Chadwick & Son: Orchid Boarding

Orchid growing can be a challenging, but incredibly rewarding process. It’s those in the business of growing these delicate plants that can be the greatest resource for hobbyists. 

Art A. Chadwick was a long-time orchid hobbyist. He’s been caring for these plants since the 1940s. In 1989 he, his wife, and their son Arthur E. Chadwick founded what is now Chadwick & Son Orchids in Richmond.

Currently, the business has two locations where they share their passion for orchids. One is their retail shop in Richmond’s museum district. The other is in Powhatan County where several greenhouses sit on 18 acres. 

Art Chadwick Sr. has since left the business to his son and the younger Art credits his father with still being the heart of it. He still talks to his dad every day for advice and recommendations. 

“It’s his passion and it was my business…it’s the orchids that keep this bonding going.” 

Being in the greenhouse, caring for the orchids is a comforting experience for Art and his employees.

“It’s a very relaxed atmosphere. The plants thank you infinitely for your care and you see the rewards of your work when they bloom…”

It isn’t just selling the plants that the company is about, though. Art says it’s the orchid boarding that has become the main part of their business.

“The orchid boarding has never been advertised…people would come back and say ‘Can you take care of my plant for me until it blooms again?’”

As time has gone on, the business has seen generations of regular customers asking for their plants to be boarded. Art and his employees have found that they’ve built close connections with their customers over the years because of the orchid boarding.

“I’m sort of like the orchid doctor.”

For more information about Chadwick & Son Orchids, visit their website and Facebook page.

This episode was filmed & edited by Josh Wingard.