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Descend the steps below NATO Overlook and enter a different world. Tropical and subtropical plants that thrive outdoors in Hampton Roads line the bank of the canal. A warm microclimate created by the water and protected hillside help these plants survive a winter here but not elsewhere in Virginia since Norfolk is at the northern edge of USDA zone 8.

The Purity Garden’s semicircle of camellias provides the backdrop for Cataldi’s sculpture of Madonna and Child. Pure white flowers and deep green foliage surround the focal sculpture in this cool, peaceful garden.

Behind the Education building, this garden includes plants that attract hummingbirds and other nectar loving animals. A mixture of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees welcome visitors. Keep your eyes open while you are here, because the hummingbirds move fast.

Located adjacent to the administration building, the Fragrance Garden was conceived as a garden therapy project in the spring of 1963. The City of Norfolk financed the construction and planting of the garden.

A variety of fragrant trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs bloom during the year. This garden is designed for all who enjoy fragrant plants.

Taking its inspiration from traditional Southern gardens and centered around an antique olive jar, the Circle Garden has been planted for year-round interest. In winter hellebores bloom, followed by a variety of narcissus, spring-blooming camellias, then azaleas, and in summer hydrangeas are blooming. A delightfully fragrant treat for the nose occurs in late spring when the star jasmine blooms. In autumn, sweeps of goldenrod bloom just before the Japanese maples take on their fall colors. Several benches in the garden offer a shady place to rest away from the sun while enjoying quiet conversations or silent contemplation

This garden features a number of native plants that have been historically valued by Coastal Virginia’s indigenous community for their healing properties. In addition to medicinal healing, this garden is also a soothing place for mental healing and for reflection. Stroll beside a small stream with quiet pools, cross over a granite footbridge, and enjoy some of the plants here including yaupon holly, sassafras, Virginia strawberry, wild ginger, and spicebush. Adjacent to this garden, a wide path offers views of the canal, Cobblestone Bridge, and Lake Whitehurst beyond.

The All American Display Garden is located outside the propagation greenhouse next to the Potager Garden.

All-America Selections National and Regional Winners have been tested for garden performance by a panel of expert judges. Varieties that perform best over all of North America become AAS National Winners. Entries that performed particularly well in certain regions are named AAS Regional Winners. The AAS Winners offer gardeners reliable new varieties that have proven their superior garden performance in Trial Grounds across North America, thus, our tagline of “Tested Nationally and Proven Locally®”. Only the best garden performers (best scores) become AAS Winners.

AAS Display Gardens provide the public with an opportunity to view the newest AAS Winners in an attractive well-maintained setting.

This area is the oldest part of the garden, where WPA workers began clearing for azalea plantings in 1939. These original azaleas still put on a show stopping display every spring. In 2008, the 70th anniversary of Norfolk Botanical Garden, a memorial garden was created to honor the legacy of the WPA workers.

This garden is best explored on foot. There are several well manicured woodland trails, as well as a paved road, that lead visitors through our vast collections of azaleas and mountain laurels. Mirror Lake is also home to several species of native orchids, ferns, and other unique native woodland plants.

This is a prime garden for viewing wildlife, especially birds. Be on the lookout for wood ducks, owls, hawks, and warblers.

The Matson Perennial Garden is located next to Renaissance Court and the Border Garden.

The Garden was created in honor of Pat and Kay Matson, who were known in the Hampton Roads community for bringing new perennials into the area.

The Matson Perennial Garden is about a quarter of an acre in size and is filled with new cultivars of the same plants that the Matsons first introduced in the Hampton Roads area and some of the original plants that they donated to Norfolk Botanical Garden.

This garden includes both shady and sunny spots, a stream, a dry stack wall and stone pathways. Sweeps of perennials border the canal and smaller plants are tucked into niches along the paved road.

The Figure 8 Garden is a meandering shady path through impressive azaleas and other woodland shrubs. Surprises are tucked into hidden corners throughout this informal garden.