Attendance at this spring’s Historic Garden Week in Virginia events exceeded expectations, with ticket sales surpassing $726,000. The statewide garden-club tours held each April have raised almost $15 million during the past 76 years. Proceeds benefit the restoration of historic public gardens throughout Virginia. At the 89th annual meeting of The Garden Club of Virginia last week, the Massie Medal for Distinguished Achievement - the club’s oldest and most prestigious award - was presented to Margaret Page Bemiss, author of “Historic Virginia Gardens: Preservation Work of The Garden Club of Virginia, 1975-2007.“ Bemiss is a member of the James River Garden Club.

Richmonders lament the announcement that Lakeside Appliance is closing its stores. News of job losses and shuttered businesses always dismays, but the closing of a hometown institution resembles a death in the family. Regarding Lakeside Appliance, Central Virginia trusted the name—in large part because the name commanded trust.

Richmond-area homes and gardens Even while she was living happily in a large Tudor house, Molly Hood always admired a cozy carriage house around the corner. She particularly loved the living room with the old stone fireplace, and she loved that the house was painted yellow.