Top 8 Virginia Gardens Showcasing Blooming Flowers Throughout All Seasons
Feeling the itch to get outdoors as the weather warms up? No need to stay cooped up in a couch-cushion cushion when Virginia's gardens offer a peachy spring escape. From tiny oases of serenity to sprawling botanical behemoths, the Old Dominion's green spaces have something for everyone. These eight gardens are just the ticket to get your sightseeing flowers blooming.
1. Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum
Lynchburg
Don't let the size of these diminutive digs fool you, the Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum is a hidden gem worth exploring. The petite plot was the former home of celebrated poet and civil rights activist Anne Spencer and her husband, Edward. The gardens feature striking teal-toned pergolas, the pool garden, and Anne's stunning writing cottage. Each space invites visitors to meditate, read, or channel Anne's love for the written word. Once you've finished wandering, take a short stroll to Old City Cemetery to catch a glimpse of Virginia's largest public heirloom rose collection.
For more in Lynchburg, check out Our Guide to Lynchburg.
2. Green Spring Gardens
Alexandria
Transform your humble home plantings into Southern blooming showstops with a visit to Green Spring Gardens. Part historic site, part museum, and part outdoor classroom, this garden is overflowing with inspiration. With a parkside stream winding through the grounds, a greenhouse full of floral delights, and friendly squirrels and birds galore, you'll find plenty to keep you entertained. Don't miss out on the occasional afternoon tea and tour of the gardens for a truly unforgettable experience.
For more in Alexandria, check out Our Guide to Alexandria.
3. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Richmond
As Virginia's capital city, Richmond is known for its regal structures, but the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden takes the crown. With over 50 acres to explore, you'll find interactive displays for the kiddos, wetland gardens showcasing native species, and a dedicated area housing thousands of roses. If tranquility is what you seek, find a quiet spot in the healing gardens to reflect amidst nature. The stately Conservatory, or "Jewel of the Garden," boasts a collection of tropical plants, orchids, and succulents that's hard to beat.
For more in Richmond, check out Our Guide to Richmond.
4. Maymont
Richmond
A visit to the Maymont estate offers a double-dose of history and beauty. While you can tour the impressive mansion, the gardens are the real highlight. With over 100 acres to roam, you'll find the oldest public Japanese garden on the East Coast, a delightful Italian garden, and plenty of open space to wander. If you're looking to uncover hidden secrets, search for the secluded garden area that was once a retreat for the ladies of the house.
5. Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden
Roanoke
Escape the city's hustle and bustle at the Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden, a haven for native Virginia species. Spanning two and a half acres, this intimate garden is maintained by the Mill Mountain Garden Club. In addition to the lovely plantings, you'll also find stunning views of the Roanoke Valley from the garden's elevated perch.
For more in Roanoke, check out Our Guide to Roanoke.
6. Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk
If you think coastal Virginia is all about beaches, think again. The Norfolk Botanical Garden is a tropical paradise sprawling over 175 acres, and it teems with plant varieties that'll make your head spin. Take a tram tour, go for a stroll along the water, or hop aboard a boat to really get the full experience. Be sure to plan a picnic, or grab a bite from one of the food trucks if you're feeling peckish.
Kids will love the WOW Children's Garden, where they can get their hands dirty planting, playing in the splash pad, and participating in daily activities like story time and scavenger hunts.
For more in Norfolk, check out Our Guide to Norfolk.
7. Seek Lavender
Culpeper
Who needs Provence, France? Skip the transatlantic trek and head to Seek Lavender instead for a taste of the South's finest purple fields. While the lavender doesn't typically bloom until early summer, pick-your-own events let you take some home to enjoy. When the lavender is in bloom, you can also pick your own irises, peonies, and elderberries to bring a touch of the countryside home with you. Be sure to check out the farm-to-body products like soap and lavender scrub to complete your garden experience.
Warning: Dogs are not allowed due to the fragile nature of the plants.
For more in Culpeper, check out Our Guide to Culpeper.
8. Wollam Gardens
Jeffersonton
Wollam Gardens is the epitome of romantic, self-proclaimed "flower destination" status. With 11 acres to roam and custom bouquets made from garden blooms for weddings, you can lose yourself in the beauty of the flowers year-round. Seasonal pick-your-own flowers are also available, so be sure to check the schedule for the next event. If you're feeling like a longer stay, book a room in the on-site inn for a truly enchanting experience.
For more in Jeffersonton, check out Our Guide to Jeffersonton.
(For a more comprehensive list of gardens in Virginia, consider visiting the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, River Farm, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, and Monticello. These gardens offer diverse plant collections, historic significance, and opportunities for educational experiences. Note that the best times to visit these gardens depend on the specific blooms you hope to see.)
- For those with an interest in needlework, visiting the Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum in Lynchburg could provide a new source of inspiration as the historic writing cottage within the gardens offers a serene and creative environment.
- Travellers seeking gardening and landscaping ideas can benefit from a visit to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond. In addition to its vast collections, workshops and classes in various aspects of gardening are often available, allowing visitors to improve their own green spaces.
- For those who enjoy temperate climates, exploring the gardens in Virginia provides an opportunity to appreciate a wide range of flora thriving within the region. Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, for instance, presents a major inspiration for those looking to transform their backyard into a Southern blooming paradise.
- For those seeking unique cultural experiences, Virginia's gardens offer a peek into the state's history and heritage. The Maymont estate in Richmond, for example, offers tours of the mansion as well as stunning gardens, providing a glimpse into the rich lives of the house's former occupants.
- For visitors eager to combine their passion for gardening with other hobbies, the Wollam Gardens in Jeffersonton offers custom bouquets for weddings, as well as seasonal pick-your-own events, making it an ideal spot for those interested in both flora and romance.
