Meadowlark Botanical Garden: Everything You Need to Know

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is one magnificent place to explore ornamental and native plant collections. The garden spreads over 95 acres of beauty with paved and natural paths.

Then 18 miles west of Washington DC in Northern Virginia, you also have the Korean Bell Garden part of Meadowlark.

So, no matter what age, enjoy nature in these NOVA parks. All ages can enjoy the scenic space where you can relax while kids play in this Virginia natural beauty.

What are Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Known For?

The Meadowlark gardens are managed by NOVA park, maintained in the Northern Virginia region. The first Korean Bell Garden opened its visitor center in 2012 at Meadowlark. Here you can discover the three-ton Bell of Peace and Harmony’s centerpiece decorated with Korean and Virginia symbols.

You can take your children to practice walking the wide paved paths looking for fish in the pond to turtles. There is a small pavilion outside the main entrance where you can picnic. The gardens present all with cherry trees in spring to magnolias.

You can relax at the ponds in summer or visit the Winter Walk of Lights in the colder months. Furthermore, the kids will have loads to do at the 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court and other parts of the park.

It is a beautiful place with easy paths for toddlers to walk. The trail winds down to the lake, and it is wheelchair and stroller-friendly. For older kids, there is dirt on wooden paths for hiking.

Stop over at Lake Carolyn to explore the area looking at turtles and koi and watching them from the gazebo or bridge. There is also the Children’s Garden with fun activities to displays with bridges connecting islands.

The main trail leads through the center, and flowers surround it. In addition, there are side trails to explore, like the cypress knees found near the Virginia Native Wetlands. Along the way, you find benches to chairs to sit down and take a breather before heading in a new direction.

You can even find a romantic spot to enjoy the flower beds and trees. Even the bell garden is something unique to see with artworks and structures. Make sure to visit the Bell of Peace and Harmony, built thousands of years ago.

The Most Prized Plants to See are Cherry Trees

The most famous place to visit is the Washington DC Tidal Basin, with cherry blossom trees. In spring, these trees bloom with cherry blossoms creating a magical walk along the paths.

The cherry bloom mostly simultaneously, and you can even see some late bloomers at the Atrium parking lot or along the perimeter trail outside the visitor center and Meadowlark park.

The cherry blossoms are one of many plants found at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. In addition, you can see bluebells, tulips, magnolias, to other unique native plant collections. Furthermore, you can find more than twenty varieties of the cherry tree, azalea collection, hosta collection, fern, and more.

The wonderful park presents you with the glass-walled Atrium that hosts weddings and events. It makes for a magnificent place to capture wedding photos.

Visitor Center Etiquette Rules and Guidelines

To explore one of the most beautiful walking trails this side of the Western hemisphere, the Meadowlark Botanical is the place to be where South Korea meets the Northern Virginia region.

All made possible with the Korean American Cultural Committee seen in the Korean Bell Garden. Yet, there are many other places to explore, like the picnic area and lilac pavilion, and explore the seasonal plantings in their beauty.

Garden Hours

Gather your family members and head to the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, open from January to March from 10 AM to 3:30 PM daily. From April to October, the garden opens from 10 AM to 6:30 PM; from November to December, it closes at 7 PM.

The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The Vienna gardens can close during the day in severe weather conditions when ice or snow covers trails.

Admission Fees

The Meadowlark gardens admission fee for aged five and under is free. From ages six to 17 years old, the price is $3, while aged 18 to 54 pay $6 per person. Aged 55 and older pay $3.

Group bookings can also be arranged, or you can subscribe to the membership fees. For more information, ensure to check the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens website.

Events & Exhibitions

During the year, you can find special events with different opening hours. For example, the park will open daily with events at 6 AM, allowing bird watchers or photographers to enter.

In addition, there are annual events from the Easter Egg Hunt and Korean Bell Garden Celebration to the Winter Walk of Lights to field trips and a wedding.

Garden Etiquette

• No bikes, outdoor toys, balls, or skateboards are permitted inside the fenced areas.

• No swimming or fishing is allowed, and wildlife feeding is prohibited.

• You are not allowed to bring pets into the fenced gardens, and dogs are allowed on the perimeter trail outside the park fence.

• You cannot bring food or beverages within the garden grounds, and the picnic area is outside the property, close to the Lilac Pavilion. In addition, no fire is permitted in the picnic area.

• When you visit the gardens, you must enter and exit the visitor center, where there is a gift shop with primary restrooms.