Recently, I discovered a delightful botanical destination in the heart of Williamsburg, Virginia. It was my first stop on the beginning of a historic farm garden and home tour throughout Hampton Roads, and I only learned of the place once I was in town. I was not disappointed. 

A great time of the year to visit

I had perfect travel conditions, which is quite rare when heading down to this part of Virginia on Labor Day week. I left on Wednesday. That’s my disclaimer. It wasn’t on a Friday or Sunday, or it might’ve been a different story. 

I arrived at my studio where I was staying that late afternoon, courtesy of my parent’s generosity and hotel points. After learning of this newer garden, I decided to go ahead and check it out. The newer (for a garden) Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Freedom Park Arboretum surprised and inspired. 

Compact, yet expansive and breathtaking

It’s on a two acre site, and I was interested because I also live on two acres. I wanted to see what they did in a same sized- place, and I was truly in awe. This has to be one of my favorite gardens, ever. 

The area it’s located in is called Freedom Square. This spot has been a botanical gardens for a little over 15 years. The Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists in Williamsburg are very much involved with the upkeep of the space, which is tended entirely by volunteers. 

And I’ll admit, I live on two acres, and like I said, I wasn’t expecting a whole lot. I was thinking it was going to have the vibe of a very new garden. I am happy to say I was proven quite wrong! 

This botanical destination in Williamsburg has so much to recommend it!

There are towering longleaf and loblolly Pines that are just gorgeous. 

They really made me appreciate that native Pines that I don’t have in the mountains that are so emblematic of the southeastern part of Virginia. It was beautiful. 

Visiting the gardens

Entrance to the gardens are free. Just before the beautifully planted and labelled woodland area inside the entrance, there is a box for donations.

I visited an hour before Sunset, and just about had the place to myself, which was a treat. (Well, there was one other person there).

Head counter-clockwise from the parking area, and you’ll find the beautifully appointed and gated entrance at the 3:00 position, if where yoy parked was 6:00. I imagine the fencing of this space helps protect the collection from deer that no doubt live and eat happily in the woods all around it and along the trails nearby. 

The beautiful gates seem to have been created for the specific purpose of the garden entrance, and are gorgeous works of art. They impart a feeling of sacredness. 

Outside, across from the parking area, there;s a sign deidcated to the Virginia Tech victims in April of 2007. Within is quite a beautiful meditative spot which achieves the feeling of peace I think the designer was trying to bestow upon visitors to the garden.. 

Many rooms in this garden “house”

Within this two acres, which is circular shaped, I loved that there are many parterres, or garden rooms.

There’s a vegetable gardening area, a native mini meadow, a Therapy garden, and a great collections of hydrangeas. Many of the trees and shrubs are labeled, which I really appreciate. There’s specific area where kids can play. 

There’s a couple outdoor classrooms, which is wonderful. It made me want to come back and take a class whenever they happen. And all together, just a really neat spot. 

If you’re headed to this Botanical delight in Williamsburg…

I would recommend visiting any time , but especially if you are planning a trip to Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg or Chippokes State Park and Farm Museum. 

That is what I did! I would also bring a bike because there’s a lot of nice trails right in the immediate area outside of the garden, as well as the nearby Capital Trail that runs all the way to Richmond. I also recommend you bring really good walking shoes, because aside from the Williamsburg Botanical Gardens, you will definitely get some miles in if you combine your visit with a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. Enjoy!

*A special thanks to the gardeners who work in this special spot, and the designer(s) who created it. You melded so many elements into a relatively small space in such a seamless and gorgeous way. Bravo!