Experience Nature's Wonders with a Norfolk Botanical Membership
Nestled along the scenic Lafayette River in Norfolk, Virginia, the Norfolk Botanical Garden is an oasis of natural beauty and wonder. Spanning 175 acres, this urban gem provides access to over 60 themed gardens showcasing floral elegance, seasonal transformations, and ecological diversity. Becoming a member opens up a world of privileges to fully experience the Garden's stunning exhibits and enriching programs year-round.
From striking orchid displays to historic rose gardens, a Norfolk Botanical Garden membership enables you to visit again and again to relish the ever-changing floral shows. As the seasons evolve, so too do the sights, scents, and colors enriching the gardens. Spring impresses with blazing azaleas, magnolias, and flowering bulbs. Summer brings fragrant annuals and illuminated evenings. Autumn showcases brilliant foliage amidst chrysanthemum blooms. Even winter reveals a quiet beauty across the dormant grounds.
Types of Memberships Offered
Norfolk Botanical Garden offers memberships tailored for individuals, families, supporters, and businesses seeking to deepen their connection to this urban oasis.
Individual Membership
Priced at $65 annually, an Individual Membership covers admission for one named adult. Benefits include unlimited free entry, guest passes, discounts on classes and events, members-only early entry to exhibits, and access to reciprocal benefits at partner attractions.
Family Membership
Starting at $100 per year, a Family Membership allows two named adults residing at the same address to enjoy full individual member benefits. It also covers admission for accompanying dependent children under 18 years old.
Contributor Membership
For those eager to support Norfolk Botanical Garden at a higher level, Contributor Memberships start at $150 annually. These memberships support operations and enjoy all the benefits of an Individual Membership plus exclusive perks like invitations to special events.
Becoming a Member
Signing Up
Becoming a Norfolk Botanical Garden member is easy. Simply visit the Garden's Visitor Center in person and complete a short application with your contact and payment details. Annual memberships can also be purchased online but do require an initial in-person visit for processing.
Membership Fees
Membership rates vary based on level selected. Individual Memberships are $65, Family starts at $100, and Contributor Memberships begin at $150 annually. Membership dues can be paid upfront annually or in installments via monthly auto-renewal payments.
ID Cards and Materials
Once your application is processed, new members receive a personalized membership card for entry, along with aMembership Guide detailing all benefits, discounts, policies, and upcoming exclusive member events.
Member Events and Programs
From special previews to savings on classes, members unlock unique ways to engage with Norfolk Botanical Garden year-round.
Seasonal Events
Members enjoy exclusive after-hours and early-access events to preview major seasonal exhibits before the public. Recent examples include early entry to Holiday Lights and summer's Brews, Bites & Blooms series.
Discount Programs
Members receive reduced registration rates on gardening lectures, hands-on workshops, and wellness activities through the Garden's public programs.
Early Access
New exhibits often allow members to be the first to experience new garden spaces, gaining early admission privileges before opening to the public.
Renewing Your Membership
Renewal Process
Members can easily renew online through the website up to 2 months before expiration to retain continuous benefits. Members also have a 30-day grace period after expiration to renew in-person at the Visitor Center.
Lapsed Memberships
If memberships lapse, renewal is still possible but will be treated as a new membership with required in-person processing. Lapsed members lose reciprocal and discount privileges until renewal is completed.
Partnership Benefits
Local Reciprocals
From Virginia Zoo to Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Botanical Garden members can enjoy free or discounted entry to various partner organizations through local reciprocal agreements.
Discounts
Beyond reciprocal benefits, members also get 10% discounts at the Garden's gift shop and cafe as well as special promotional offers from community partners.
Volunteer Opportunities
Giving back through service is a rewarding way for members to deepen their engagement. Options range from hands-on gardening to community outreach.
Docent and Tour Guide
Members can apply to volunteer as docents, leading tours and sharing their passion for the Garden with visitors.
Horticulture and Facilities
Avid gardeners can get involved directly with planting, maintenance, construction, and conservation initiatives around the grounds.
Administrative
Other roles supporting visitor services, research, outreach, and daily operations are also available year-round.
Membership Restrictions
To provide quality experiences, some restrictions apply to memberships:
- Guests limited to 6 per member visit
- Peak spring entry needs advance reservations
- Some areas may close for special events
However, ample visitation opportunities exist all year with planning.
Tax Deductions
Those itemizing deductions may qualify to write off part of the membership fee on personal tax returns as a charitable contribution.
New Member Promotions
Special joining offers are sometimes available such as discounted entry coupons or bonus reciprocal benefits at partners like the YMCA.
Review all terms and policies carefully when joining, including cancellation, conduct rules, and limitations. Membership is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Becoming a Norfolk Botanical Garden member opens the door to year-round engagement with natural beauty and enriching programming. As the Garden transforms through the seasons, membership provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace while supporting operations. Visit often to unlock horticultural discovery, wellness, relaxation, and environmental stewardship through membership.