Photos: Botanical garden celebrates holiday with free admission
Photo by Jon Mirador
Taylor Toben, Contributing Writer
To celebrate the Labor Day holiday, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offered free admission to all ages on Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with activities and attractions for both families and adults looking for something to do.
Within the garden, there are more than 50 acres of vibrant plant life, split into separate garden areas, each showcasing different plants, fresh ponds and temporary exhibits and activities. From aloe plants, cacti and agave to shrub rosas and skyduster palms, the park is packed with endless beautiful sights.
For kids, there were hoola hoop stations, craft stations, playgrounds and tree houses, popsicles, Lego stations and a mini waterpark for the heat.
One popular limited time attraction, “Butterflies Live,” submerges visitors in a misty glasshouse, home to tropical butterflies. The walk-through exhibit shows hundreds of butterflies flying, eating and landing on lucky guests in their carefully constructed sanctuary.
Visitors can learn about the different species, including their preferred habitats and lifestyles. Many of these species can only be seen within the confines of the sanctuary in the park, as many don’t naturally inhabit Richmond.
Thanks for highlighting Genworth Free Community Day and M&T Bank Butterflies LIVE! We’d love to have VCU students as Members here at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Did you know that student membership is only $25 and unlimited daily admission to Lewis Ginter for one year, admission to Dominion GardenFest of Lights on Member Nights (all nights in November and January), and more! It’s also a great place to bring a date.