FINDING spring blooms IN LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
Lynchburg’s beauty of rolling hills, historic sites and buildings, and trails by the James River are the perfect places for flowers of all kinds to flourish. Explore the wildflowers and public gardens in Lynchburg this spring and take in their stunning colors and smells. Read on for where to find them! To see more in bloom, be sure to stay up to date on The Garden Club of Virginia Historic Garden Week and buy tickets to see historic homes and gardens in LYH during April.
Irvington Spring Farm
Irvington Spring Farm
Irvington Spring Farm is a gorgeous flower farm open from March through October. Stroll around and enjoy 3 acres of flower gardens and native plants. However, it’s important to note, that there is no picking here, as this farm grows flowers to be purchased for bouquets, weddings, and events. You can purchase some of their arrangements in the self-serve farm shop stocked with flowers by the bunch, mixed bouquets, and mason jar arrangements, or purchase native plants to plant in your own backyard. You can even stay on this beautiful property and choose from four different places that sleep groups from 4-14. Check them out here. Drive down the road about a mile and enjoy a delicious Italian dinner at Isabella’s or lunch/breakfast at Market at Main (Boonsboro location).
Blackwater Creek Trail
Percival’s Island & Blackwater Creek Trail
Find some of the best wildflowers in Lynchburg along Percival’s Island, including Bluebells, daffodils, and other native flowers lining the 3+ miles of biking and walking path. Along the path are other winding and hilly dirt trails in the woods for those feeling even more adventurous. For more wildflower sightings, walk or bike the Blackwater Creek Trail; park at the Ed Page entrance and stop at Nomad Coffee for one of their specialty drinks (we recommend the “Flower Child”) to take with you on your stroll or when you head back to your car.
Explore Lynchburg’s Public Gardens
Old City Cemetery
Old City Cemetery
Old City Cemetery’s garden consists of hundreds of native and heirloom plants and is home to the largest collection of antique roses in Virginia. There are more than 400 antique roses, or “Old Garden Roses,” on-site, but no picking, please! The Annual Antique Rose Festival starts in mid-April and runs through the end of May, you’ll want to make this a part of your must-see places in LYH. Stop Vito’s Pizza around the corner for lunch or head to Main Street for a variety of flavors. If you’re looking for a place to stay nearby, try The Virginian or The Craddock Terry just down the street and in the heart of Downtown.
Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum
Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum
Anne Spencer House is the only known restored garden of an African American in the United States, maintained by Hillside Garden Club. Be sure to check out the rose garden, which includes all of Anne Spencer’s original roses. You must make an appointment for a tour and admission – Book online HERE.
The Awareness Garden
The Awareness Garden is planted to honor the lives who have been touched by cancer. Beautiful blooms and lush greenery surround the memorial near the Ed Page entrance of the Blackwater Creek Trail System. Feel free to sit and reflect while taking in the floral views. Less than a half mile away is the Farm Basket and Golf Park Cofee, stop here for some shopping and lunch.
beyond lyh
Claytor Nature Center. Photo Credit: University of Lynchburg
Claytor Nature Center
Owned and operated by the University of Lynchburg, visit Claytor Nature Center to see gorgeous wildflowers and gardens surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Throughout the property in early spring, you’ll find skunk cabbage flowers and daffodils on “Daffodil Hill” on Cloverlea Lane. Wildflowers including Virginia bluebells and fire pinks will be on display along the center’s trails in April. Claytor Nature Center also has a stunning bog garden and a reflecting pool surrounded by maintained gardens. Cloverlea Farmhouse offers a stunning panoramic view of the Peaks of Otter and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is available to rent for special events and is a popular wedding venue. Stay in LYH or grab lunch at Montana Plans if you venture out for the day. Claytor is located just about 30 minutes outside of Lynchburg.
For a full list of the Public Gardens in Lynchburg, visit HERE.