Learn About Butterflies Day: Explore Butterfly Gardens in Richmond

For centuries, butterflies have captured human imagination, serving as inspiration for art, poetry, and song. Explore the fascinating story of these stunning insects during National Learn about Butterflies Day on Sunday, March 14. Join our real estate agents by planning a visit to one of these wonderful gardens around Richmond.

1. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, VA 23228
   With more than a dozen themed gardens across 82 acres, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers plentiful opportunities to spot butterflies in their natural habitat. In 1926, Grace Arents bequeathed her beautiful farm, along with the sum of $100,000, to Richmond. She asked that her gift be used to establish a garden honoring the memory of her uncle, local businessman and philanthropist Lewis Ginter. Today, Grace's dream has landed on several lists naming the top ten botanical gardens in North America. Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are $14 for adults and $8 for kids up to age 12. The garden is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
   
   
2. Maymont - 1000 Westover Rd., Richmond, VA 23220
   Butterflies are just one of many reasons to visit Maymont, a picturesque estate on the banks of the James River. The one-time home of James and Sallie Dooley is now the site of an arboretum and several specialty gardens, including a wetland, grotto, and ornamental lawn. Marie's Butterfly Trail opened in 2009, features signage with helpful information about the life cycle of butterflies and why they're attracted to specific plants. While the grounds are open to the public with free admission, a $5 donation is suggested. Hours are 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily between April and September. Closing time is 5 p.m. during the offseason.
   
   
3. Bellemeade Park - 1800 Krouse St., Richmond, VA 23224
   Bellemeade Park is a labor of love for a dedicated group of volunteers working to develop and maintain the beautiful six-acre public facility. Their goal is to promote the park as a valuable environmental asset benefiting the community around Richmond homes for sale. Butterflies, turtles, hawks, and owls are just a few of the park "residents" that may be spotted during a walk along trails that pass through forests and gardens. The park is open to the public free of charge.
   
   
4. Bryan Park - 4308 Hermitage Rd., Richmond, VA 23227
   Butterflies add a colorful touch of the present to Richmond's past at Bryan Park, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Named for the founder of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the property on which the park resides was donated to the city in 1910 by Joseph Bryan's widow. See a wide variety of butterflies at the popular 17-acre Azalea Gardens and the pollinator garden in the Nature Preserve. Park hours are sunrise to dusk, seven days a week.
   
   
5. James River Park - 4001 Riverside Dr., Richmond, VA 23225
   Enjoy a refreshing getaway without leaving the city with a visit to James River Park. This spectacular location in the heart of Richmond draws nearly two million visitors each year. Don't miss Williams Island, a densely vegetated area that is home to butterflies along with other insects, birds, and wildlife. James River Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. 

Whether you're a social butterfly or cocooning is more your thing, we can help you find a home in Richmond that suits your lifestyle. Contact us at Joyner Fine Properties to learn more.