Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Beginning Botany
LEARN THE PLANT FAMILIES EVERY VIRGINIAN SHOULD KNOW!

Curious about the plants you see every day? This engaging introductory course makes botany accessible, practical, and fun. Join the Garden’s Vice President of Horticulture, Danny Cox, as you explore the ten most common plant families in Virginia—and learn how to recognize them anywhere you go. You’ll build the foundational skills that botanists use daily: essential terminology, naming conventions, and the pattern recognition techniques that make plant ID quicker and more intuitive. Through a blend of lecture, herbarium exploration, and a guided garden walk, you’ll gain real world experience identifying plant families in the field. Bonus Experience: After class, participants are invited to stay and enjoy live music during the Garden’s popular Flowers After 5 event—making this not just a course, but an enjoyable evening out at the Garden. Perfect for home gardeners, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to build confidence in plant identification. Reserve your spot today!

Fees: Member $27, Non-Member $34

All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x328 and we will make our best effort to help.

Register Member $27

Register Non-Member $34

Date:
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time:
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Event Details

Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather as this class will involve walking in the Garden.

Danny Cox, Vice President of Horticulture at Lewis Ginter Botanical GardenAbout the Instructor

A leader in public horticulture for more than a decade, Danny Cox oversees the Horticulture Department, setting the vision for the curation, growth, and maintenance of botanical collections. He combines lifelong passions for plants and people by creating innovative landscape displays that inspire and delight visitors and celebrate Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s diverse membership.

Danny received his Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University and is a graduate of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce Associate Leadership Development Program, as well as the Strategic Leaders Program at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He honed his expertise in garden construction, maintenance, layout, and design at the Naples Botanical Garden in Florida, rising through the ranks to Senior Horticulture Manager.

Danny has also served on the Board of Directors of the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society and the Naples Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. Most recently, Danny completed the Longwood Fellows Program, a prestigious leadership development program for public garden professionals which included a field placement with the Singapore National Parks Board.

While Danny has a strong knowledge of many aspects of horticulture and public gardens, he specializes in aquatic and tropical plants. His work with the waterlily collection at Naples Botanical Garden was featured in Better Homes and Gardens. As a new resident to the Mid-Atlantic Region, Danny is excited to explore all Richmond and its surrounding natural areas have to offer.

login or create an account

We have adapted a new Garden-wide system as of March 6, 2024. You will need to create or activate your account the first time you use the system.

manage my account
Adult Learning at the Garden

Browse all upcoming adult classes, tours and programs using our Programs By Date tool.

Browse Opportunities