The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is one of our favorite places to go when we visit Richmond. The first time we went was not my favorite because it was June and I was very pregnant. However, we have returned many times and I wanted to share why you need to visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
Lewis Ginter has over 50 acres of gardens just waiting to be explored and there are hidden paths that will lead to gardens where you will feel transported to other parts of the world.
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Conservatory
When you first walk in Lewis Ginter, you will have a direct view of the conservatory. This is considered the “jewel of the garden” with its 63 foot tall dome. The entrance is flanked by water lily ponds.
The conservatory houses many tropical plants and is stunning to look at. There are palm trees, cacti and so many types of orchids. You will want to spend time wandering around. Certain times of the year, there are butterflies!
Central Garden and Fountain
On the way there, you will pass through the Central Garden, which is filled with so many beautiful plants and fountains to help you relax and take it all in. You will not be able to see all of the gorgeous plants because there are just too many but you will enjoy trying!
Bee Habitat in the Community Kitchen Garden
This part of the garden is behind the Conservatory. Kroger has teamed up with Lewis Ginter to grow produce for the area and it happens here. This also is a section to inspire visitors to see what is possible in their own gardens.
Our favorite part of this were the living bee hives and we spent a fair amount of time studying the bees. There are a couple of live hives where you can safely watch their activity and there are even tubes that lead them safely away from observers.
Children’s Garden
Near the back of the garden is the Children’s Garden and this place is full of fun activities for kids! In the summer, there is a large splash pad and there is also a large play structure that the kids can run around in and pretend they are in the treetops.
A large mulberry tree is there for climbing, and there are several smaller gardens in the area.
Also, there is Kidquest where families will follow clues, record findings, and get a prize for completing the quest. This area is great for kids of all ages.
Hidden pathways
There are many hidden pathways through the botanical gardens. We like to explore and find these gems to have a moment and feel like we are the only ones there.
It is so peaceful when you find a spot and you can’t see anyone else. I especially like that there are benches placed along these paths so you can sit and enjoy some peaceful sounds of nature.
Several hidden paths are next to running water, and this makes for such a relaxing experience.
Guest Artists
When we have visited in the past, there have been guest artists that have put up sculptures in the garden. We have seen Lego sculptures and sculptures that move with the wind.
These are a great complement to the gardens and have been mesmerizing. Lewis Ginter does a great job bringing in art to enhance the experience and your mind.
Rose Garden
This is such a stunning piece of the garden. There are over 1,500 rose bushes in this part of the garden and has more than 125 varieties. There are stone archways and benches for someone to just sit and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the flowers.
Honestly, this part is breathtaking and you will want to spend some time just sitting and enjoying. Usually, we end up here early in our visit and on the way out!
Other items in Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
There is a large gift shop and there are several places to eat throughout the gardens including a Tea Garden but I have not tried them. This is also a popular place to hold weddings and events.
There are many more elements to the gardens but I just wanted to give a rough idea of what you can expect. Honestly, I have a different experience every time I go but I want to keep coming back. I’ve only gone in the summer, but I imagine this place would be stunning in the middle of Spring!
Have you ever been here? What’s your favorite part?