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{{Text hero
|title=Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
|subtitle=Virginia attraction guide
|kind=attraction
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{{Attraction header
|name=Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
|image=
|alt=
|kicker=GARDENS · VIENNA
|summary=A 95-acre landscape of ornamental gardens, native plant collections, lakes and trails in Northern Virginia.
}}
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{{Attraction quick facts
|label1=Location
|value1=[[Vienna, Virginia]]
|label2=Managed by
|value2=NOVA Parks
|label3=Size
|value3=95 acres
|label4=Known for
|value4=Korean Bell Garden, seasonal blooms and nature trails
}}
<div class="vw-attraction-intro">
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a garden for lingering: paths wind among planted collections, wooded areas and lakes, with places to pause for views or explore a different corner of the grounds. The 95-acre site in Vienna combines ornamental displays with native-plant conservation and education, making it a rewarding stop for garden enthusiasts as well as visitors looking for a peaceful outdoor outing. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens |title=Meadowlark Botanical Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>

Highlights include the Korean Bell Garden, the Volgenau Conservatory, seasonal plantings and trails through garden and woodland settings. What’s in bloom changes through the year, so the visit can feel different from one season to the next. Check NOVA Parks’ current hours, admission and visitor guidance before setting out; weather and special events can affect access. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/gardens |title=Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens |title=Meadowlark Botanical Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>
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{{Book destination
|destination=VA-MEADOWLARK-BOTANICAL-GARDENS
|name=Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
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== Why visit Meadowlark Botanical Gardens? ==
Meadowlark is more than a collection of flower beds. Its rolling landscape links lakes, trails and themed gardens, while the plant collections support public learning and regional conservation. The contrast between carefully arranged displays and more natural woodland and meadow areas gives visitors several ways to enjoy the grounds, whether the plan is a purposeful garden visit or an easy walk outdoors. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/history |title=History |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/gardens |title=Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>

The Korean Bell Garden gives the site a distinctive cultural landmark, created through a partnership between NOVA Parks and the Korean American Cultural Committee. Elsewhere, the garden’s seasonal displays, conservation-focused collections and lakeside scenery offer reasons to explore beyond the main highlights. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/things-to-do/korean-bell-garden |title=Korean Bell Garden |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>

== Start here ==
Begin at the Visitor Center to orient yourself, check what is blooming and review the garden map. From there, choose a route that fits your time: focus on the central lake and signature gardens, or add a woodland trail for a longer outing. The official map and garden descriptions can help you plan a loop; some trails are paved and others are mulched. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens |title=Meadowlark Botanical Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/gardens |title=Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>

== What to see and do ==
<div class="vw-attraction-card-grid">
{{Attraction card
|title=Visit the Korean Bell Garden
|text=Explore a garden created in partnership with the Korean American Cultural Committee. Its Bell of Peace and Harmony, hand-built pavilion and traditional Korean design elements make it one of Meadowlark’s most memorable stops. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/things-to-do/korean-bell-garden |title=Korean Bell Garden |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>
}}
{{Attraction card
|title=Explore the gardens
|text=Look for seasonal and perennial plantings, including the herb, butterfly, White and Bold gardens. The displays vary through the year, so consult the garden’s current seasonal highlights if particular blooms are a priority. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/gardens |title=Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens |title=Meadowlark Botanical Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>
}}
{{Attraction card
|title=Walk the lakes and trails
|text=Take in the lakeside setting and choose among trails through the grounds. NOVA Parks describes a paved, approximately 0.4-mile accessible route leading toward Lake Caroline Gazebo, as well as shorter woodland paths and a perimeter trail outside the garden fence. Check the current trail map and conditions before your visit. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/gardens |title=Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>
}}
{{Attraction card
|title=See the Volgenau Conservatory
|text=Visit the conservatory, which opened in 2020 and features Mediterranean plants. It adds an indoor horticultural stop to a visit centered largely on outdoor landscapes. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/history |title=History |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>
}}
{{Attraction card
|title=Find the historic springhouse and cabin
|text=The springhouse ruins recall how the spring was used to keep dairy and butter cool before electricity. A historic log cabin associated with the garden’s original donors is now part of the Children’s Garden setting. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/gardens |title=Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/history |title=History |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>
}}
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== History and significance ==
Meadowlark’s origins lie in a farm entrusted to the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority in 1980 by Gardiner Means and Caroline Ware, who hoped its natural beauty would endure. The authority added 21 acres, bringing the site to 95 acres, and developed it as a public garden. Meadowlark officially opened in April 1987. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/history |title=History |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>

The garden’s collections and facilities grew over time. The Visitor Center opened in 1992, and a regional native-plant conservation program began in 1999, with a focus on plant diversity in the Potomac River Valley. The Korean Bell Garden opened to the public in 2012 following years of collaboration with the Korean American Cultural Committee. The Volgenau Conservatory opened in 2020. Together, these features reflect Meadowlark’s blend of horticulture, conservation, education and cultural partnership. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/history |title=History |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/gardens |title=Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>

== Planning a visit ==
Meadowlark is at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court in Vienna. Allow time to walk between the gardens, lakes and trail areas; a short visit can focus on signature features, while a slower visit can include extra paths and seasonal displays. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens |title=Meadowlark Botanical Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>

Hours, admission fees, seasonal events and visitor rules can change. Check NOVA Parks’ official Meadowlark page before traveling, especially during winter weather or the Winter Walk of Lights season. The gardens may close when ice or snow covers the paths. Pets are not permitted inside the fenced garden except during designated events; NOVA Parks notes that dogs are welcome on the perimeter trail outside the fence. Outside food and drink are not permitted within the gated grounds, and the picnic area is outside the fenced garden. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens |title=Meadowlark Botanical Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>

The official site describes an accessible paved trail of about 0.4 miles and notes that two wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. For the most useful current information about routes and facilities, review the garden map and contact the attraction directly if you have specific access needs. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/gardens |title=Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens |title=Meadowlark Botanical Gardens |website=NOVA Parks |access-date=2026-10-24}}</ref>

== Nearby attractions ==
<div class="vw-attraction-nearby-grid">
{{Nearby card
|title=Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
|link=Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
|text=A Northern Virginia trail corridor for walking, cycling and exploring local communities.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Great Falls Park
|link=Great Falls Park
|text=Potomac River overlooks and trails in a dramatic natural setting.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
|link=Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
|text=A performing-arts destination in the wooded landscape near Vienna.
}}
</div>

<div class="vw-amazon-flow">
'''Travel books and maps:''' [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Meadowlark%20Botanical%20Gardens%20Virginia%20travel%20guide%20map&tag=virginiawiki-20 Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon]
<div class="vw-affiliate-disclosure">As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.</div>
</div>

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens Meadowlark Botanical Gardens — NOVA Parks]
* [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/gardens Gardens and trails — NOVA Parks]
* [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/history History — NOVA Parks]
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[[Category:Attractions in Virginia]]

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens - Revision history

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