My wife and I visited LGBG to see the new butterfly exhibit. We got there early enough to walk around the grounds for an hour. What a beautiful setting! Lots of carefully thought out flower / plant beds spread over a huge park-like area. We could see the staff (or volunteers) weeding, replacing, and caring for the plants to keep everything healthy and fresh. A children's presentation was taking place over under the shade in one area, and it was entertaining and informative enough that I wanted to stop and listen. A restaurant and a large meeting hall (one of the older houses) and a music performance pavilion and a gift shop rounded out the setting, along with the various sheltered exhibit buildings. There is also a refreshment cart on the main pathway, which was invaluable on this hot day. The butterfly exhibit was absolutely enthralling. Hundreds of live flutter-byes in a closed glassed in space. Many colors and varieties. I am told they curate the butterflies to replace them every week or so as they inevitably.... go to insect heaven. So the exhibit is constantly changing! Admission to the butterfly experience is included with the price of getting into LGBG. read more

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is one of my top favorite spots to take people when they visit Richmond. No matter what the season, it never disappoints. This was a May and all the roses were going nuts. It was the end of school so there were a ginormous number of students having fun and laughing as they played. It made the day and helped overcome that the Conservatory and most of the grounds around it were closed. No big deal, the side where the kids garden and the Japanese Garden more than made up for it. The rose garden area is such a nice improvement over the years since I started visiting. It's one of my bucket list items to go to the Tea Garden Restaurant. One day I will visit when it's open! Bring your family & friends to this gem of the Richmond area. read more

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Recently traveled to the gardens to take my daughter to the Gabby's dollhouse event. All of the staff and volunteers were so nice! The gardens are gorgeous and very well kept. All the facilities were very clean. There is so much fun offered for all ages! Cant wait to visit again. read more

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Lewis Ginter still holds a special spot in my heart after 5 years since my last review. They are currently going through a renovation. I'm super excited to come back when that is complete. I've had the opportunity to eat at their restaurant and 5 stars all around for that. The staff overall continues to be engaging, helpful, kind and service with a smile! The store is pretty big and has so many great items. The merchandise changes throughout the season. Definitely a place you can pick up a gift of two. There is even a dedicated children's area. There are bathrooms throughout the property while visiting. They have always been clean when I've visited. read more

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Still 5 stars but can now recommend the Garden Lights. It is much more expansive than my local gardens-Meadowlark and Brookside- but is too far too recommend unless you plan to stay overnight or are already in the area. Adults are $25. I spent about 2 hours wandering. They have a few spots set up with drinks as well as s'more roasting. The garden cafe is also open serving light fare. Be sure to visit the model trains and fairy village inside too. The garden shop is lovely and all holiday items were 20% off. read more

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Such a dreamy magical place right here in Richmond. Definitely worth exploring especially during the summer and the holidays when they have the light show read more

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I was quite disappointed how bare this place was. March 30 is a peak Sakura, cherry blossom season and the day I visited was 81F. However, there was hardly any flowers in bloom. a row of tulip was cute, but sparse. A few cherry trees were in bloom, but it was one of the those white variety not the pink one. The inside tropical flowers I had high expectations since it is independent of outside temperature, but there was hardly much to see. I guess that 1 big aloe plant and 1 cacao tree was fun. I was hoping it would be as good as Minnesota's conservatory, but it was very bare. The education center/library was nice. Beautiful room with specialized books about plants in particular is nice. Food option was rather disappointing too. I will try to check it out again mid summer to see it gets any better. read more

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We came for the Dominion Lights Show for the holiday season. Unfortunately it was much shorter than expected and a little pricey at $25 per person. Parking was fine, as they had people directing traffic. I enjoyed the shops, filled with ornaments and cool holiday decor. I would come back in the spring/summer when the plants are in bloom. As for the lights, I felt like it was worth about $10 per person an not worth the 2 hour drive for us. read more

What a cool place this is! We came for the first time during the holiday lights season. The giant indoor greenhouse is so freaking cool! The leaves that are bigger than a child, the peaceful atmosphere. It was amazing. The lights are pretty cool, some of them are really hard to figure out what they are, but I still really liked the lights. And some of them are unbelievably cool. I am really interested in seeing this place again during different seasons to see how it changes. read more

Beautiful garden grounds of course. I came with my friends kids, one of them being a toddler. Who loved the castle like play house area... although the windy narrow steep staircase made me a bit nervous... I see little ones going up and down those things, and I dunnnoooo, seems risky for a very small child.... We ate at what I guess is the cafeteria area... the place grows their own lettuce and what not which is always nice. I ordered a flat bread, it was okay.. was nice that it came with a side salad and fruit. I was just visiting from out of town... all and all, the grounds were most impressive and beautiful to walk around. I imagine it's wonderful when everything is in bloom! read more

Lewis Ginter has it all splash pad, beautiful gardens, kids play area, kids garden, kids library and adult library. We also love that you can get food here and eat inside or outside in the gardens. During the holidays there are really nice lights and they serve treats and hot chocolate along with adult beverages. The concerts are also really nice and setup well. read more

It's a beautiful serene garden that has a wide variety of plants, comfortable walkways and an inviting children's garden. During hot weather, the water pad is a great place to bring children to cool off and play. read more

Beautifully laid out paths. Very good food in the cafe. Can't wait to come back when the huge new addition to the conservatory is finished. read more

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Excellent gift shop with garden related items and more. The grounds are amazing, walkable and were currently under construction with vast improvements and enlargements coming. We got in the last weekend before they closed the greenhouse for renovations. The are behind and below the greenhouse is expanding. Great play area for kids. read more

This was an absolutely beautiful sprawling garden. You sort of walk in and get the impression that the garden is mainly made up of a circular pond with a large greenhouse behind it. But if you follow the paths and trails, you're led through a really enchanted journey full of different species of plants. There's a treehouse style structure that is cute for kids to play on. There's even a little playground for kids as well. I'll say that I haven't been to many a garden, and the garden in my area that I love (Brookside Gardens) is still a favorite of mine. But I will say that the Lewis Ginter Garden takes it to a whole new level for me. Now, it is a paid entry. I can't quite remember how much it cost but I want to say somewhere around 10-14 dollars. But It is well worth the money. It couldn't have been a nicer stroll and a really peaceful and awesome exploration that I would 100% suggest if you are in Richmond. Truly a gem. read more

Such nice place to enjoy the beautiful outdoors! The folks that work there are always so nice and those like me that were visiting were respectful and friendly. The gardens - oh my. SO pretty. I'm a season pass holder and consider it an exceptional bargain. Can't wait for the opening of the new indoor spaces! read more

This was a nice garden location. I would love to see it here in spring. I love the treehouse with the rocking chairs on the deck and view of the little lake. It's very tranquil and peaceful. I could see having a picnic here when it's warmer on the lawn. Really neat place. read more

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Love that this garden is by our house. We had won family membership at an autism auction and I have no regrets. This was perfect for me and my boys to do on any (non-rainy) day. They even have story time on Friday and sat! If anything, we went typically every week and I'm so glad I did. I took this opportunity to get them familiar with the layout and settings before the garden lights event in the winter. This is a great place to get some fresh air and not overly crowded. (I guess it really does depend on when you go. We typically go first thing in the AM.) anyways, but the time the winter lights were up I felt very comfortable letting them slightly roam. If anything, it was not a new place so it didn't overwhelm them. Love everything about this place and themes. We will be renewing our membership! (They do also offer discounts for public service members. Be sure to check it out at the front desk!) read more

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - Friday story time - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Feast for the tummy as well as the eyes! Vegan offerings in the Garden Cafe are very satisfying & beautifully prepared. Children's garden, shaded walkways, private event tea house. read more

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Thrilled that there is a beautiful botanical garden in Richmond. While a little further out from the main attractions in the city, it is a peaceful place to escape to. We came here for the evening glow event and you could tell the level of detail that is put into the event each year. There are miles of string lights around massive trees and walkways so you never feel that you are in the dark. While it seemed crowded, it was only a bit at the beginning so you could freely walk around. They have plenty of popup bars so if you need to warm yourself up you can or stop in the inside rooms for a break. They offer walkers at the front building and many of the paths are accessible. We could not tell much about the florals because of the time of day, but would recommend bundling up for the glow event and going once. read more

Lewis Ginter is a great place to go no matter what time of year it is. It's a little less right now because the greenhouses are closed due to construction, but once that reopens, it's worth going just for the greenhouse. In summer there's a wonderful splash pad for the kids, and garden oriented activities for them. The concerts are fun and such a lovely setting at the carriage house. My husband and I have been buying memberships here for a few years and will continue. read more

Lewis Ginter is totally worth it if you're a student. They have so many fun activities that happen throughout the year that make it a nice place to visit all year round. The light show during the winter is probably one of the best ones I've seen. They've been nominated multiple times as the best light show in the country. The fact that there's member only nights where we get in free makes the membership so worth it. I love the butterfly garden so any time it is open I stop there first. They host lots of events here too whether it's plant swaps or cooking classes. read more

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - Birds of paradise - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Beautiful local gardens. I've had the membership for a few years which is great to see the holiday lights, attend live music events, etc. The gift shop always has something good like festive earrings, ornaments, or items for your home/garden. Highly recommend a visit! read more

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Beautiful gardens if you go at the right time. Don't waste a trip by going in the afternoon; the times online are incorrect, or they're for the venue spaces. I went in the afternoon and left when I found out I'd be paying $20 and they were closing in 30 minutes. It's a shame since the sun doesn't set until after 7:00 pm read more

Being a plant lover of course Lewis Ginger Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite places in Richmond! This winter I decided to go and see the light show and it was exquisite! The variety of light displays were very thoughtful and highlighted the gardens. We enjoyed taking photos by the giant Christmas tree and sojourning through the children's garden. I would recommend bundling up as the temperatures tend to drop while you're out having a good time. This is a place for all ages and a great way to spend quality time with friends and family! read more

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We had a terrific experience working with Lewis Ginter to host our wedding. The event planning staff was great, from our initial inquiries, through the planning process, to the last few weeks leading up to our wedding getting all the details squared away. The Bloemendaal House was the perfect venue for us in that it allowed us to have an outdoor wedding near the city without having to pay to erect a tent ourselves. While we didn't need it, the staff was ready to accommodate a rain plan and kept the setup flowing smoothly. The catering and bar service were excellent, and it was so convenient to work with a venue that has a great in-house caterer. They kindly fielded requests from us all the way up to our wedding week. We had many positive comments on the food from our guests, particularly the mini beef wellingtons and tomato soup! They were also happy to have us bring in a non-traditional dessert option (an ice cream wagon!). The staff also took care to bring us drinks and food as the bride and groom to make sure we were well taken care of. Photos courtesy of https://vnessphotography.com/ read more

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Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens offers a beautiful, natural, and quiet retreat into nature. It's just the right size to enjoy its beauty without exhausting yourself. The gardens comprise winding paths showcasing a variety of flowers, plants, trees, shrubs, and water features, and includes abundant signs identifying the plants. We really appreciate the plant information and learn a lot each visit. Seeing so many species can be overwhelming. The gardens include a spectacular glass house, which contains their orchids, tropical plants, and seasonal butterfly experience. Both adults and kids enjoy the children's educational area with fun activities. The Visitor Center includes a cafe with made-to-order and ready-made items like soups, sandwiches, a salad bar, hot entree, burgers, and desserts. There is also an exquisite three-room gift shop with garden items, clothing, jewelry, note cards, candles, and more. If you'd like to learn more about horticulture, they have an educational center with a library and other spaces. Parking is free. Check online for admission prices. Membership offers reciprocity at other gardens around the country and tickets to special events like to holiday light display. read more

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This garden is absolutely beautiful. They have a daily pass and a membership pass and if you go more than once a year then the yearly is worth it. They have all kinds of classes for all ages for garden, plants, art and more listed on their website. You can spend all day here if you like with the day or yearly pass. In December they have the lights show, I do suggest bundling up as temps do drop very quickly. They have a splash pad during the summer months that is good for kids and adults together. They have a nice Garden Cafe and the staff and food are fantastic. Everything about this place is amazing. read more

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I cannot rave about this place enough! The membership is so worth it. I love using it to visit year round, but I also love that it gets me into so many other Botanical Gardens (and some museums) in the U.S. Lewis Ginter is one of those botanical gardens that is great to visit any time during the year. In the spring you have the beautiful tulips and roses, in the summer comes fun events, autumn brings fall colors, and winter brings the Dominion GardenFest of Lights. The pride and joy of this spot is its greenhouse. This gorgeous, glass structure looks great in any photo you take of it. Inside is filled with lush green life. It's a sweet escape that transports you to somewhere tropical filled with orchids, but also a dry desert. The little gnome home inside is decorated with tons of details and changes throughout the year. I love this garden. It's a great spot to take kids, enjoy tea (at the Asian Valley), people watch, bird watch, flower watch, and explore. I always find a new section to explore during my time here. It's a really great place to visit. read more

This is an excellent botanical garden all year round. From unique, interactive experiences for kiddos to an amazing holiday light display, it's a great place to explore. read more

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - Holiday light display - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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I love Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and I go every year for the Christmas lights and the Butterfly exhibit.. I have never done one of the concerts that happen there. I went with a friend to see Gregory Alan Isakov and it was a cold night and I was on the top of the hill in a lawn chair and looking at the stars while listening to his amazing music,. It was so magical!!! My only complaint...is it was freezing and they didn't have any hot drinks like hot cider or hot chocolate but that's all! read more

Beautiful displays inside and out. Good hot chocolate! The walk seemed to go quicker than usual, but lovely none the less. read more

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

We love the Flowers after 5 music series at LGBG! The food and beer aren't cheap, but where are they? This week we had the chicken salad croissant and heard the Jangling Reinhardts- a good night all around. read more

VENUE GOOD: The garden is expensive to join, concert is free all well and good but at that hour we need and want some food MUSIC GREAT FOOD is VERY VERY bad. Expensive and extremely limited. NOT worth it and where are the food trucks? Some options for those who want to eat from 4:45 pm to 8 pm? read more

The place is under massive renovation. In a nutshell, at the current moment it's a large noisy and dusty building site, with some flower meadows and walking paths around it. The major attractions like conservatory and butterflies are out of use. The place at the moment is not worth a visit even if it was free for public. But! They would still charge you a full price. And, the fact of rennovation and limited availability is not well illuminatied. In fact, the lady who sold the tickets told me about it only after she charged my card, and drew my attention to a small fine print sign on her desk. Which i wouldn't even notice otherwise. So, me and my daughter went in... tried to enjoy what was available, but there wasn't much. Mostly spectacular views of the renovations in progress, that only a building engineer would appreciate. So I was somewhat disappointed, since the plan of tranquil morning in nature with my daughter went down hill. I even tried to request a refund when leaving 20 minutes later (I never normally do it, but the way it was managed this time - it was just pissed). Well, no refund, of course. read more

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - The building site - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I love to visit a botanical garden whenever I'm visiting a new city, so we visited the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden when we were in Richmond for a weekend a few weeks ago. I was a little underwhelmed. Maybe it just was too late or too early for pretty blooms, but the gardens weren't as beautiful or plentiful as other botanical gardens I've visited. It was a quick visit. Not a terrible place to visit but I wouldn't call it a must visit in Richmond. read more

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I love Lewis Ginter!!! Came yesterday for A Million Blooms! Absolutely beautiful. It's incredible no matter the time of year. There are so many unique areas always that are consistently well groomed. They have the butterfly exhibit going on in the greenhouse currently which is breathtaking. I've also come for Garden Glow which is always amazing! I bring friends who visit to the gardens any chance I get. A must see! Another plus is that if you have children it's stroller friendly. They have an interactive children's area too! read more

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What a wonderful time we had at the Gardenfest event! It was a wonderful way to start the holiday season. Such a beautiful place. Even my husband enjoyed it and I had to drag him to this. Tickets were reasonably priced. The way the tickets were available meant that crowds were manageable and easy to navigate, never making me feel rushed or crowded. I really look forward to visiting in the spring when everything is in bloom. I am sure it must be really beautiful that time of year too. read more

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There's always something for everyone at the garden. Great exhibits, seasonal flowers, trees and classes. There's a library which includes a seed exchange where you can donate seeds or take seeds for your own garden. The yearly butterfly exhibit and holiday lighting events are always a favorite. There's even a cafe and restaurant. The staff are always helpful, friendly and there's plenty of parking. read more

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I was in town visiting Richmond and found this on the list of things to do! I booked tickets ahead of time but it was not crowded at all! Tickets were very inexpensive and totally worth it. The walkways, the bushes, trees, the building, even the water was decorated with lights! Everything was breathtaking and spectacular! The staff was very friendly and helpful! This is a great place to visit! read more

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