Escape to an Exotic Garden

If you’re seeking an outdoor sanctuary as the weather gets warmer, look no further than Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Located in the Vienna, Virginia countryside, the public park features 95 acres of beautiful lakes, trails, hills, and gardens.  

Meadowlark is home to three native plant collections: the Potomac Valley Collection, the Virginia Native Tree Collection, and the Virginia Native Wetland Collection. All are maintained in support of the International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation.  

“Our whole mission is tied into conservation, education, and aesthetics,” said Manager Keith Tomlinson, “Basically creating an exceptionally beautiful space but [also] having a strong message about conservation, of plant diversity, and of open space.” 

In addition to its native plant collections, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens exhibits a variety of ornamental display gardens including, but not limited to, butterfly, herb, cancer treatment, and perennial gardens, cherry trees, sculptures, and a conifer collection.  

A million-dollar Korean Bell Garden, set to open later this spring, is currently under construction. “It will be the only garden of its type in a public garden in North America,” Tomlinson said, “It is so unique and horticulturally significant; there’ll be nothing else like it in the country.” 

Apart from conservation, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for learners of all ages. The park welcomes “everyone from kindergarteners to graduate students” for academic visits, Tomlinson said, “We pride ourselves on the fact that we can provide educational programs that are that diverse.” 

“Education is one of the baseline issues of what we do,” he continued, “It’s really all about educating people about the importance of plant diversity to human wellbeing.” Meadowlark also offers gardening workshops, tours, photography classes, children’s camps, and more. 

The park is open year round; during the winter months many activities are held inside the Visitor’s Center, which boasts a large fireplace, library, gift shop, and several exhibits.  

The Gardens’ Atrium, voted among the top three event venues in the Washington metropolitan area by Washingtonian Magazine, has an indoor stream, fountain, and 2,000-square-foot skylight. The Atrium has become a popular venue for weddings, concerts, banquets, and other private events. 

Keith Tomlinson calls Meadowlark Botanical Gardens an “extraordinary respite for people as a natural, open space.” Featuring some of Virginia’s most scenic views, plants from around the world, and fun activities for visitors of any age, the park truly is a great escape. 

Camp Grow! 

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is proud to host Camp Grow!, one of its most popular activities for local youth, again this summer. This year there will also be a Spring Break session April 18-22. Click here to view camp activities and register your child.  

Other Upcoming Events at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens 

• Pruning Demonstration, Sat 3/26, 10am-11am, $5
• Garden Amphibian Hike, Fri 4/1, 7pm-9pm, Free
• Tour of the Atrium Gardens at Meadowlark, Sat 4/2, 10am-11am, $5
• Language Tour Day at Meadowlark, Sun 4/3, 2pm-4pm, Free
• Spring Wild Flowers of the Potomac Valley Collection, Sun 4/10, 2pm-3pm, Free
• Birding in the Gardens, Sun 4/24, 2pm-3pm, Free 

Some events require registration; click here for more details, or call (703) 255-3631.