Glide on a trackless train along meandering wooded paths brightened by colorful azaleas, rhododendrons and bright annuals, or float along the wandering canals for a different view---both options are available at the Norfolk Botanical Garden.  Either 30-minute ride provides a perfect introduction to the 20 focal spots at this 155-acre garden.  Once you gain an overview you can enjoy a closer look along the 12 miles of walkways.

Norfolk Botanical Garden claims "there is something always in bloom," but undoubtedly the best time to visit is in the spring.  During April and May the more than 200,000 azaleas begin the floral extravaganza.  What began as a WPA project in 1938 has grown into one of the best azalea gardens on the East Coast.

Blooming concurrently with the azaleas in May are the more than 150 varieties of rhododendron.  Banks of these lovely spring bushes line the canals, train paths and walkways.  Tulips, daffodils and spring bulbs add to the seasonal show.

The end of May is highlighted by the emergence of 1/4 million rose blooms in one of the top ten rose collections in the country.  The award-winning Bicentennial Rose Garden continues to bloom through October with almost 300 varieties of roses and roughly 3,000 bushes.  The fragrant blossoms, enhanced by sculpture and fountains, can be enjoyed from the pedestrian terrace, overlooks and garden walkways.

Camellias begin to bloom in November and continue through March.  Over 700 varieties of camellias make this one of the largest collections in the country.  In January and February, many cold-loving plants such as witch hazel, wintersweet and pyracantha, provide color for visitors to enjoy.  This is particularly true since the more northern collections have suffered severe damage from sub-zero winters. 

More than 20 theme gardens include the Fragrance, Colonial Herb, Renaissance, Conifer, Holly, English Border, Healing Gardens as well as the 17-acre Flowering Arboretum and The Tropical Pavilion.  In addition, there are the renovated Japanese and Perennial Gardens and a three-acre Wildflower Meadow.

Something nice always happening

Visitors can coordinate their trip to view horticultural displays with one of the many annual events held at the garden. Every April since 1954, Norfolk Botanical Garden has been the site of the International Azalea Festival, which honors the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.  The Spring Plant Sale in April and the Fall Plant Sale in October are excellent ways to gather bits of the Norfolk Botanical Garden for your own home.  Music lovers can enjoy The Virginia Symphony and local bands throughout the spring, summer and fall.  During the holidays, the garden is aglow with a spectacular display during the Garden of Lights from Thanksgiving through to the new year. Detailed information on these events is available by calling (804) 441-5830.

Norfolk Botanical Garden is open daily 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Tours operate year-round weather permitting.  Admission fees:  Adults, $6; Seniors, $5; Children (6-16 years old) $4. Guided tour train free with admission. Boat tour, $3 additional.   There is a Garden House Cafe and the Baker Hall Visitor Center.  The latter includes a visitor orientation room, information center, exhibit area and a short video introduction to the garden.  There is also a well-stocked Garden Gift Shop. 

During the summer, you can extend your stay by heading over to Norfolk's Ocean View Beaches which paradoxically overlook the Chesapeake Bay.  Both visitors and natives enjoy the calm waters and uncrowded beaches.  Beach parking, often a problem, is solved here by large free public lots at both 9th Street and Ocean View Avenue and 6th Street and Ocean View Avenue.  Boardwalks provide beach access.  Other pluses at Norfolk beaches are the gently sloping sandbars, free of undertow, where youngsters can swim and play in safety.  Deeper water is free of buffeting waves.  Only occasionally will a northeast wind churn up the waves and currents. In late July and August you do get an influx of jellyfish but no more than you'll find at nearby ocean beaches.  Lifeguards are on duty from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. There are restrooms and shaded picnic areas.  Two commercial fishing piers with bait shops and tackle rentals are popular with fishermen and crabbers.  For boaters there is a ramp at 13th and Ocean View Avenue which is open at no charge year-round. 

Directions: From I-95 in the Richmond area, take I-64 east to Norfolk.  For the Norfolk Botanical Garden take Exit 279 onto Norview Avenue heading east.  Make a left turn onto Azalea Garden Road just before Norfolk International Airport; the garden is located on the right side.  For Ocean View Beaches take Bay View Boulevard off I-64, which will intersect with Ocean View Avenue, Route 60.