Norfolk Botanical Garden in Virginia stands as a living monument to American history and natural beauty. Created during the Great Depression by 200 African American women and 20 men through the Works Progress Administration, this 175-acre paradise now showcases over 60 themed gardens.
From stunning rose collections to historic landmarks, the garden tells a powerful story of perseverance, beauty, and cultural significance.
1. The WPA Memorial Garden
The WPA Memorial Garden honors the Virginia men and women who shaped the Norfolk Botanical Garden during the 1930s. Created by Works Progress Administration laborers, its pathways and plantings stand as a living tribute to resilience and community spirit.
Today, the garden blends vibrant seasonal blooms with a powerful story of Virginia’s past. Visitors strolling these grounds enjoy both stunning landscapes and a meaningful reminder of how people and nature came together to create something enduring.
2. Bicentennial Rose Garden
Fragrant blooms surround you in this stunning circular garden featuring over 3,000 roses in a rainbow of colors. Created in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th birthday, it remains the garden’s aromatic crown jewel.
Visitors marvel at rare varieties alongside beloved classics arranged in concentric rings. The central fountain provides a peaceful soundtrack as you stroll past carefully labeled specimens. Peak bloom arrives in May and continues through October, offering months of changing colors and scents.
3. Renaissance Court
Modeled after Italian Renaissance gardens, this formal court brings European charm to Virginia. Symmetry, fountains, and classical statues create a space that feels both timeless and grand.
The Renaissance Court isn’t just for quiet strolls—it’s a favorite Virginia setting for weddings, concerts, and evening events. Under twinkling lights, the manicured lawns come alive with music and celebration.
4. Enchanted Forest
Step into the Enchanted Forest, where towering trees and winding paths spark imagination. This magical corner of Virginia’s Norfolk Botanical Garden feels like a storybook brought to life.
Children discover fairy houses, hidden creatures, and playful surprises, while adults enjoy the forest’s quiet beauty. It’s a Virginia favorite that blends fun, fantasy, and nature in perfect harmony.
5. Historic WPA Azalea Garden
Walking through America’s largest azalea collection feels like stepping into a rainbow. These were the very first plants installed by WPA workers in 1938, making this the garden’s historical heart.
Over 75,000 azaleas burst into spectacular bloom each April, creating a photographer’s paradise. The collection includes rare varieties developed specifically for the region’s climate. Generations of families return annually to witness this breathtaking display and connect with a tradition that spans over eight decades.
6. NATO Tower Overlook
Climb the spiral staircase to discover a breathtaking bird’s-eye view from the garden’s highest point. This 80-foot observation tower was gifted by NATO in recognition of the alliance’s Norfolk headquarters.
From the top platform, the entire 175-acre garden unfolds before you like a living map. Interpretive panels help identify distant landmarks and garden sections. Morning visitors often spot osprey fishing in nearby Lake Whitehurst, while sunset viewers witness the gardens bathed in golden light.
7. Mirror Lake & Japanese Garden
Koi fish glide beneath arching red bridges in this serene space designed according to traditional Japanese principles. Stone lanterns illuminate winding paths while carefully pruned bonsai specimens demonstrate the art of miniature landscapes.
The tranquil water reflects surrounding maple trees that burst into fiery colors each fall. Meditation benches invite visitors to pause and absorb the garden’s peaceful energy. Annual cherry blossom festivals celebrate the connection between American and Japanese cultures through music, tea ceremonies, and botanical displays.
8. Flowering Arboretum
Rare and magnificent flowering trees create nature’s cathedral in this Virginia living museum collection. Each season brings new colors as cherry blossoms give way to dogwoods, then magnolias, and finally fall’s spectacular foliage.
The arboretum serves as both a conservation effort for endangered species and a demonstration of trees well-suited to Virginia’s landscapes. Shaded benches invite visitors to pause and admire specimens gathered from around the world, while plant identification tags share fascinating details about each tree’s native habitat and cultural significance.