About Us

Family-owned and operated for five decades, we provide expert guidance, quality plants, and a large selection for your home or commercial projects.

Our Story

From Humble Beginnings to a Regional Garden Center

Original owner F. Lee Fentress Jr. opened London Bridge Greenhouses & Nursery in 1976 on Virginia Beach Boulevard, near the current Lowe’s location. While working for his father at Be-Lo grocery store on North Great Neck Road, Lee began selling flowers on consignment. As sales grew and he recognized the community’s need for quality plant products, he partnered with another local business owner to expand sales in the grocery store parking lot. After outgrowing that space and facing pushback from the property owner, Lee purchased several greenhouses and established the nursery’s first location around the corner on Virginia Beach Boulevard. As his knowledge and business continued to grow, he leased property one block over at the nursery’s current home, 145 London Bridge Road. A few years later, he opened an additional retail location in Chesapeake Square and a growing facility in Blackwater, but after eight years he chose to focus his time, attention, and resources on the London Bridge Road location. Lee dedicated his life to the store, its employees, and the surrounding community, building the name and reputation of London Bridge Greenhouses & Nursery. Although he is no longer the current owner, he created the strong foundation that has shaped the business for nearly 50 years.

Meet the OWNERS

Meet the Owners

Mandy Moser and Rich Jarrett purchased most shares of London Bridge Greenhouses & Nursery from Mandy’s father, Lee Fentress, in 2018 after more than 30 years with the business. Mandy’s dedication shows in the long-standing customer relationships she has built, many with people who know her by name. She leads with a culture of hard work, attention to detail, and genuine care. Rich brings a science-based perspective, with a Biology degree from Old Dominion University, a Master’s in Agriculture from Virginia Tech, and experience as an adjunct professor at Tidewater Community College. His expertise in native plants, soil health, and sustainable gardening helps ensure the nursery’s advice is both practical and research-based. In 2025, Lee sold his remaining shares to longtime employee Ariana Tejada, who started as a cashier and office assistant before becoming General Manager after learning the business from Lee. Ariana now works alongside Mandy and Rich to continue growing, refreshing, and promoting the London Bridge name. Together, their hands-on experience, academic knowledge, and shared commitment make London Bridge Greenhouses & Nursery a trusted resource for plant lovers, home improvers, and commercial clients throughout Hampton Roads.

Meet the OWNERS

Extermination Manager

As you explore our property, you may meet Lucy, our resident cat. She has been part of the London Bridge Greenhouses & Nursery team since 2018 and has become a familiar favorite in our local gardening community. When we began looking for a store cat, we learned of two 3- or 4-year-old barn cats who needed new homes after their stables closed. After they arrived, one was adopted by an employee, while Lucy settled in so comfortably that she decided to stay on as our Extermination Manager. Since then, she has made herself at home in boxes, soft pallets of seed, and quiet corners throughout the property, though she rarely wanders farther than our office. Lucy enjoys attention and pets from cat lovers, so be sure to say hello—but please keep small children mindful around her, as they can startle her easily. On your next visit to London Bridge Greenhouses & Nursery, keep an eye out for Lucy, our Employee of the Year every year since 2018.

FAQS

Common Questions About Our Nursery and Services