About Windwood Bulk
The Windwood Family Story
Larry’s Love for Gardening Begins (1950s)
Larry’s passion for gardening started in the 1950s while growing up in Ringgold, Georgia. His parents, Bernice and Lawrence were his inspiration. The family has always had a deep love for growing flowers and vegetables (Especially Bernice). By the time Larry was 12, they had four large greenhouses. Local school children often visited the greenhouses on field trips, and Bernice made sure each child left with a small potted flower to take home and plant.
A Journey to Find Purpose (1960s-1980s)
After high school, Larry joined the Marines and served in Vietnam-a chapter that shaped his strength and resilience. When he returned home he began his family by getting married and having his son, Eddie. Never being one to sit still, Larry explored a range of careers, from working with the telephone company to running his own clothing and optical stores, always chasing new opportunities with determination and heart. However, none of these careers satisfied his true passion—gardening. Larry dreamed of building on what his parents had started with flowers and greenhouses. Larry had a deep love for flowers-not only their beauty and the joy of growing them, but also their enchanting fragrance that filled the air and made every garden feel alive. Larry also has always believed in growing your own food for the best health benefits. He says even two 4×4 raised beds can produce enough for a small family to eat fresh all season.
The Birth of Black Gold (1992)
In 1992, Larry began experimenting with what would eventually become known as Black Gold, a nutrient-rich planting mix inspired by the poor soil in North Georgia. Seeking expert advice, Larry traveled to the University of Georgia to consult with Dr. Matthew Chappell. After extensive research and testing, Larry perfected the mix. His success with Black Gold in his own yard led him to want to share it with others.
Starting the Landscaping Business (1994)
In 1994, Larry began inching his way into what he loves by starting a landscaping business. To support this, he built a greenhouse at his home on Three Notch Road, and eventually opened it to the public.
The Family Joins In (1995)
In 1995, Larry’s son Eddie, along with his wife Lori, graduated from the University of Alabama. Eddie had a job offer in Birmingham but chose to return to Ringgold with Lori. They knew that they would soon start a family and they both wanted to be close to home. Eddie joined Larry in the landscaping business, marking the beginning of a family-run business.
Windwood Garden Center Was Born (Late 1990s)
As business grew, the family outgrew the property on Three Notch Road and sought a larger location. By the end of the 1990s, Windwood Garden Center was up and running on Battlefield Parkway. Gloria, Larry’s wife, became heavily involved, and Lori also contributed to the business, though her primary focus was on raising their children, Macie (born in 1998) and Jake (born in 2001).
During this period, the business expanded rapidly. Larry, Eddie, and Gloria worked tirelessly, even calling in the entire family to direct traffic during busy times when the parking lot would overflow onto Battlefield Parkway.
The Shift Toward Focusing on Black Gold and Bulk Products (2000s)
Despite the growth, it became clear that the retail store and garden center were larger than what Larry and Eddie wanted to focus on long-term. Larry and Gloria wanted to slow down and travel more, while Eddie wanted to spend more time with his family. They’ve scaled back to focus on what matters most -offering bulk products that help gardens, trees, lawns, and landscapes thrive. From nutrient rich Black Gold compost to gravel, rock and mulch, everything is sold in bulk to support healthy growth and big projects alike.
Larry’s New Focus on Farm Life (2000s-Present)
Today, Larry primarily manages the farm. He still oversees the mixing of Black Gold, but enjoys spending more time with Gloria and their grandchildren (and even great grandchildren). He also enjoys caring for their farm animals, including cows, chickens, pigs and a multitude of other animals. Though Larry is unlikely to fully retire, he relishes his peaceful lifestyle.
Eddie and the Next Generation (2000s-Present)
Eddie continues to lead the business with pride and passion with Lori stepping back in about 5 years. Over the years, their children, Macie and Jake, have also worked for the family business. Macie is now married to Andrew, and they have two young sons, Wilson and Wallace. Jake, who graduated from the University of Alabama in December 2024, has chosen a different career path, but you never know when he could show up on a Saturday in spring to lend a hand…
A Legacy That Lives On (Today)
For over 30 years Windwood has remained a locally trusted name. They are known for the same quality and dedication that Larry and Eddie began all those years ago. Windwood is a Christian-based company that values integrity, hard work, and family-principles that continue to guide the business today. These values, along with the quality of products, is what has led to many local business and gardening clubs wanting to continue to use Windwood’s products including: Rock City Gardens and the Chattanooga Rose Society.
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The heart of Windwood will always remain the same; helping gardeners, landscapers, and homeowners achieve success in their projects with the best products available. As Black Gold continues to turn beginners into experts, Larry’s legacy of passion and quality lives on.