About Gentle Rain

Gentle Rain is a full service irrigation and landscape construction firm, serving Hampton Roads since 1966. We are a family owned and operated business that was founded as the first full time irrigation company in Southeastern Virginia. To meet the demands of our clients, we expanded our company to provide a full range of upscale landscape construction services. We proudly offer custom design and installation of hardscapes, water features, landscape lighting and drainage solutions.

Our reputation is built on years of experience, high-quality workmanship, attention to detail, and providing outstanding customer service. We take great pride in knowing that the work we do enhances the lives of our clients.

We proudly serve residential and commercial clients throughout Hampton Roads including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton and Newport News.

Female Statue Next To Flowers And Tall Trees — Virginia Beach, VA — Gentle Rain

Landscaped Area With Statue In Middle Next To Plants — Virginia Beach, VA — Gentle Rain

Tall Trees Next To Stone Walkway And Water Body — Virginia Beach, VA — Gentle Rain

ABOUT GENTLE RAIN

We proudly serve residential and commercial clients throughout Hampton Roads including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton and Newport News.

Our Philosophy

Gentle Rain is built on loyalty to our clients. Our company has enjoyed constant growth because people see or hear about our work, like it and call us. Nothing sells like word of mouth, and we are very proud of all the nice things our customers have said about us over the years.

Gentle Rain is built on loyalty to and from our employees. We maintain a small "family feel" to our company and have minimal employee turnover. Consequently, we have dedicated employees, some of whom have been with us for over 20 years. All of which allows Gentle Rain to provide unparalleled service to our customers.

Gentle Rain is built on loyalty to and from our equipment suppliers. We have longstanding relationships with our suppliers, and we receive exceptional support from them. This support allows us to install the best products in the industry using the best techniques.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Our Team

Bill French, President of Gentle Rain, began his journey with the company working during the summers of the 1970s for his future and now retired partner, Ben Hancock, Sr. After Graduating from the University of Virginia, Bill decided to join Gentle Rain as his career in 1982, and has continued with the company since then. Bill enjoys all aspects of his career, especially helping to develop Gentle Rain into a successful, diverse, small business, working hard to foster a family-like atmosphere for loyal employees, and providing the best possible products and services to Gentle Rain’s valued clients.

Ben Hancock, Vice President of Gentle Rain, joined the company full time in 2007. After Graduating from Virginia Tech in 1995 with a degree in business management, Ben worked for Accenture, a large management consulting firm. He is a second-generation irrigation contractor with over 15 years of experience in the design, installation, and service of residential and commercial irrigation systems. With years of knowledge and experience, Ben strives to provide the best overall experience to customers and employees.

Meg French, Principal Landscape Designer for Gentle Rain, graduated from Auburn University in 1985 with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design. After graduating from Auburn, Meg began her Landscape Design career in Virginia Beach for a prominent local garden center, continued as a free-lance designer as time allowed while raising two beautiful boys, then joined the family business full time in 2015. Meg’s extraordinary design talent, coupled with her engaging personality, contributes greatly to the success of Gentle Rain’s Landscape Construction Division.

Zeke Robinson, Hardscape Manager for Gentle Rain, joined the company in 2019. After graduating from Mississippi State University, Zeke has worked throughout the southeastern region of the United States. He brings 15 years of experience and creativity in the landscaping industry. He’s implemented patios, driveways, outdoor living spaces, water features, and retaining walls from mountains to beaches. Zeke brings a professional and courteous environment to our hardscape division, and takes pride in providing beautiful lawns and landscapes to our clients.

Commercial Client List

Gentle Rain has been trusted to work with Hampton Road's best developers and general contractors for over 40 years. Refer to our client list below to see just a sampling of the satisfied customers who have chosen Gentle Rain for their commercial irrigation and landscape construction needs.