Explore the wonders of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in every season. This extraordinary garden is a botanically-rich, exploratory environment where children experience the wonders of the natural world. Young Buds programs for ages 3, 4, and 5 include storytelling, hands-on activities, exploration, and creative play. Class size is limited to 20. Programs are available Monday - Friday. Check dates below for class times. These programs can be reserved by contacting a registrar at 804-262-9887 x 322.

June 14th to September 6th programs are available at 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 a.m.
September 7th to December 31st programs are available at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.

2010 Young Buds Programs

Winter Adaptations | January 1st to February 12th

Discover how plants, trees, and animals have developed cold weather adaptations. Children are encouraged to use their senses and imagination as they discover how plants and animals survive the winter season in Virginia. Participants will collect natural materials and leaves for the classroom and students will create a miniature animal nest to take home. 

Sprouts in Spring | February 15th to March 31st

Dramatic seasonal changes bring sunlight and warmth to plants “waking up” in the Garden.  Students will uncover bright new sprouts and emerging buds among the plants and trees in the early spring garden.  We will discover different sizes, shapes, and colors of the new plants and students will craft a flower pot ornament to take home.

Garden Dwellers | April 1st to May 31st

Children use their senses and imagination to discover habitat clues for the many creatures that live in the Children’s Garden.  Through creative play, participants answer simple questions about animal life such as, “what would you eat?”, “how would you travel?”, and “what kind of home would you build?”  Students will learn how to create a clay bird nest to take home.

Bees and Blooms | June 1st to August 31st

Millions of blooms attract many insects to the garden each year including honey bees, the “angels of agriculture.'  Using a “bee’s eye view,” children explore different flower types and discover how fruits and seeds develop.  Participants enjoy learning the “bee dance,” working with beeswax, and tasting local honey.

Feast for the Senses| June 1st to August 31st

Discover a “feast for the senses.”  Students experience aromas, flavors, sights, and sounds as they explore the summer garden.  Participants harvest fragrant herbs for the classroom and students create an individual botanical collage to take home.

Flowers to Fruit | September 1st to October 15th

Did you know that flowers turn into fruit?  Join as we observe insects visiting a variety of flowers in the Garden and discover this amazing transformation in its natural setting.  Participants will harvest fruit in the farm garden, collect seeds, and create a color collage from flower petals.

Life in the Forest | October 18th to November 30th

Discover the three layers of plant and animal life of a hardwood forest.  Join us on an adventurous woodland walk where we will use our senses to search for animals and animal signs.  We will observe the tree canopy from the forest floor, collect natural materials, and create a miniature forest to take home.

Children's Garden Group Information Guide

Our Children's Garden Group Information Guide is REQUIRED reading for any group that wants to book a trip to the garden. It can be accessed here. Below are links to individual sections, but make sure to familiarize yourself with the entire document before booking your class.

• Fees and Payment
• Registration Procedures
• Rescheduling and Cancellations
• Group Visit Policies
• On the Day of Your Visit
• Directions to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden