Today’s showers are perfect for spring flowers — many of which are in full bloom at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond and Norfolk Botanical Garden in Norfolk.

Now through the first of June, you can tip-toe around millions of tulips, azaleas, dogwoods, iris and roses blooming at the two botanical gardens.

In honor of spring’s peak bloom time, both gardens have special events scheduled, including:

At Norfolk Botanical Garden:

Bike nights are back. Bring your bicycle, and helmet, to pedal through the petals, or 12 miles of pathways, 4-7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Help crown the queen. Monday begins the annual Azalea Festival celebration in Norfolk; Queen Azalea is crowned in the botanical garden’s Renaissance Garden at 3 p.m. April 21; admission is free if you arrive 2-3 p.m.

The garden is located at 6700 Azalea Road, Norfolk (adjacent to Norfolk International Airport. Visit www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org or call 441-5830.

At Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden:

Kids are special. Weekends feature family-type activities in the Children’s Garden, including seed planting and discovery games.

Learn about pots. A special exhibit on container gardening titled “Pottering Around” explores the evolution of the common flower pot and references between Colonial-era gardeners in Williamsburg and England, as well as Thomas Jefferson’s influence.

The garden is located at 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, just off Interstate 95.

Visit www.lewisginter.org or call 804-262-9887.

source : www.dailypress.com