Norfolk Botanical Garden begins construction on The Garden of Tomorrow

NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) has begun construction on The Garden of Tomorrow - a historical transformation that will create more educational opportunities, more accessibility and more green space while connecting even more people to nature.

Over the past five years, the Garden’s attendance has increased immensely with record visitation exceeding 500,000 visitors, 14,400 current members and more than 1300 school groups visiting annually. The Garden of Tomorrow includes the Brock Parking Garden, Brock Entry Pavilion and the two-story 26,000 ft. Perry Conservatory featuring a second-story Skywalk funded by Kay and Al Abiouness. The Perry Conservatory will house and protect the most threatened plants around the world, allowing the Garden to expand conservation efforts. This is the largest project in the Garden’s 85-year history! Guests will no longer wait in long lines at the tollbooth, instead they will be immersed in nature the second they step out of their vehicles. Construction is expected to take two years to complete.

Spectacular from every aspect, and with the environment at the forefront of the design, there will be nothing like The Garden of Tomorrow in Coastal Virginia. Designed by Virginia Beach-based Dills Architects.

“While our building footprint expands significantly, so will planted green space,” said Michael P. Desplaines, NBG President & CEO. “We will have a much greener footprint — we’ll be even greener than before.”

Taking Critical Environmental and Conservation Action

Since its inception, Norfolk Botanical Garden has focused efforts on collecting and managing plants. With climate change and habitat loss, it is increasingly important for botanical gardens to act as safe refuges for both plants and people. In 2019, we expanded our conifer collection with a generous grant from the American Conifer Society. This new Perry Conservatory will house both endangered cacti and cycads along with other threatened plants in a safe environment. NBG has partnered with experts across the country to ensure successful conservation efforts. While visitors will still be able to see colorful blooms, they will more importantly be able to see conservation in action.

Become a part of the Garden’s future — a future that is greener, more focused on plant conservation and the visitor experience. Help us Build & Plant The Garden of Tomorrow. To learn more about this monumental project, please visit: www.gardenoftomorrow.org

About Norfolk Botanical Garden: Norfolk Botanical Garden represents an oasis of more than 65 themed gardens encompassing 175 beautiful acres. From stunning plant collections to WOW - World of Wonders: A Children’s Adventure Garden, this diverse natural beauty can be explored by tram, boat, or walking tours. The Garden is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Virginia Green attraction. It is managed by Norfolk Botanical Garden, Inc. and supported by the City of Norfolk. The mission of Norfolk Botanical Garden is to immerse visitors in a world of beauty, lead through environmental action, and inspire through education and connection to nature. Admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and military, $14 for ages 3-17, 2 and under are free. For more information, visit www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org