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Sunday, September 15, 2013

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens


Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Three Houses

The Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens are located in Richmond, Virginia.  These gardens are simply amazing.  In fact, they are the winner of the 2011 National Medal for Museum and Library service.
The history of the gardens is interesting.  They are on property that was once the hunting grounds for the Powhatan Indians.  The land was also owned by Patrick Henry.  In 1884, Lewis Ginter purchased the land.  In 1913, Ginter's niece, Grace Arents, developed gardens on the property.  It was her desire that when she and her partner died, the land be given to the city of Richmond to be developed as botanical gardens, honoring Lewis Ginter.  In 1968, the city took over the property, but the gardens didn't come to fruition until 1981.

The children's garden is one of the best I've seen.  There are about eight different areas where children can learn about the natural world.  One neat feature is the International Village.  There are playhouses and plants that represent cultures from all over the world.  There's a "tukal" African shelter, a Latin American "casista," and a Native American longhouse.  There's also an Asian teahouse and an "everyone's house," where kids can design their own place.

Other features include the water play area, a bird and butterfly meadow, a tree house, a children's greenhouse, and a section of weird and contrasting plants.



The gardens are open daily form 9 AM - 5 PM.  Admission is $11.00 for adults, and $7.00 for children.




8 comments:

  1. I bet kids have a blast in those play houses!

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  2. Hi Sherry,

    Wow, that looks like an ideal place for a fun time out for the kids.

    Gary :)

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  3. Hi Sherry,

    Wow, that looks like an ideal place for a fun time out for the kids.

    Gary :)

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  4. It sounds like it's worth visiting for the history alone, not to mention the water play. I'd love to go running through there.

    Be well, Sherry.
    xoRobyn

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  5. Neat history plus so many new areas and variety. Looks very fun

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  6. that reminds me a little of atl botanical gardens area for kids. i wish i was small enough to play!

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