The grounds that Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, VA now sit on were once owned by Patrick Henry, and before that the land was Powhatan Indian hunting ground. The Garden provide beauty on historic property throughout the year with over fifty acres of stunning gardens, shopping, and dining. A number of themed gardens can be viewed across the property, including the Rose Garden, Children's Garden, and an Edible Display Garden.
The "Jewel of the Garden" is the classical domed Conservatory, the only one like it in the mid-Atlantic. Housed in the 11,000 square foot complex are unusual and exotic plants found throughout the world, as well as spectacular seasonal displays. At the center is a Palm House featuring the cycad and palm collection, tropical plants and a collection of orchids can be found in the East Wing, and in the West Wing are succulents and cacti. Seasonal displays are housed in the North Wing.
The Children's Garden at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is designed for kids to be able to experience the outdoors by digging in dirt, climbing a mulberry tree, observing wildlife, and more. Children can "climb" the accessible Tree House to get an aerial view of the surrounding gardens and lake. The area also features an activity center, the Jane Quinn Saunders Farm Garden, Adventure Pathway, and WaterPlay among other activities.
Visitors are welcomed by a fountain of glazed tiles that represent magnolia leaves as they step into the courtyard of the North Terrace Garden. Pleasant fragrances and the sound of splashing water begin guests' transition into the garden environment. Further into the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is the hillside Cochrane Rose Garden which contains more than 1,300 rose bushes. The garden features pavilions, stone arches, and arbors draped in over seventy rose varieties from nurseries in England, Germany, Italy, and France.
The Cherry Tree Walk provides a tranquil walk along Lake Sydnor. The lake's perimeter now boasts several flowering cherry trees that become full of cherry blossoms during the spring. The walk also features several other plants, such as flowering shrubs, daffodils, and daylilies in the Lucy Payne Minor Garden. With edible landscaping playing such a key role in sustainable urban horticulture, the Botanical Garden includes an Edible Display Garden to demonstrate practices and plants suitable for landscaping at home. Located adjacent to the Children's Garden, this garden enhances the ornamental landscaping of the area with food producing plants. The garden serves as an educational resource for classes and demonstrates how a food producing urban landscape can be beautiful, sustainable, and functional.
The Flagler Garden showcases a collection of blooming shrubs, woody plants, bulbs, and perennials that create a constantly changing display of seasonal beauty. Ornamentals, crape myrtles, rhododendrons, and azaleas line a grassy glen and cover the landscape with blooms of multiple colors. Tree canopies provide shade during the summer, while a small stream winds along the edge of the garden. The 3-acre garden also features a quiet woodland and a giant sculpture Slow Dance.
1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-262-9887