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.

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