Even in years when we think winter will never end, the rhythms of nature unceasingly pulse toward spring. First daffodils and crocus add a pop of color to the drab landscape. Next dwarf iris and grape hyacinth, bluebells and daisies, pansies and violas begin to paint the garden canvas. Grasses begin to green and forsythia spills out graceful arcs of yellow. Cherry and pear trees blossom with clouds of ethereal flowers, followed by the esthetic beauty of dogwood trees in bloom. At last, spring has arrived! April is National Garden Month and the perfect time for a Virginia garden vacation.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

According to USA Today’s Reader’s Choice poll, the #2 public garden in the country is the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (LGBG), located in Richmond, Virginia (where Covington Travel is headquartered). If you live close and haven’t visited Lewis Ginter, you’re missing out. If you are a bit further away, you should plan a Virginia garden vacation! LGBG has a year round schedule of events and exhibitions for adults and children. You can learn about plants in classes or just admire them in over 40 acres of relaxing natural setting.

The Central Garden is three acres of garden “rooms,” each with its own theme and design. A new Rose Garden and an ever-changing three-acre Perennial Garden are showstoppers. The Conservatory is a huge indoor complex that houses exotic plants and seasonal themes. A wetland area teams with wildlife that thrives in the diverse ecosystem. Other gardens showcase large collections of daffodils, daylilies, dwarf conifers and meadow flowers. The highly interactive Children’s Garden offers a host of activities designed to “transport children from their built environments, digital media, televisions and computers, organized sports and music lessons to the ‘real world’.”

A full service restaurant called The Tea House is set in the Asian Valley garden and is open for lunch daily and special holiday dinners. The Garden is also available for corporate meetings, weddings and other special events. Travel Maestro tip: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden was recently awarded “Top Wedding Vendor” by Virginia Living magazine and “Couple’s Choice Award” by Wedding Wire.

Open daily year round, except Thanksgiving Day and December 24-25 ($11)*

Norfolk Botanical Garden

 

In 1938, 75 acres of dense vegetation was granted to establish a city garden in Norfolk, Virginia. Today, the Norfolk Botanical Garden covers over 155 acres and has more than 40 theme gardens and 12 miles of walking paths that meander through colorful flora. Mature collections include over 1,700 camellia plants, 3,000 rose bushes, 1,450 hollies, 250 Crape Myrtle trees, and 900 hydrangea, but the largest collection by far is an estimated 50,000 rhododendron and azalea – truly breathtaking in bloom!

The World of Wonders Children’s Garden is 3-acres of interactive fun for families, including splash fountains and the dirt factory. Another favorite for all ages is the 2-acre Butterfly Garden and seasonal Butterfly House where you can walk among a variety of butterflies. A free tram runs narrated tours throughout the large property, making stops at different theme gardens. You can also see the gardens on a 45-minute boat tour, (April 15 – October 19, $8).

Garden Café is open during summer and a reference library is available to the public (only members can check books out). The Garden offers a variety of fitness, astronomy, art and floral design classes. Travel Maestro tip: Visit on Bike Nights (April 1 – October 15, 4 – 7 p.m.) and BYOB (bicycle!) for a lovely evening ride along the paved garden trails.

Open year round; October 21 – March: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., April – October 20: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., ($11)*

Virginia Garden Vacations

In addition to these two superb gardens, more than 250 gardens, homes and historic landmarks are opened at the peak of Virginia’s springtime color during the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, April 26 – May 3, 2014. If you have a fondness for flora, you need to make plans for a Virginia Garden Vacation this spring! Contact Covington vacation specialists to plan a state-wide tour or a quick weekend getaway. We know all the best spots — after all, some of the best Virginia gardens are in our own back yards!

*Discounted rates available for members, military, seniors and children.