Garden
Etiquette

For the safety and enjoyment of our guests:

  • Outside food or picnics are not allowed to be brought into the Garden except for pre-registered school groups. Learn more about food service at the Garden.
  • We are unable to accommodate group meetings in the Garden Café.  To rent a meeting space, please contact [email protected] or call (804) 262-9887, x224 or x345.
  • Pets are permitted only on specially advertised Fido’s Nights.  Service animals are permitted at all times. Please read our rules and guidelines for visiting Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with dogs.
  • Please refrain from the following activities:
    • Stepping in the planting beds
    • Collecting live plants, seeds, flowers, fruits or vegetables
    • Feeding the geese and other wildlife
  • The use of drones is not allowed in the Garden and drones may not fly over Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s property.

Smoke, Vape & Tobacco Free Policy

Our Garden is now a smoke and tobacco free zone, prohibiting smoking, vaping, or tobacco use. This decision protects the health and well-being of our guests, staff, and plants and keeps our air and our Gardens cleaner for all. The only place guests may smoke, vape or use tobacco is inside their personal vehicles.

Please keep the following items at home:

  • Tricycles, bicycles, skateboards, and hoverboards (we have bike racks outside the Visitor Center)
  • Footballs, frisbees, kites, and other sporting items
  • Fireworks, firearms, alcohol, and glass containers

For artists and photographers:

  • Professional portraits require a reservation and fee through the Facility Rental Office.
  • Please do not leave your equipment unattended, as the Garden is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Certain venues may be unavailable due to previously scheduled events or routine maintenance.
  • Please do not block main paths, set up within garden beds, or disturb the plant collections.
  • If you choose to work in the Conservatory, please use a drop cloth.