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What started as a Works Progress Administration project in 1938 turned into a magical place in the world known as the Norfolk Botanical Garden. You can explore 50 themed gardens spreading over 175 acres in the oasis city garden.
The garden today is surrounded by three sides of scenic water canals. It is the only botanical garden you can explore by boat, foot, or tram in the United States. The gardens are spectacular as the beauty lead from one plant to some amazing collections.
The award-winning Children’s Garden has an extensive collection of different plant species. So, you can enjoy the feel-good vibes as you can see environmental action inspire everywhere. The grounds are both aesthetic and historical to explore and even better than Virginia beach.
What is Norfolk Botanical Garden Known For?
The Norfolk Botanical Garden provides picturesque canals on Aloha Fridays for the young and old to enjoy. Still, it is not only exploring the gardens as there are other fun things to do. You have the lake, planted trees, birds, and walking paths throughout the park.
There is the Wow Children Garden with a kids-only area where adults too can have fun. The children can enjoy the splash fountains, offering visitors time to soak up the Virginia sun. It is a magical place where families can enjoy adventures.
You can keep the children busy with games, walking tours, and more. Another highlight is the Japanese garden, and not forget the Bristow Butterfly Garden. The lands are dominated by butterflies buzzing around.
You can visit the butterfly house to see where they are raised. In addition, you will receive a sheet of all the butterfly species in the Norfolk garden. The park is surrounded by water and manicured gardens filled with flora and birds.
Norfolk Botanical Garden is also known for its Crapemyrtles collection, in the Flowering Arboretum. A collection of 250 plants in the Lagerstroemia genus with 82 different species. This plant or shrub is known for its attractive foliage in different colors.
In 2013, the Crapemyrtle collection at Norfolk Botanical Garden earned official recognition as a North American Collection by the NAPCC. Aligned with the American Public Gardens Association and USDA Agricultural Research Service, the Garden diligently upholds standards for acquiring, preserving, and studying documented living plants. The NAPCC designation facilitates their accessibility for research, breeding, taxonomic study, and utilization purposes.
Whether you want to visit the garden, rent a section for an event, enjoy adult education, or let your kid join in children’s programs, it is possible at this garden.
What Are the Most Prized Plants in The Botanical Garden?
In the Norfolk garden, you can find many native plant species cared for by two curators. You can find annuals for seasonal displays not making up part of the permanent collection. There are primary collections:
Azalea
Bonsai
Champion Trees
Ferns
Orchids and more
These are only a few of the most prized flora to see in the botanical garden. So keep an eye on the Norfolk Botanical Garden notifications on the website to see what they currently have in bloom. Throughout the year, you can find different species blooming for you to explore, from the sun to rain.
Norfolk Botanical Garden Etiquette Rules and Guidelines
The Norfolk Botanical Garden is only three hour’s drive from Washington, DC, and a great place to explore with the site located around water. You can travel by boat, tram, or even walk around the park.
Garden Hours
You can easily purchase daily admission tickets online to visit the display of nature presented in the garden from April daily at 9 AM to 7 PM. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
The WOW Children’s Garden opens from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with the splash fountains opening simultaneously to enjoy fun in the sun.
Cost for Admissions
Members of the gardens get access free while adults pay $16 per person and military/seniors only pay $14. Children aged three to 17 pay $14, and toddlers two and under are free to enter with a guardian or parent.
The admission price to the museum is $3 per person for up to four people and does not include special events. There are also different tours available you check out, from using the tram and boats to group tours.
Events & Exhibitions
Throughout the year, various events and exhibitions occur at the garden site. From January to December, there is something spectacular to see in the garden to capture photos making your visit memorable. In addition, you can look forward to the Million Bulb Walk, the 14th Annual Garden Heritage Celebration, and more.
Whether for fun or education, there is always something to do at the site.
Guest Safety and Garden Care
At the gardens, there are a few regulations in place to provide all with safety:
Photography Policy
If you are a visitor to the site, you can take casual photos using your digital camera or phone for personal use. But for commercial use, you need to book in advance to get a special permit.
Prohibited Items
There are also restrictions on balloons or pets as they are not permitted. If you plan a wedding, the ceremony must be booked in advance.
Safety Tips
You are not allowed to fish, launch a watercraft or swim in the garden.
Wildlife and Animals
There are different trails in the forest areas where you can view birds, from hummingbirds, hawks, and bald eagles to shorebirds. Wildlife feeding is not allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Norfolk Botanical Garden stretches over 175 acres and can take up to two hours to explore the whole site.
The Million Bulb Walk is one mile long and easy to walk with strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility assistance.
The City of Norfolk owns the botanical garden which is managed by a nonprofit-governed volunteer director board.
The Norfolk Botanical Garden has a bike night made for bikes only, and no skateboards, skates, or scooters are allowed.
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