Finding Wildflowers 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 in Lynchburg this spring and take in their stunning colors and smells. Read on for where to find them!
View at Claytor Nature Center
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 Blue Ridge Mountains. It is available to rent for special events and is a popular wedding venue. The six-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom house is also available for overnight lodging. Claytor is located just about 30 minutes outside of Lynchburg.
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. Although it’s important to note that there is no picking here, as this farm grows flowers to be purchased for 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 which sleep groups from 4-14. Drive down the road about a mile and enjoy a delicious Italian dinner at Isabellas or lunch/breakfast at Montana Plains.
Blackwater Creek Trail
Percival’s Island & Blackwater Creek Trail
Find some of the best wildflowers in Lynchburg along Percivial’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 to take with you on your stroll or when you head back to your car. You can also visit the Awareness Garden on this side of the Blackwater Creek Trail. Pro tip: less than a half mile away is the Farm Basket, stop here for some shopping and lunch.
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 definetily want to make this apart of your must see places in LYH. Stop by Grey’s on Fifth or Vito’s Pizza around the corner for lunch.
Anne Spencer Garden
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. Feel free to sit and reflect. Less than a half mile away is the Farm Basket, stop here for some shopping and lunch.