Paths Around the Glass: A Tour of Resilient Beauty

Step beyond the Conservatory and tour the new Garden areas added as part of the Conservatory expansion. “Paths Around the Glass” is a guided outdoor tour that showcases the plants that can not only thrive in Richmond’s climate, but are designed to provide food and shelter for insects and wildlife. You will discover the adaptive design techniques used to create the varied areas around the conservatory, including: a hillside garden, a parterre meadow, a new courtyard for gatherings, and aquatic plants and paths around the new lake area. As you go through the spaces, you will discover a rich variety of plants that are primarily native and are well-suited for this environment from evergreens to hardy perennials that return each year. The landscape is designed for resilience, transitioning from formal irrigated garden beds to more natural environments that rely on drought-tolerant and self-sustaining plantings that can thrive throughout the year. This tour will begin on the steps at the entrance to the Conservatory. Enter through the Visitors Center and check in with Guest Services prior to the tour. ALL TOURS ARE NOW OFFERED AS DROP-IN ONLY AND DO NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION. THIS TOUR IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED AND IS LIMITED TO 15 PARTICIPANTS. *Included in regular Garden Admission; free for members*