The Norfolk botanical garden has been on my list of places to see since I went to the national…read morebotanical Gardens in Washington Washington DC. I'm very glad I had the opportunity to visit and even more excited to become a member. Not only are the grounds impeccably gorgeous there are many ways to view them rather than just on foot. The free tram runs every hour and runs all around the entire property, giving you a good feeling for the gardens. There is a tower lookout, a butterfly garden, a Japanese garden, a rose garden, and even two beautiful redwoods. The most exciting feature is yet to come in September. The garden of the future, which is currently in progress . A stunning glass building that is an architectural feast for the eyes. I can only imagine it in its full splendor when it is complete in September. The garden of the future will include tropical gardens, arid gardens, and a café and when I am most, especially excited to see is Dale Chihuly has several of his pieces incorporated within the exhibits. We had the opportunity to take the boat ride, which I highly recommend Carolyn did an amazing job fighting the winds on our excursion, as Louis described to us the different wildlife that inhabit the water. I am excited to visit in the fall to see the gardens in transition when we come to experience the Garden of the Future.

Came to see Lady Macdeath. I was in yesterday and she hadn't bloomed yet, but she did start to…read morebloom last night. The line to get into the park and to see her was crazy long but definitely worth it.

Sooooo cute! And right in my backyard! Just off Seaboard road in the field beside Wave Church…read more Last year they planted later due to COViD. But this year they're open in late June. Peak blooms are in the next 4-5 days. Follow them on Instagram for up to date info on blooms and hours. Super friendly staff. $25 gets your group in and you can get 10 sunflowers. They'll give you a bucket but you can bring your own shears (or they have some to borrow) and they'll wrap them for you too in cool napkins for the drive home. Suggest if you have a long drive you bring some water for them. The sunflowers are beautiful and plentiful and there weren't that many bugs. Also - this is a large field of sunflowers so you can really spread out. It felt like we had the entire place to ourselves. We roamed for half an hour before we saw other people. They have a small boutique selling themed items all featuring their bee or sunflowers. Adult shirts are $25. The bee pins are $10. A sunflower coloring book with colored pencils is $13 or $10 for just the book. Etc etc. Love love love!!!!

Is a "pop up farm" a thing? Yelp has a category for "attraction farm"- I guess that fits!…read more Goldpetal is a beautiful maze of sunflowers. Not the "you'll get lost" kind of maze, more like a "you'll want to get lost" kind of maze. They opened on August 27th and reached max bloom on September 2nd. Their Facebook page indicates that you may only have another few days to catch this season's blooms. We went on a Thursday evening around 5:30 and only had a short line to get inside. The line was much longer when we were leaving around 7pm. It's $20 for 10 stems. That includes entry for up to 5 people. You can get an extra 10 stems for $10 and I think military gets an extra 5 just for showing their ID. You can't just go for the pictures, you've gotta pay. Dogs can come too- just make sure they are on a leash and you may want to bring water for them if you're planning a longer trip. They give you tips and the rules before you enter and supply you with a metal vase and cutters. I'd suggest bringing a basket instead of using their bucket though. After that the field is all yours. They have several different types of sunflowers. We got a little carried away and now I don't know what to do with all our flowers, not a bad problem to have. "By the time you're reading this it's probably too late." Cryptic, but if you're reading this after Labor Day weekend your best bet is to bookmark this for in your Summer 2021 collection and sign up for their mailing list on their website so you don't miss out next year!

A 5 star experience for a recent Mother's Day arrangement of flowers…read more There is no day like Mother's Day and making it special for Mom. So the idea of a permanent planted arrangement seemed like something perfect for the patio. McDonald's was contacted over the phone a week + out before Mother's Day. I worked with Patrice who emailed different ideas they could do from pots to plants etc. He was so passionate about his trade and left me even more excited that he alone would be the point. Ultimately hydrangeas was chosen as the plant with sweet potatoes. They had many pots to choose from, but a more neutral with a butterfly seemed perfect. The cost was $97. Patrice assured that the plant would be watered and ready for pick up days before Mother's Day. On Saturday I went to McDonald's and after locating Patrice he rolled the plant out. I must say I was overwhelmed with the size. It was huge and gorgeous! Patrice did a video of care instructions as he took ownership of seeing everything through. He also at no charge through in a ceramic tray to hep with transport, but also for any leakage of water with a weep hole at the bottom. The delivery was marvelous and enjoyed by Mom. I cannot say enough positive about this experience. Other staff assisted me and were helpful and enthusiastic about their job. You just don't see this in other big box places ole Lowes and Home Depot. McDonald's is a one stop locally owned since 1947 garden center. They can do it all and the visit is impressive to see the selections. Highly recommend.

What a great selection! Wide variety of flowers,herbs,veg,ect. Plenty of space to walk around even…read morethough it was getting busy for the event they have going on. And they do quiet a few so keep an eye out for those since the do child and adult events. It was well organized and set up and I just love the indoor area with the carnivorous and house plants.

I love this nursery! Great selection, set up well for good flow. The choices were endless and…read morethe staff took the time to talk to you. I've never seen so many pepper choices! And for a really busy Saturday morning. Checkout was a breeze!

Still after all these years. My absolute favorite garden center. Friendly service and I'm in love…read morewith Lucy the cat. Their plants are always top notch. Healthy and beautiful indoor and outdoor plants.. GREAT prices!!!!!!!! if you're not getting your plants from here, you're crazy because this place is great

I came here after going to a sports card show in Norfolk. It wasn't a planned visit but I was just…read morelooking for something interesting to look at since I had a lot of free time and the weather was nice on Saturday. I thought it would be a lot larger but the spot is quite small but it is very nice to walk around. There are also lots of nice areas adjacent to the garden and terrace as well. I parked in front of the garden went around it and then found the USS Wisconsin and the Naval museum just past the garden. I went around and finished checking out the other side of the garden after. The parking was free for 2 hrs in front of the garden and it seemed like parking in general was plentiful and open this weekend. It looked like college dormitories around the garden and some other residential areas around the middle of downtown Norfolk. There were many nice plants in the garden, the terrace was nice but not open as far as I could tell, and the koi pond was nice if someone would clean out the pond scum from the fish pond. There were small bridges over the water and multiple water fountains in the koi pond. There were a few benches to sit on if you wanted to just relax or meditate in the garden. Overall, it was a nice garden but it is not something to go downtown to see, but it is a nice additional thing to see if you are going to the USS Wisconsin and the Naval museum or if you staying in downtown area. Lots of people were exercising (walking and jogging) so it is a nice scene to pass by if you are doing that.

Great spot to walk around. There's ice cream inside too! Very yummy. Beautiful day to explore.read more

What a lovely arboretum. It is a good size for this area. Tons of trees and spring is amazing…read more Camillas are everywhere and are gorgeous. Great walk. Mostly dirt path. Views: TREES, water areas. Barns and structures, bridges, flowers, wildlife , great for adults and kids , gazebo . Also great to book events. Easy hike and even in the summer it is great because it is shaded wooded area My favorite when we arrived one of our visits there was knowledgeable parks and rec. gave us a history lesson that was AWESOME!!!!!!!!

Came here on a whim but probably should have made sure I was ready to visit here. When I arrived,…read moreI actually had to use the restroom. Bad timing as there is only a portapotty in the parking lot for needs. It was so so clean but I wanted to wash my hands after and there was no water, water fountain no water, water hose, sink, and spigot no water. So I used my drinking water fountain for hand washing. Not ideal. After that fiasco, I walked across the street and went to the trails. I luckily took a picture of the map as I almost immediately got lost in the trail while thinking I was going to make it to the lake. There are bridges that are luckily marked and trees that are marked to kind of mark where you are. I found this out only after 30 minutes lost in the woods. There are many splits in the path that throws your sense of direction off. Anyway, I guess I enjoyed being lost on the trail and there was not much to see except a few bugs, squirrels, and trees. There was only one bush that had flowers and the lake was nice, full of turtles but other than that this is just a peaceful walk around the forest. There are little creeks, lots of homes, and different species of trees that line the trail. There also has been some vandalism as there are burn spots where it looks like some firebug was trying to start a fire on the trail. Overall, a peaceful walk but make sure you take a picture of the map in the beginning and pay attention to the markings on the trees and bridge so you don't get lost.

Pretty neat little garden store. A bit pricey at times but nonetheless useful for all your…read moregardening needs. While their flower selection is not extremely large, the owners do have a great amount of green thumb knowledge.

Selection of flowers is nice. Bit pricey on the yard/garden art, but ok since they're a small…read morebusiness. Some different things you won't find in the big box stores. I would have bought more, but had the misfortune to meet the owner and she was quite rude. This was our second visit with the same rudeness as the first visit. Thought anyone can have an off day, so we returned. We won't be back. Hopefully someone will buy the business that underatands the value of genuine enthusiasm and a kind nature. Had the pleasure of walking across to another vendor called Chapman's. They were Wonderful! These folks understand customer service!

Cannot believe that I've never been to the Hermitage Museum and Gardens until yesterday…read more The home is stunning. The wood working, the art collection and the beautiful grounds; all stunning. If you are looking for something to do on a sleepy afternoon this may be the place for you to visit. Almost forgot to mention that they allow dogs to walk the grounds as long as you clean up after your fur baby.

I came expecting "a nice little museum" and accidentally entered the main character phase of my…read morelife. The house looks like Gatsby retired here to start gardening and finally find inner peace. Every room feels fancy enough that you instinctively whisper, even when you're alone judging antique furniture like you suddenly have generational wealth. The gardens? Absolutely disrespectful to regular parks. Trees posing like they know they're beautiful, peacocks walking around with the confidence of influencers, and views of the water that make you question every life decision that didn't involve buying a mansion in 1915. Perfect place for a peaceful stroll, deep thoughts, or pretending you're in a period drama waiting for someone to confess forbidden love near the azaleas.