational events, teach families, and provide a service for the community.”
A Legacy of Growth
Riverbend began in the mid-1970s, when Josh and Judith Poland purchased the land to start a full-service garden center. Over the years, the focus shifted to design-build projects, responding to growing demand in Greenbrier County. Byron purchased the business in 2017, continuing its design-build services while reintroducing a vibrant retail presence.
“With the growing growth happening in this community and the lack of eclectic garden centers, we felt it would be a really good fit for this area,” Byron explains. His vision is to offer everything from trees and shrubs to annuals, perennials, and flowers, all while providing education and community connection.
A Community Hub in the Making
Riverbend is more than a garden center. It’s a place for the community to come together. Recent events, including a holiday market, brought neighbors together for food trucks, hot chocolate, fire pits, s’mores, and live music. Byron hopes to continue providing these experiences for generations to come.
Looking ahead, Byron envisions spring reopening events, pruning workshops, and fall bananzas, all designed to engage families, teach horticulture, and celebrate the seasons. While educational programs are still in development, the goal is to create spaces for kids and adults to learn about plants, pollinators, and gardening techniques in a hands-on, enjoyable way. “We hope to provide a place for families to get educated on plant materials, and provide expertise on horticultural aspects of life,” he says.
Rooted in Values
For Byron, Riverbend is as much about people as it is about plants. He wants Riverbend to be a place where families, friends, and neighbors feel welcome.
“What keeps me inspired is really the potential of Greenbrier County and keeping this area beautiful, both horticulturally and spiritually,” he says. “There’s so much potential to provide a service for the community and create a space that people really relate with.” His approach blends professional landscaping expertise with a genuine desire to add value to the community.
Visit Riverbend Garden Center
Riverbend Garden Center is located at 39517 Midland Trail East in Caldwell, WV. Current hours are Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.–3 p.m., with plans to expand as new staff are added.
For more information, visit landscapingwv.com or call 304-625-6251. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious newcomer, Riverbend offers a warm, welcoming space to grow your knowledge, your garden, and your connection to the community.
