NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN 757-441-5830
Fax: 757-853-8294 www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org
6700 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk, VA 23518
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Renowned for its exceptional scenery and educational programs, Norfolk Botanical Garden is considered a premier example of horticultural excellence. The Garden dates back to 1938 when the Works Progress Administration sponsored 200 African-American women to clear the dense, native vegetation and plant 4,000 Azaleas. Today, the Garden represents 155-acres of colorful landscapes, unusual flowers, mature forests and seasonal plantings and features one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias, roses and rhododendrons on the East Coast. Open 365-days a year, the Garden is one of the only botanical gardens offering tours by foot, boat or tram.
25 theme gardens. 12 miles of paths through a variety of gardens such as the Perennial Garden, Rose Garden, Renaissance Garden, Colonial Herb Garden, Healing Garden of medicinal plants, Japanese Garden, Tropical Pavilion with tropical plants and Bristow Butterfly Garden. One of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and roses on the East Coast.
PARKING: 12 wheelchair accessible parking spaces.
TYPES OF PATHS: The paths are paved, clay, grass or gravel, and some have steep grades requiring assistance for persons in wheelchairs. Trails 50 ft. long.
ENTRANCE TO VISITOR CENTER: Main parking lot. Ramps provided. Entry doors, 36 in. wide, easily open out with pull handles clearly marked in contrasting color and located 34 in. above floor. Administration building has ramp leading to front entrance, and one entrance off the rear terrace is accessible without steps.
PUBLIC REST ROOMS: Rest rooms are identified by a raised figure with pants or skirt on door to designate men or women.
Baker Hall Visitor Center. Doors are 36 in. wide opening in, no turns to enter. Accessible stalls have 34 in. wide doors opening out, and handrails. Wheelchair accessible toilet is 19 inches high with room for lateral transfer. Sink height 34 in. Accessible stall checked regularly for obstructions.
Administration building: 33 in. door opens out. No turns to enter. Accessible stall has 33 in. door opening out. Handrails and raised seat. Widest distance between commode and wall 12 in. Accessible rest rooms also in the picnic area, Flowering Arboretum and near the restaurant.
SPECIAL SERVICES:
For guests with visual disabilities,there is a fragrance garden with plants of distinctive scents. Some braille markers are on displays. There are hands-on exhibits including tactile plaques of wildlife. Documents in large print on non-glossy surface.
For guests with hearing disabilities, there is an Assistive Listening System.
For guests with mobility disabilities, The Rose Overlook, an observation deck, is very accessible for wheelchairs. Most trails are wheelchair accessible. All trams are wheelchair accessible. To request special assistance, please contact 757-441-5830 ext. 324 (front desk). Benches located throughout the Garden.
PICNIC AREAS: Just inside main gate. Paths are asphalt, gravel, packed gravel, or grass. Covered picnic pavilion and picnic benches.
GIFT SHOP: Aisles 36 in. wide, counters are 25-32 in. high. Clerks assist customers with special needs. Aisles clear of temporary displays.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Food and drink machines may be found in the Bristow Butterfly Garden, World of Wonders Children’s Garden.
Renaissance Garden has 3 tiers which have steps, but there are asphalt paths either side as well. The Berm overlooking Norfolk International Airport has a very steep path. Not recommended for wheelchair users unless able assistance is available. Boat ride has access ramp 29 in. wide. Railings to enter boat are 25 in. high, and passengers must climb 3 steps. Admission fee. Fee for guided boat or train tours. Combination tickets available. Hours of operation 9-7, Apr 15-Oct 15, 9-5 rest of year.
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