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<div class="vw-attraction">

{{Text hero
|title=State Arboretum of Virginia
|subtitle=Virginia attraction guide
|kind=attraction
}}
<div class="vw-photo-hero-fallback-source" style="display:none">
{{Attraction header
|name=State Arboretum of Virginia
|image=
|alt=
|kicker=GARDENS & NATURE
|summary=An outdoor collection of trees, gardens, and walking paths at Blandy Experimental Farm, a University of Virginia research station in Clarke County.
}}
</div>

{{Attraction quick facts
|label1=Location
|value1=Boyce, Clarke County
|label2=Setting
|value2=172-acre arboretum
|label3=Admission
|value3=Free; confirm current details
|label4=Typical visit
|value4=Gardens, collections, and trails
}}
<div class="vw-attraction-intro">
The State Arboretum of Virginia is the public garden at the heart of Blandy Experimental Farm, a University of Virginia research facility near Boyce in the Shenandoah Valley. The arboretum occupies 172 acres within the larger farm and offers a relaxed way to explore labelled tree and shrub collections, gardens, and walking routes. The grounds are open to visitors from dawn to dusk, and admission is free; check Blandy’s official visitor information before setting out for current details. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://blandy.virginia.edu/faqs
|title=FAQs
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.blandy.virginia.edu/location-hours
|title=Location & Hours
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

This is not just a display garden: Blandy’s collections and outdoor spaces sit alongside ecological research and education. Visitors can follow trails and gravel roads, use self-guided materials, or simply choose a garden or distinctive group of trees to explore. The arboretum is a rewarding stop for plant enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for an unhurried outdoor visit in [[Virginia's Shenandoah Valley]]. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://blandy.virginia.edu/state-arboretum-virginia
|title=State Arboretum of Virginia
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://blandy.virginia.edu/self-guided-tours
|title=Self-Guided Tours
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>
</div>

<div class="vw-commerce-flow">
{{Book destination
|destination=VA-STATE-ARBORETUM-OF-VIRGINIA
|name=State Arboretum of Virginia
}}
{{Viator maybe
|destination=VA-STATE-ARBORETUM-OF-VIRGINIA
}}
</div>

== Why visit the State Arboretum of Virginia? ==
Blandy makes botanical collections approachable: many trees and shrubs are labelled, and several gardens and trail areas give the visit different moods and points of interest. The range means you can focus on a particular collection, take a short stroll, or spend longer exploring the grounds. Because the arboretum is part of an active research and education site, visitors are also asked to treat plantings and wildlife with care. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://blandy.virginia.edu/state-arboretum-virginia
|title=State Arboretum of Virginia
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.blandy.virginia.edu/guidelines-and-policies
|title=Guidelines and Policies
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

The seasonal changes are part of the appeal. In autumn, the Ginkgo Grove is known for its golden foliage; other collections and gardens offer different plants and details to notice through the year. For a more structured outing, Blandy offers self-guided audio material and group tours that require advance arrangements. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://blandy.virginia.edu/ginkgo-info
|title=Ginkgo Info
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.blandy.virginia.edu/guided-tours
|title=Guided tours
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

== Start here ==
Begin at the visitor information kiosk and main parking area. Pick up a map, then decide whether to visit nearby gardens and collections or head out on a trail. Maps are also available online, and Blandy’s self-guided resources include an audio trail with stops on the farm’s history, collections, gardens, and wildlife. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://blandy.virginia.edu/faqs
|title=FAQs
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://blandy.virginia.edu/self-guided-tours
|title=Self-Guided Tours
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

== What to see and do ==
<div class="vw-attraction-card-grid">
{{Attraction card
|title=Ginkgo Grove
|text=Visit the grove for its distinctive planting and autumn color. The university’s visitor guidance describes more than 300 ginkgo trees; foliage timing varies, so check current conditions if you are planning around the seasonal display.
}}
{{Attraction card
|title=Conifer collection
|text=Explore an extensive collection of conifers from North America and elsewhere. Blandy also offers a guided tour focused on this collection; check the official tour page for current availability and arrangements.
}}
{{Attraction card
|title=Native Plant Trail
|text=Follow a trail through planted native species and varied habitats. Seasonal self-guided materials can help visitors notice and identify plants along the way.
}}
{{Attraction card
|title=Boxwood Memorial Garden
|text=See the American Boxwood Society Memorial Garden, a reference collection of boxwood cultivars maintained at Blandy.
}}
{{Attraction card
|title=Herb and pollination gardens
|text=Take a closer look at garden plantings connected with herbs and pollinators. Guided garden tours are offered seasonally, subject to advance arrangements.
}}
{{Attraction card
|title=Audio trail and tree stories
|text=Use the self-guided audio trail to explore selected stops around Blandy, or scan tree signs for additional information where available.
}}
</div>
<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://blandy.virginia.edu/state-arboretum-virginia
|title=State Arboretum of Virginia
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.blandy.virginia.edu/guided-tours
|title=Guided tours
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://blandy.virginia.edu/maps-brochures
|title=Maps & Brochures
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://blandy.virginia.edu/self-guided-tours
|title=Self-Guided Tours
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

== History and significance ==
The farm’s history reaches back before its university and arboretum roles. The land was part of the Tuleyries estate, where the Tuley family enslaved Black people who labored in the household, fields, orchards, and other work. Blandy’s historical account describes the estate’s plantation history and identifies surviving physical reminders, including the Quarters building, whose east wing served as barracks for enslaved laborers. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://blandy.virginia.edu/blandy-history
|title=Blandy History
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.blandy.virginia.edu/history-and-our-values
|title=History and Our Values
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

Graham Blandy bequeathed land from the property to the University of Virginia, and the university established Blandy Experimental Farm as a research station. Orland E. White, appointed its first director in 1927, began planting a wide variety of trees and helped shape the arboretum. Today, the farm combines ecological research and education with a public arboretum; visitors should remember that the grounds remain a working research site. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://blandy.virginia.edu/blandy-history
|title=Blandy History
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://engagement.virginia.edu/learn/thoughts-from-the-lawn/20251003-Roulston
|title=Blandy Experimental Farm: Saving the Butternut Tree
|website=UVA Engagement
|publisher=University of Virginia
|date=October 3, 2025
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

== Planning a visit ==
The arboretum is at 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Boyce, Virginia. Blandy currently lists public access from dawn to dusk, year-round, with no admission charge. Hours, parking arrangements, and any special-event conditions can change, so confirm the official location and hours page before traveling. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.blandy.virginia.edu/location-hours
|title=Location & Hours
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

If arriving from Route 50, follow the paved road to the information kiosk and main parking area. Use designated parking spaces, since parking elsewhere can damage plantings and tree roots. Dogs are welcome on leash; visitors should not pick flowers or collect plant material, and should keep out of garden beds and research areas. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.blandy.virginia.edu/location-hours
|title=Location & Hours
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.blandy.virginia.edu/guidelines-and-policies
|title=Guidelines and Policies
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

For guided tours, advance registration is required; the university currently lists tours for groups of six or more and asks that reservations be made at least two weeks ahead. Check the tour page for current options and any requested donation. Large groups planning a self-guided visit should contact Blandy in advance. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.blandy.virginia.edu/guided-tours
|title=Guided tours
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.blandy.virginia.edu/guidelines-and-policies
|title=Guidelines and Policies
|website=Blandy Experimental Farm
|publisher=University of Virginia
|access-date=October 24, 2026
}}</ref>

== Nearby attractions ==
<div class="vw-attraction-nearby-grid">
{{Nearby card
|title=Boyce, Virginia
|link=Boyce, Virginia
|text=A small Clarke County town near the arboretum and a convenient point of reference for exploring the surrounding countryside.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Berryville, Virginia
|link=Berryville, Virginia
|text=Clarke County’s county seat, with a historic downtown and local dining.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Shenandoah Valley
|link=Shenandoah Valley
|text=A broad region of farms, small towns, historic sites, and outdoor destinations west of the Blue Ridge.
}}
</div>

<div class="vw-amazon-flow">
'''Travel books and maps:''' [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=State%20Arboretum%20of%20Virginia%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://blandy.virginia.edu/state-arboretum-virginia State Arboretum of Virginia — Blandy Experimental Farm]
* [https://www.blandy.virginia.edu/location-hours Location, hours, and parking]
* [https://blandy.virginia.edu/maps-brochures Maps and brochures]
* [https://blandy.virginia.edu/self-guided-tours Self-guided tours]
</div>

[[Category:Virginia attractions]]
[[Category:Outdoor recreation in Virginia]]

State Arboretum of Virginia - Revision history

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