Funeral services were held in Annapolis Thursday for Don Riddle, Jr., founder of Homestead Gardens of Davidsonville, one of the largest independent garden centers in the country.

Riddle, who was 63, was found dead on his boat least week.

Riddle built Homestead into an year-round destination for Maryland gardeners, from the spring flower show in March, to the crepemyrtle festival in July, the tomato festival in August and dozens of activities for children at Halloween. His Christmas display was both extravagant and magical.

He began by selling azaleas and a flats of annuals at the end of driveway to his family farm in Hyattsville. With the support of his parents -- his father died this spring -- he built Homestead into the industry giant it is today.

Riddle acknowledged his success by giving back to the community of Annapolis in many ways. He worked tirelessly to convince city fathers to let him decorate the lightpoles and street corners of downtown with flowers. He wanted Annapolis to be known as the City of Flowers by the Bay. He also provided the Christmas tree at city dock and all its decorations and was the official gardener for Camden Yards.