Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Norfolk, Virginia, A Garden Always in Bloom

In the 1930's, a horticulturist named Frederic Heutte and the city manager for Norfolk, Virginia, had an idea of planting a large, beautiful public garden that would draw visitors throughout the year.

The city of Norfolk agreed to donate 75 acres of land and another 75 acres of the Little Creek Reservoir. In 1938, the pair received a grant from the Works Progress Administration for just over $76,000.

Within one year, brush had been cleared and thousands of bulbs planted. Since that time, the garden has continued to evolve and grow and today includes 155 acres of themed gardens that visitors can view from land or by boat.

Volunteers are a very important part of the upkeep of the gardens, and they give over 17,000 hours of their time each year. The Norfolk Botanical Gardens, located at 6700 Azalea Garden Road, has won many awards and visitors come from all over to visit.

There is a small lookout spot where visitors can watch the planes landing and taking off from the nearby Norfolk International Airport. A gift shop and small cafy' are also available.

The Norfolk Botanical Garden became well known to bird lovers and educators all over the world when a pair of American Bald Eagles made their home in one of the trees located on the property. A camera was installed and people anywhere in the world could log on to the "eagle cam'' and watch.

In 2008, the world watched as the pair finally had an eaglet after several eggs had failed to hatch. Sadly, the baby bird had to be removed from the nest to be treated for avian pox.

One visitor said that she enjoys that fact that during the summer months, the garden has a theme which makes a visit fun for the whole family. She also said the boat ride made the visit even more memorable.

During the summer, the garden also allows bikers to ride through the gardens on set nights each week. There are 12 miles of trails from which bikers can enjoy the blooms while getting in a nice ride.

Summer is not the only time that special events are held at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. For a few weeks each fall, the property is transformed into a scary "Haunted Forest''. Visitors can ride the train through various horror scenes.

Each winter the garden is transformed into a Christmas wonderland as thousands of light displays are erected throughout the garden. During the "Garden of Lights'', cars are permitted to drive on the trails that meander through the gardens. Carriage rides are also available during this time.

A per vehicle admission fee is required. Please check for most recent pricing and event information.