Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Unveils Expanded Conservatory and Outdoor Spaces

The two-year project will nearly double the size of the conservatory and add 7.5 acres of new gardens and walking trails.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia is preparing to unveil the results of a major two-year expansion project on May 23, 2026. The project will nearly double the size of the garden's conservatory, add 7.5 acres of new outdoor spaces and incorporate an additional lake into the visitor experience, all designed to create more opportunities for learning, wellness and community connection.

Why it matters

The expansion is intended to meet growing demand for outdoor programming and educational experiences at the popular botanical garden. By increasing the size of the conservatory and adding new gardens and walking trails, the garden will be able to showcase a more diverse plant collection and provide more immersive experiences for visitors.

The details

The expanded conservatory will include new tropical and subtropical houses as well as a permanent butterfly house, while existing spaces will be transformed into Mediterranean and desert climate environments. Beyond the conservatory, the project includes 7.5 acres of new gardens surrounding the building and nearby Wick Lake, which has been expanded to four acres and will feature a new walking trail called Martha's Way. Improvements are also expected to enhance wildlife habitat, serve as a living classroom and support stormwater management. The expansion also includes a larger Kroger Community Kitchen Garden, which will feature a demonstration area and increased production of fruits and vegetables for the regional food bank Feed More.

  • The expansion project began two years ago in 2024.
  • The new spaces are scheduled to open to the public on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

The players

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

A botanical garden located in Richmond, Virginia that is preparing to unveil the results of a major two-year expansion project.

Brian Trader

The President and CEO of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Hourigan

The general contractor for the expansion project.

Timmons Group

The engineering firm that provided services for the expansion project.

Feed More

A regional food bank that will receive increased produce donations from the expanded Kroger Community Kitchen Garden.

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What they’re saying

“We have continually seen an increase in visitation and engagement with our programs over the years. This expansion enables us to grow our mission by increasing opportunities to bring the community together for enjoyment, learning and connection to the natural world.”

— Brian Trader, President and CEO, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

What’s next

The new spaces at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden are scheduled to open to the public on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

The takeaway

This major expansion project at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden demonstrates the growing demand for immersive outdoor experiences and educational programming focused on the natural world. By nearly doubling the size of the conservatory and adding new gardens and walking trails, the garden will be able to showcase a more diverse plant collection and provide more opportunities for the community to connect with nature.