Virginia is for (garden) lovers, and every spring Richmond blooms with bright bursts of vibrant colors sprinkled across the city that beckon to garden and flower enthusiasts throughout the season, but especially during the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, held annually each April. For those who love to get their hands dirty, or prefer to enjoy the fruits of others’ labors, Richmond is ripe with locally owned places to shop and visit this spring. Read on for seven places to enjoy the gardens of Richmond.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens: A must for any garden-lover, Lewis Ginter Botanical gardens features 50 acres of gardens, dining, and shopping as well as themed areas, including a Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Asian Valley, and Cherry Tree Walk. Their garden shop features everything from unique gift ideas for garden lovers to supplies for those ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.
Agecroft Hall & Gardens
Agecroft Hall & Gardens: A 16th century English manor that traveled across the ocean in the 1920s to be reconstructed along Richmond’s James River, is unsurprisingly, also home to one of Richmond’s greatest formal gardens which include a sunken garden, the Garden Knot, and a Crepe Myrtle Walk.
Basket & Bike
Basket & Bike: Enjoy the gardens of Virginia from two wheels when you craft your own Garden Week excursion with Basket & Bike. Alternatively, book their signature ride and traverse through the scenic vineyards of Upper Shirley Vineyards.
The Valentine
The Valentine: Anchored by a stunning magnolia aged over 200 years, and originally planted by John Wickham, this calming green space offers a calming escape from the bustling city that surrounds it. Be sure to stop in the museum shop for local gifts and goods unique to Richmond.
The John Marshall House
John Marshall House: In keeping with its historical setting, the gardens at the John Marshall House, the 1790 residence of the fourth Supreme Court Justice Marshall, display native plants found in the colonial gardens of Williamsburg and Yorktown.
Bryan Park’s Azalea Garden
Bryan Park: Home to Richmond’s largest farmer’s market showcasing local makers and purveyors every Saturday, visitors can also find 16-acres of azalea gardens that pop to life every spring.
Presidents’ Circle at Hollywood Cemetery
Hollywood Cemetery: Known as a garden cemetery and designated an arboretum, Hollywood Cemetery’s 135 acres of rolling hills and valleys along the James River bloom to life every spring with stunning displays of cherry blossom trees and more, particularly around former President John Monroe’s grave, known as Presidents Circle. Take a stroll or drive, or book an RVA TukTuk.
