Locations
North Garden, Virginia
Richmond City
The Secret Garden
Tucked away in the tranquil Blue Ridge Mountains, but minutes from local wineries, breweries, and upscale country boutiques resides the site of the soon-to-be "Secret Garden."
Currently in development, "Secret Garden" plans to include a working produce farm, botanical garden, greenhouse, art studio, and event space with overnight accommodations on-site.
Upon completion, Bel Walter's "Secret Garden" will grow high-quality organic herbs, fruits, and vegetables for sale.
On top of edibles, ornamental fields of flowers adorning the acreage will act as ambiance for weekend getaway guests.
Visitors will be able to enjoy guided tours of the botanical gardens, purchase fresh-picked flower bouquets, or attend classes to create their floral arrangements.
Bel Walter will also host monthly free events to foster an accessible and inclusive third space for our community. We can meet new neighbors, connect with our clients, create awareness for our brand, and give back
Goddin Gardens
Eclectic tropic meets southern historic in the Bel Walter house on Fulton Hill, overlooking Richmond since 1900. Poised in a prime location to provide the surrounding community access to affordable fresh foods, agricultural knowledge, creativity, and cultural enrichment, we aim to launch a sustainable permaculture urban food forest here in 2024, along with an art studio and greenhouse.
Dubbed "Goddin Gardens" from its namesake street corner, history runs far deeper than the soil here. Originally the home of the Powhatan native tribe, it was here they first met English settlers in the 1500s. After colonization, the area became part of a large lot of farmland owned by John Goddin, a local politician and popular tavern owner, whom the street is now named after. Prior to a tragic flood in the 1970s, Historic Fulton was a thriving primarily Black neighborhood. Unfortunately, many original residents were pushed out of Historic Fulton during this time with the promise of rehabilitation to no avail. Luckily, successful Black-owned businesses are returning back with Miss Girlee's Southern Kitchen around the corner. Today, "Goddin Gardens" is across the street from high-rise luxury apartments and Blue Atlas, a trendy restaurant and bar with a daytime coffee shop in a retro repurposed schoolhouse. There are also two beer breweries within walking distance.
Nature still never feels too far away with stunning sunset views just a few steps away at next door Powhatan Park, complete with picnic tables, basketball courts, pickleball, horseshoes, a zip-line on the playground, and even a seasonal outdoor community pool.
It's a 10-minute drive to the Richmond International Airport, only five minutes from fine dining downtown like The Tobacco Company or Bookbinder's, and walking distance to five-star seafood like The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing on the James River. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Civil War cemetery down the street on Williamsburg Road and the Edgar Allen Poe Museum in the opposite direction downtown.