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 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.
The Farm Garden consists of six 20 x 20 plots where kids can plant and harvest their own vegetables and fruit.
Other features include the water play area, a bird and butterfly meadow, a super-fun tree house, a children's greenhouse, and a section of weird and contrasting plants. The gardens are open daily from 9 am-5 pm. Admission is $11.00 for adults, and $7.00 for children.
In other news, my book tour for Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China continues. Here are the stops from this week:
Book Review at J. Bronder Book Reviews
Guest post about doing school author visits at Writers and Authors Blog
Opportunity to enter a win a copy of my book: Celtic Lady Reviews
Interview at Literary Rambles
We'll check it out next time we are up that way.
ReplyDeleteIt's a nice place. I think you'd like it.
Deletethe gardens sound amazing and for you to say it's one of the best, it must really be fabulous. VA is such a pretty state anyway. (and hope book sales are going well. You are everywhere!!)
ReplyDeleteIt is a terrific garden! I think the tour has resulted in some sales. There are certainly a considerable number of people entering the giveaway. The word has gotten out.
DeleteHi Sherry - that looks to be an amazing place ... glorious gardens and looking at those photos I can see why they won. I hadn't heard of Ginter - but now I see he was a modest man devoted to Richmond ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThey are well-deserving of the honor.
DeleteThe first picture is gorgeous. I love the view from the water with all the flowers in the foreground. Been a good number of years since I've been to Richmond, and wished I had known about the gardens when there to visit. I must remember should I venture back that way.
ReplyDeleteTraveling Suitcase
I think you'd enjoy seeing them.
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