Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is a must see for those traveling near Richmond, Virginia. In this short pictorial essay I will share some of what we found on our visit which included a relaxing lunch in the (air conditioned) Garden Café. I can tell you this subset of images was distilled from a huge collection as the garden abounds with photo opportunities.
At $14 per adult (2021 rates) the admission may seem steep, but the garden rewards the visitor with an incredible collection of memories. In my opinion the tour was well-worth the investment of time and money. Follow the link for more information on the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.
We entered through the Four Seasons garden with its formal arrangement. I hoped to accelerate to see what waited in the glass building (Conservatory) ahead, but Shawn preferred to examine every bed. At her relaxed pace she finds garden wonders that I might otherwise miss.
The Conservatory houses an impressive orchid collection. Plants are up close and the experience is astounding. So many colors and shapes.
The Conservatory is home to the butterfly factory as I called it. We parked our belongings in the cabinet and wandered through an amazing living display of color and grace. The natives are friendly and seemed to love landing in my hair and hanging from my short sleeves. I have to admit I am not a bug person and allowing a winged insect to land in my personal bubble without a responsive swat took some restraint. The helpful staff member minding personal property completes a quick inspection of guests at the exit to pick off any would be escapees.
Succulents, tropical and shade plants also have a space in the Conservatory as did this impressive indoor pond.
Bog plants thrive along the marshy end of the lake, and the garden was thoughtfully designed to give a feeling of being there.
With the beautiful Sydnor Lake and several water features Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens demonstrates the importance of including water in the garden design.
I can’t wait to visit again, perhaps in a different time of the year, to see how the garden changes. Gardens are alive, and change is a requirement for all growing things.