rap gardensC in focus Explore Sites That Participate in the AHS Reciprocal Admissions Program

Norfolk by Laken Burns

N 1938, the Works Progress Admin- can laborers who originally created the istration (WPA) assigned a group garden. An additional legacy is that many Iof African American workers to es- of the azaleas they planted still bloom tablish a public garden—with a focus around nearby Mirror Lake. More on azaleas—on 175 acres of swampland azaleas fill the Rhododendron Glade, in Norfolk, . Three years later, where they mingle with other woodland 5,000 azaleas, along with thousands of shrubs and trees. Visitors also can admire other shrubs, trees, and bulbs had been several other significant collections of planted. This garden has evolved into specific plants such as hydrangeas, camel- what is known today as the Norfolk Bo- lias, hollies, and roses. And NBG’s crape tanical Garden (NBG), which now com- myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) collection prises an even broader range of plants is “the only collection of this genus in and gardens. North America accredited by the Amer- ican Public Gardens Association Plant SHOWCASING HORTICULTURAL DIVERSITY Collections Network,” says Les Parks, Among the 60 plus themed gardens at Top: The Sarah Lee Baker Perennial Garden NBG’s director of horticulture. NBG is a WPA Memorial Garden that in May. Above: Azaleas bloom in the WPA Examples of various design styles in-

commemorates the 220 African Ameri- Memorial Garden in late spring. clude the grand Renaissance Garden, TOP: COURTESY OF NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN. BOTTOM: TOM HOUSER, GARDEN

50 the American Gardener HOW THE RECIPROCAL ADMISSIONS PROGRAM (RAP) WORKS This American Horticultural Society program is designed to encourage peo- ple to visit gardens, arboreta, and con- servatories while traveling. As a current member, you receive free admission and/or other special discounts at more than 320 sites throughout North Amer- ica! Here’s how to make the most of this member benefit:

n View the current list of participating locations and the RAP benefits they offer at www.ahsgardening.org/rap gardens. This list is also published in a booklet. To order, visit www.ahsgarden ing.org/RAPGuideHelp. n Contact the garden to confirm the RAP benefits it offers. (Some sites may Above: Boat tours during the summer choose to enforce a 90-mile exclusion months provide a relaxing way for visitors policy; if your zip code falls within that to experience the gardens. Right: Kids enjoy distance from the location, you would cooling off in the fountains in the World of not receive the offered RAP benefits Wonders Children’s Garden. there.) Admission to special events may also be excluded. featuring a reflecting pool, fountain, and n Present your current membership card symmetrical lines; the Sarah Lee Baker at the admissions counter or gift shop Perennial Garden, a formal circular to receive the RAP benefit(s) offered by garden bisected by terraced canals flow- that garden. Each card will only admit ing away from a central fountain; and the individual(s) listed on the card. In the traditional , hon- the case of a family, couple, or house- oring Norfolk’s sister city of Kitakyushu. hold membership card that does not list individual names, the garden must ex- EDUCATION AND EXPLORATION den engages youngsters with hands-on tend the benefit(s) to at least two mem- Other areas in NBG focus on providing learning about plants, soil, and insects, bers; it is at the garden’s discretion to educational experiences, especially the and allows them to explore biomes from extend benefits to more than two indi- World of Wonders Children’s Gar- around the world. Beginning June 14, viduals. Some gardens may require a den. Spanning over three acres, this gar- this garden area will feature special pro- photo ID. grams and exhibits around the theme of “Hip Habitats & Happening Homes,” Additional Information designed to encourage kids and their YEAR-ROUND BEAUTY Norfolk Botanical Garden families to take conservation-minded ac- NBG’s diverse gardens and plantings en- 6700 Azalea Garden Road tions in their communities. sure that every season has something to Norfolk, VA 23518. (757) 441-5830 Visitors of all ages will be captivated offer to visitors. “Norfolk Botanical Gar- www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org by some of nature’s loveliest pollinators den is both a place where the horticul- in the Bristow Butterfly Garden. Open- turally minded can see several plant col- n Hours: April 1–Oct. 15: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ing June 15 for the summer months, the lections and unusual species, and where Oct. 16–March 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. enclosed Butterfly House allows up- everyone can simply enjoy the beauty of n Fees: Adult $12; Seniors, Military, and close observation of several butterfly nature,” says Parks. “To the local com- Children (ages 3–17) $10. Toddlers 2 and species. On July 13, NBG and the But- munity, it is an oasis, a refuge, and the under free with parent or guardian. terfly Society of Virginia will hold their green heart of Coastal Virginia.” m n RAP benefits: AHS members receive annual Butterfly Festival, which will fea- free admission. ture family-friendly demonstrations and Laken Burns is an editorial intern for The COURTESY OF NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN (2) TOP: COURTESY OF NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN. BOTTOM: TOM HOUSER, GARDEN activities. American Gardener.

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