lewis ginter botanical garden

As we move past a year full of challenges most of us never imagined, we turn to nature for solace, beauty and inspiration. More than ever, working the earth connects us to our fundamental nature and reinforces the importance of learning to work with the land and natural processes to enhance our environment and support …

May 19, 6:30-8:00 PM & May 22, 9:00 - 10:30 AM Learn about the vast watershed of the James River, its importance to the ecology of Virginia and the threats facing its vitally important role in that ecology. In the first class of this two-part series, we explore the rich history and diverse ecology of …

Building Plant Diversity Builds Resilient Landscapes Over the past 15 years, a growing body of scientific research has enabled proponents of diverse plant selections and plant communities to re-think the urban landscape in terms of true sustainability. Ongoing research has shaped the work of cutting-edge landscape professionals in creating plant communities, outlining the value of …

Pollinators play a crucial role in ecological survival. Neither humans nor earth’s terrestrial ecosystems could survive without them. Nearly 80% of the 1,400 crop plants grown around the world – those that produce all of our food and industrial products –require pollination, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In the morning, learn about …

The 2025 Winter Symposium & CVNLA Short Course is a three-day event presented by Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Central Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association and Virginia Cooperative Extension. Tickets can be purchased for one, two or all three days; attendees will receive a discount for attending both Days 1 and 2. Tickets for Day 3: Pesticide Recertification must be purchased separately. …

Growing Wellness: Plants, People and a Thriving Planet Explore how gardens—from intimate personal spaces to expansive public landscapes—can heal individuals, strengthen communities, and support a healthier planet.  Learn how thoughtful design, inclusive access, sustainable plant choices, and a willingness to embrace imperfection all contribute to resilient landscapes and resilient people.  Gardeners have the profound power …