Lewis Ginter to unveil expanded conservatory, outdoor spaces May 23

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is preparing to unveil the results of a two-year expansion project, with a newly enhanced garden scheduled to open to the public on Saturday, May 23.

The project will nearly double the size of the garden’s conservatory, add 7.5 acres of new outdoor spaces and incorporate an additional lake into the visitor experience, all changes that are designed to create more opportunities for learning, wellness and community connection.

“We have continually seen an increase in visitation and engagement with our programs over the years,” said Garden President and CEO Brian Trader. “This expansion enables us to grow our mission by increasing opportunities to bring the community together for enjoyment, learning and connection to the natural world.”

The expanded conservatory will include new tropical and subtropical houses and a permanent butterfly house, while existing spaces will be transformed into Mediterranean and desert climate environments. The design aims to offer more immersive and diverse plant collections for visitors, according to Garden officials.

Beyond the conservatory, the project also includes 7.5 acres of new gardens surrounding the building and nearby Wick Lake. The lake itself has been expanded to four acres and will become a central feature of the experience, complete with a new walking trail called Martha’s Way that encircles the water. Improvements also are expected to enhance wildlife habitat, serve as a living classroom and support stormwater management.

The expansion also includes a larger Kroger Community Kitchen Garden, which will feature a demonstration area and increased production of fruits and vegetables for regional food bank Feed More. Garden officials expect the changes to allow more produce to be grown and donated while also giving visitors a closer look at sustainable gardening practices.

The project was designed by a diverse team of landscape architects and designers, including 3North, Waterstreet Studio, Phyto Studio, Austin Eischeid, Wambui Ippolito and Catalina LaFrance. Hourigan served as general contractor, while Timmons Group provided engineering services.

The expansion was made possible through community support, Garden leaders said, and is intended to meet growing demand for outdoor programming and educational experiences.

Visitors can learn more about the new spaces and plan future visits at the garden’s website.