Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

in Garden Focus by Britt — September 3, 2010 at 10:39 am | 0 comments

Sitting quietly in the middle of Vienna, Virginia and thirty minutes from downtown Washington D.C. is Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.  A fantastic place to get away from it all.

With 94 acres Meadowlark hosts numerous flower and tree collections as well as paths, benches and views that stun.  I of course come for the flowers : )

Walking the immense property is joy in and of itself.  There are lovely benches set up throughout and all with incredible views.

The wetland ponds and woods are absolutely perfect for birding and photography.  According to Meadowlark there are, “blue herons, green herons and black crowned night herons,” among others.

The rolling hills offer a multitude of great viewing posts!

The central fountain is a great backdrop from nearly any angle.

There are several garden locations.  I particularly enjoy the herb garden.

There are even more flowers closer to the main Visitor’s Center.

The gardens pop up in little clusters which dot the area.

Each cluster offers places to sit.

Most of of the gardens are full of color!

The main attraction, however, may just be Virginia’s native trees.

Meadowlark has, if anything, loads of trees! Not only do the paths wind one throughout them, there are even deeper paths that take visitors into the surrounding woods.

One of the great main attractions at Meadowlark are the lovely views along the winding paths.  They offer bridges and gazebos…

and picture perfect places to sit.

As well as lovely vignettes to photograph.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a great place to spend the morning or afternoon.  If taking photographs I recommend late afternoon or early morning at this time of year. There is plenty to see and do.  The Visitor’s center is also offers up a great air conditioned spot for a respite as well as a great selection of photographic prints, cards and the sort in the gift shop!

For more information on hours, location and directions, please visit http://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/content/the_gardens

‘Til Tomorrow…

Britt : )

Related posts:

1. The Children’s Garden at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
2. Part I: Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
3. Part V: The Conservatory at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.
4. Part IV: The Asian Valley at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
5. Part III: The Children’s Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

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