Hi all, this is Joseph, your GPOD editor, and today I’m sharing some photos from a trip I took at the end of March to Norfolk Botanical Gardens in Norfolk, Virginia.

The gardens have one of the largest collections of camellias (Camellia species and hybrids, generally Zones 7–10) in the Eastern United States. This is the sight as you drive in—a long hedge of camellias in stunning full bloom.

A big rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, Zone 7 or 8–10). When I lived in Michigan, I never saw rosemary bloom, but in warmer climates it covers itself with purple flowers in late winter or early spring.

The gardens are quite large and feature some beautiful views, like this pond and fountain backed by tall pines and a huge collection of camellias beyond.

Hellebores are always popular for their winter blooms and pest resistance. This is the species Helleborus foetidus (Zones 5–9), which produces big masses of pale green flowers.

Stachyurus is a large shrub that produces these distinctive tassels of dangling flowers. I think this is Stachyurus praecox (Zones 6–8), but I’m not sure because I couldn’t find a tag.

A sweet little daffodil (Narcissus ‘White Petticoat’, Zones 5–9)

Visitors can sit and enjoy the early spring blooms in this nice little nook.

Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica, Zones 5–9) draping itself with clusters of pink flowers.

Close-up of the flowers of Japanese pieris

There is a small greenhouse full of tropical plants, like this little moth orchid (Phalaenopsis hybrid, tropical) growing on the trunk of another tree, like it would in the wild.

They even had one of the trendiest tropical plants in the world right now: a variegated monstera (Monstera deliciosa). I’ve got to confess—I don’t see what all the fuss is about! But it was fun to see one anyway.

Have a garden you’d like to share?

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

If you want to send photos in separate emails to the GPOD email box that is just fine.

Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening!

You don’t have to be a professional garden photographer – check out our garden photography tips!

Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
- 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm

Buy at Amazon

Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Quick and easy to put into operation and is less noisy and lighter in weight than gas-powered hedge trimmers.
- 38 x 7 x 7 inches
- 6.9 pounds
- 1 Lithium Ion battery required (included)

Buy at Amazon