VISITING DURING COVID-19 FAQs
PREPURCHASED TICKETS REQUIRED FOR ALL VISITORS (NO WALK-UPS). MASKS REQUIRED.
Reserve your tickets now for daytime admission.
General FAQs
What protocols and safety measures does the Garden have in place?
Safety is our top priority. The Garden joins 21 other Richmond-area cultural institutions on a set of shared values, protocols and safety measures. In addition:
- The number of tickets has been dramatically reduced.
- Tickets must be prepurchased. No walk-ups.
- Tickets are available online ONLY with a timed arrival.
- Due to strict capacity limits, there are no refunds and tickets cannot be changed to a different day and time. Proceeds benefit the Garden’s mission.
- Masks are required for all guests over 5 years of age.
- This year’s show is all outdoors. Restrooms, indoor dining (by reservation) and shopping are available.
- All guests must follow health guidelines, including social distancing at least six feet apart from others.
- There are separate entry and exit points. The entries are one-way only and designed to prevent guests from crossing paths. The exit is through an outdoor gate.
- See all of our guidelines, get helpful tips, and see what to expect on our Plan Your Visit page.
- Please note that the Garden continues to follow directives set by the Commonwealth of Virginia and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control.
Will I have to wear a face-covering or mask?
Yes. Masks are required both indoors and outdoors at the Garden to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially to those who may be vulnerable. Masks are not required for children under age 5 or those with a medical condition. If you have a medical condition and cannot wear a face covering, please practice social distancing at all times for the safety of others.
Is there be one-way traffic flow?
Yes. Entry and exit routes are one-way for safety reasons and to prevent cross-traffic. All visitors should enter from Parking Lot B, the group entrance near the Garden Shop. This setup allows guests to go by the restrooms and refill water bottles (touchless) on their way to the atrium. There is no re-entry into the Robins Visitor Center from the Garden. Please observe the Garden’s signage to assist with the new directions and help with our safety protocols. Look for floor decals and arrows and practice 6-foot social distancing when inside buildings. When outside please practice social distancing and allow other guests room to pass and step aside so they can do so. Visitors who want to visit the Garden Shop may do so at the start or the end of their visit, thanks to the addition of a second entrance into the Garden Shop from the Garden. Download a PDF of the Garden map.
What happens if I'm running late?
While we hope that you are able to arrive at your stated ticket time, or in the 30 minutes after, we understand that may not always be possible. Due to the need to manage traffic flow and attendance numbers, if you arrive more than 30 minutes after the start of your ticket reservation, and capacity limits have been reached, we may ask you to rebook your ticket for a different day and time.
What should I bring?
Along with your tickets and mask or face covering, you may also want to bring water (we have a touchless water bottle refilling station) and hand sanitizer and, as always, dress for the weather. Outside food and picnics are not allowed to be brought into the Garden.
Are the Conservatory, the Garden Shop, the Library and other buildings open?
The Conservatory is open (with one-way traffic flow) for daytime admission only. Please enter through the front door of the Conservatory and exit out each side. To see the opposite side, please enter again from the front of the Conservatory. The Robins Visitors Center is open (9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday – Sunday). The Garden Shop is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday – Sunday). The Garden Shop does not require a ticket to enter but please enter through the Robins Visitor Center and check-in at the desk. The Lora Robins Library remains closed. Bathrooms in the Visitors Center and select restrooms in the Kelly Education Center and the Children’s Garden are open.
Are certain areas of the Children's Garden remain closed? What about WaterPlay?
Some areas of the Children’s Garden that are “high-touch” remain closed. These include WaterPlay, the International Village, the treehouse and the area inside the metal fence (Sand Play, WaterPlay and the mulberry tree). Look for the new Fairy Forest along the Tree Trail in the Children’s Garden.
I use a wheelchair. Is there anything I should know before I visit?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your own wheelchair. Due to COVID-19, we are unable to supply loaner wheelchairs to members and guests. You may also want to read more about the Garden’s accessibility.
Can I still borrow a stroller?
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we are currently not able to provide loaner strollers. Please bring your own stroller if you need one.
What do I do if it’s raining?
The Garden is open rain or shine. Please be advised that in the case of tornado or hurricane warnings, guests will be directed to seek shelter. Tickets are non-refundable and Garden member tickets are non-transferable.
What if I have a library book to return?
If you have a library book to return we will be happy to take it for you at admissions, or you can hold on to it until our library reopens. There will be no fines.
Timed Ticket FAQs
Are members still free for regular daytime admission?
Yes, although members are free, they must reserve a ticket and members will scan their own membership cards and tickets upon entry. Be sure to bring your membership card or have your renewal email with you when you visit. Only current members will be able to reserve tickets. Please note, member tickets are nontransferable.
Please see our Members Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights ticket page for member GardenFest tickets.
How do I purchase tickets with a 30-minute arrival window for daytime admission? Do I need to set up an account?
On your first visit to our new online system, you will be prompted to create an account with your email address, a password and contact information. Once you have an account, you will be able to sign in with your username and password only.
When you reserve your tickets, you will see a confirmation message, however, your tickets will be sent to the email in the account you created. In the email, you will see a link to your ticket and then a button to print your tickets.
What if I need help ordering my timed ticket?
If you should need assistance, please call (804) 262-9887, x300 Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or email [email protected]
As a member, how many tickets can I get?
You can buy the same number of tickets as corresponds to your membership type. For example, an Individual member can buy one ticket. A Dual member can buy two. A Family member can buy two adults and up to six kids. A Friends member can buy up to four adults and eight children.
Can I use my guest passes for daytime tickets for my guests?
Yes, you can use your guest passes. To do so, please reserve a timed “member ticket” for your guest and bring your “Member for a Day” guest pass with you when you arrive. “Member for a Day” guest passes are not valid for GardenFest.
Can I share my ticket with someone else?
No. Garden member tickets are non-transferable and tickets are non-refundable.
Food FAQs
Are you selling food? Can I bring my own food?
Starting March 10, 2021, the Garden Cafe will open. The Robins Tea House opens on March 31, 2021.
Outside food or picnics are not allowed to be brought into the Garden.
What about water?
It’s good to stay hydrated. You may want to bring water to drink (we have a touchless water bottle refilling station). Also, bottled water is for sale in the Garden Shop.
Activities & Events FAQs
Will M&T Bank Butterflies LIVE! open this year?
No. Butterflies LIVE! will return in 2021. The exhibit’s confined, indoor space makes social distancing impossible. M&T Bank kindly transferred their sponsorship to Wind, Waves and Light.
What’s new? What will I be able to see?
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights runs November 23, 2020 – January 10, 2021 (CLOSED Thanksgiving, Dec. 24-25), Nightly 4-10 p.m.
A holiday tradition featuring lights, decorations, model trains, holiday dinners, hot chocolate (for purchase) & more. The region’s ultimate holiday extravaganza!
For daytime admission, we’ve got plenty in bloom! If you are wondering what will be in bloom during your visit, please visit our month-by-month What’s in Bloom pages.
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Are you running any Instagram contests this year?
Yes! You can see the rules and details on our GardenFest Instagram contest page.
Will you still have KidQuests?
Yes! We still have KidQuests and there are several to choose from! You can print your own at home and bring it with you or pick up at the Welcome Wall in the Robins Visitors Center. We have a Butterflies KidQuest (PDF) and other KidQuests and activities you can do at home. Please note, we will not be giving out prizes for completed KidQuests.
Membership FAQs
Will my membership be extended since the Garden was closed?
Yes, we have already extended memberships. We did not extend your membership if you responded to our email to opt-out of an extension.
If my membership lapsed while the Garden was closed, was my membership still extended?
Yes, we extended your membership based on the amount of time you missed on your active membership.
Will I receive new membership cards with the updated expiration date?
We will not be printing new cards. Your current membership card will continue to work for the duration of your membership, as your extension will be reflected in our system. You should have received an email or a postcard with your new expiration date. Please hold on to this notification and if possible, bring it with you when you visit. This will help ensure a timely check-in process.
For members interested in using their American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program benefits at other gardens and whose printed expiration dates have passed, Membership staff can reprint cards as needed. Before you plan to travel, please contact Membership at [email protected] or (804) 551-3538 to request a new card.
Can I renew my membership at the Garden?
We encourage renewing online before your visit and having your confirmation email with you to expedite the check-in process until your new card is mailed to you.
We can accommodate in-person purchases and renewals. Please note your new card and materials will be mailed to you
If my membership gift card expired while the Garden was closed, can I still redeem it?
Yes! You may either mail it to the Garden or turn it in during your next visit.
Garden Shop FAQs
Is the Garden Shop be open?
Yes, the Garden Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday – Sunday. The Garden Shop does not require a ticket to enter, but please “check-in” with admission staff so we can limit the number of visitors. Masks are required in the Garden Shop. We have a new entry point and exit in the Garden Shop creating a one-way flow of traffic. Please look for signs directing you to this new pattern. Also, if you prefer, select items are available at our online store.
How can I pay for my Garden Shop purchases?
The Garden Shop offers touch-less transactions for credit cards only and an emailed receipt. We are not accepting cash or checks at this time. For the safety of all, we have installed sneeze guards at our cash register area. Look for sanitizer stations as well.
If I don’t want to enter the store can I still buy something?
Yes, you can shop from the safety of your home at shop.lewisginter.org or we will be happy to help you over the phone if you call Wednesday through Sunday: 804-262-9887 x325. We offer quick shipping or curbside pick-up at our shop.
Are all the products in your Garden Shop available online?
No, the Garden Shop carries a large array of products from home décor to garden accents and unfortunately, we are unable to offer everything for shipping or online purchase at this time. You can always call us and we will help you purchase items over the phone if you don’t see what you are looking for online.
Facility Events FAQs
I currently have an event scheduled at the Garden. Will it still happen?
Please contact Facility Events at [email protected] or call 804.262.9887 x224
Is the Garden still available for my wedding or event this year?
Please contact Facility Events at [email protected] or call 804.262.9887 x224 or x345
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