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Botanical Gardens in Virginia

12 botanical gardens in Virginia with photography planning data — sunrise and sunset azimuths, golden hour by month, Milky Way windows and estimated sky darkness. Fairfax County has the most (3). The darkest skies are at Orland E. White Research Arboretum (Bortle 4).

Top botanical gardens

Lewis Ginter Botanical GardenBotanical Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical GardenHenrico County
Norfolk Botanical GardenBotanical Garden
Norfolk Botanical GardenCity of Norfolk
Green Spring Gardens ParkBotanical Garden
Green Spring Gardens ParkFairfax County
Chesapeake ArboretumBotanical Garden
Chesapeake ArboretumCity of Chesapeake
Maymont ParkBotanical Garden
Maymont ParkCity of Richmond
Meadowlark Botanical GardensBotanical Garden
Meadowlark Botanical GardensFairfax County
River FarmBotanical Garden
River FarmFairfax County
Museum of the Shenandoah ValleyBotanical Garden
Museum of the Shenandoah ValleyCity of Winchester
Boxerwood GardensBotanical Garden
Boxerwood GardensRockingham County
Hahn Horticulture GardenBotanical Garden
Hahn Horticulture GardenMontgomery County
Orland E. White Research ArboretumBotanical Garden
Orland E. White Research ArboretumClarke County
Edith J. Carrier ArboretumBotanical Garden
Edith J. Carrier ArboretumCity of Harrisonburg

Botanical Gardens by county

Map

How to photograph botanical gardens

Gardens are best on bright overcast days or early mornings when dew is fresh and the wind is calm.

  • A macro lens or close-up filter opens a world of detail — try a shallow aperture against a soft background.
  • Many gardens restrict tripods or charge for photography; check the rules before you go.
  • Backlit petals glow; position yourself so the sun is behind the flower.
  • Seasonal exhibits (orchids, tulips, cherry blossoms) draw crowds — arrive at opening.
  • Kaleidoscopic and abstract images are great for flower close-ups — try the online kaleidoscope tool.

Season: Spring bulbs and blossoms, summer perennials and autumn color; glasshouses offer winter subjects.