Description

This site is an extremely attractive 80-acre botanical garden conducive to birds and butterflies due to the floral diversity. Birdwatching opportunities in the garden are best during migration, but are still good throughout the spring and summer. Several trails exist, but the best for birding is the “Wild Side Walk.” A trek along the trail is likely to produce a variety of seasonally abundant songbirds. Small ponds and streams within the gardens are excellent for viewing wading birds, waterfowl and shorebirds as they hunt for fish, frogs, and the occasional water snake in the shallows. Butterflies and dragonflies within the gardens are abundant and diverse, as one might expect from the available habitat. Maps of the garden are available at the visitor center.

Directions

Physical Address: 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Henrico, VA  23228

From the Nearest Major Road:

From I-95, take Exit 80, the Hermitage Road/Lakeside Ave. exit (State Rte 161). Keep to the right and take the right at the first light onto Lakeside Ave. You’ll see a brown Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden sign. Follow Lakeside Ave. for 1.6 miles. You will cross the intersection of Lakeside Ave. and Hilliard Rd. (there is a 7-Eleven on the corner) and the Garden’s entrance will be on your left, off of Lakeside Ave.

There is a black fence around the Garden and a brick gate with “Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden” and “1800 Lakeside Avenue” on it. Enter through the gate.