The Garden of Tomorrow is privately funded by over 1700 generous donors who have contributed more than 32 million dollars to this project. Thank YOU!
We need your HELP to Build & Plant the future!
For more information contact Cathy Fitzgerald, Chief Operating Officer at cathy.fitzgerald@nbgs.org or (757) 441-5830 ext. 319
Help us BUILD & PLANT the Garden of Tomorrow – GIVE TODAY
Norfolk Botanical Garden is a private non-profit organization.
November 20, 2024
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
It is hard to believe that we are less than a year away from the opening in October of 2025.
- The Kay & Al Abiouness walkway steel construction is complete and is currently being primed and painted. The Skywalk flooring (provided by TREX) will begin next month.
- The steel support for Brock Entry Pavilion entry walkway is now in place.
- The interior wall finish behind the Bistro bar is installed.
- The Exterior wooden trellis boards are currently in the installation process on the Brock Entry Pavilion.
Learn more about the The Garden of Tomorrow project and see how you can help BUILD & PLANT The Garden of Tomorrow Click here
October 18, 2024
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
We are officially a year out from the opening of The Garden of Tomorrow!
- Construction of the stairwell leading to the green roof and the Kay & Al Abiouness Skywalk walkway began this week.
- The exterior building wood finish is being installed on the back side of the building near the Bistro area.
- The construction on the moat/ water retention area in front of the visitor center/ Brock Entry Pavilion has been completed and seeding and watering have commenced.
- Drywall installation is ongoing in the public areas of the building.
- The kitchen area hood exhaust systems have been installed.
- Ongoing electrical installations are progressing in the Tropical and Desert Biome areas
- Excavation has begun inside of the Tropical Biome area to uncover the concrete footings in order to place the Kay & Al Abiouness Skywalk steel structure into place.
Learn more about the The Garden of Tomorrow project and see how you can help BUILD & PLANT The Garden of Tomorrow Click here
August 30, 2024
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
Though we have had a rainy summer, construction is moving right along!
- Contractors are beginning to install the exterior building cladding sections on the Brock Entry Pavilion as well as HVAC duck and diffuser installations inside. Drywall is currently being installed in the Bistro area.
- Fan systems, heaters and mechanical installations are ongoing in both Desert and Tropical Biome areas in the The Perry Conservatory. Exterior glass on the Tropical Biome area is 95% completed.
Learn more about the The Garden of Tomorrow project and see how you can help BUILD & PLANT The Garden of Tomorrow Click here
July 12, 2024
The Garden of Tomorrow Summer Construction Update:
The installation of the Brock Entry Pavilion and Bistro mechanical systems (electrical, plumbing and HVAC) installations are continuing and about 50% complete. Drywall installation has begun for the restrooms and office areas. The Exterior glass and roofing for this building are now complete.
The mechanical systems in The Perry Conservatory are ongoing with 65% of the installation complete overall. The mist systems and overhead fans for the plants in the Tropical Biome are in the process of being installed.
Learn more about the The Garden of Tomorrow project and see how you can help BUILD & PLANT The Garden of Tomorrow Click here
June 6, 2024
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
It has been a productive spring!
The installation of the Brock Entry Pavilion and Bistro exterior glass is 85% complete and contractors are priming the overhead exterior trellis area located at the entryway. The interior section is undergoing mechanical, electrical and HVAC system installations.
The Desert Biome area of The Perry Conservatory is undergoing framework construction for the exterior glass panels, expected to begin installation next week.
Learn more about the The Garden of Tomorrow project and see how you can help BUILD & PLANT The Garden of Tomorrow Click here
May 10, 2024
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
It has been a busy spring so far!
The concrete base flooring has been installed in the Brock Entry Pavilion and Bistro and the framework for the exterior glass perimeter of the building, interior wall framework and roof installation are underway. The glass panels are scheduled to be installed next week.
In the Perry Conservatory, the installation of the overhead shade retractable sails has begun in the tropical biome and the underground utilities for the system controls for the conservatory are being connected to the mail electrical room this week.
Learn more about the The Garden of Tomorrow project and see how you can help BUILD & PLANT The Garden of Tomorrow Click here
April 5, 2024
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
The main steel construction of the Brock Entry Pavilion is complete and the next step is the installation of the concrete base flooring. The overhead walkway structure has commenced and will continue as glass installations are completed. The tropical biome area fire sprinkler system installation and mechanical infrastructure are ongoing. The overhead walkway structure has commenced and will continue as glass installations are completed. Over the next month the glass panel installation of the side walls of the Perry Conservatory areas will begin to enclose the conservatory structures.
February 23, 2024
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
- The glass roof panels for the Tropical Biome area have been completed and contractors are now working on the glass roof panel installation in the Desert Biome section.
- Our mechanical contractors ( fire system, electrical and plumbing) have been busy installing the piping for these systems in the mechanical closets and restroom areas.
- The main structural steel for the Brock Entry Pavilion and Bistro is complete and the roof decking is being installed in this area.
- Our utility contractors have been running all of the main in-ground system lines over to the Brock Entry Pavilion/ Bistro from the Rose Garden road area back to the building.
Over the next few weeks, the contractors will continue on the above tasks to prepare these structures.
January 26, 2024
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
- The main piping assembly for the storm drainage leading to Lake Whitehurst has been installed. (photo 1)
- Structural Steel for the Brock Entry Pavilion and Bistro began last week and will continue over the next month (photo 2)
- The glass panel installation at the peak of the Tropical Biome area in the Perry Conservatory is taking place and will continue over the next few months moving from the tropical biome area moving forward throughout each building structure. (photo 3)
- The continuation of the main plumbing and sewer utilities for the Brock Entry Pavilion and Bistro have commenced (photo 4)
January 3, 2024
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
- All inground pluming for the bistro is completed and passed inspections.
- Brick façade to the exterior Perry Conservatory mechanical and restroom areas is 80% completed.
- Concrete footings for the remainder of the Brock Entry Pavilion / bistro area will be completed in a week to 10 days.
- Coming in the next few weeks, expect the structural steel to the Brock Entry Pavilion to be installed and glasswork to commence
in February. - The remainder of the inground main sewer and utilities for the bistro section are scheduled to be complete by February.
November 30, 2023
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
The Perry Conservatory main structural framework sections of the Tropical, Desert and Special Exhibit Biome areas have been completed. Contractors are currently working on the flat roofing support sections, insulation and brick facing of the mechanical and restroom areas of the conservatory areas. Next week, the inground plumbing rough-in for the Bistro area will commence. In January, you can expect to see the construction of the Brock Entry Pavilion and Bistro structures to begin.
Learn more about The Garden of Tomorrow and learn more about how you can be a part of this monumental project.
November 2, 2023
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
We are excited to announce that the Rose Garden Road pathway is back open. Perfect timing as the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights begins Friday, November 10.
Learn more about The Garden of Tomorrow and learn more about how you can be a part of this monumental project.
Click here
October 13, 2023
The largest visual impact this week was the continued progress of the structural steel installation for the Perry Conservatory Desert Biome. This section is 60% completed and construction will continue to move forward towards the new Brock Entry Pavilion.
Ford Pile Company was onsite to install the remaining concrete piles for the Brock Entry Pavilion entrance bridge that will lead visitors from the Brock Parking Garden.
Concrete edging for the Rose Garden pathway began with a full completion date and re-opening of this area on October 31, 2023.
Learn more about The Garden of Tomorrow project Click here
September 21, 2023
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
WOW! The Garden of Tomorrow Dream is becoming a reality.
The biggest noticeable change over the past two weeks was the brickwork completion around the elevator shaft of the Tropical Biome area , removal of scaffolding and the beginning of the steel framework of the Tropical Biome. The framework will continue over the next few weeks for the entire Conservatory area.
The utility corridor work for the buildings down the Rose Garden pathway are 95% completed with just a few small items left to complete. The Rose Garden pathway plans are in the works and the roadway will be reinstalled over the next few weeks.
This week also saw additional footing work on the Visitor Services building area -today we started with additional concrete footings being poured early in the morning.
Learn more about the The Garden of Tomorrow project and see how you can help BUILD & PLANT The Garden of Tomorrow Click here
August 25, 2023
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
The main focus over the past few weeks has been centered on the corridor for the utility runs down the area of the old Rose Garden pathway and partially into the Rose Garden area.
Pipes ran for Fire Systems, Water and Sewer have been installed – roughly 85% completed as of today. Once this phase is completed the new pathway for the Rose Garden Road will be laid and reopened to the public for traffic- this is aiming for opening at the end of September.
On the building site: The interior portion of the conservatory were graded and we are almost ready for the installation of the steel structures!
Learn more about The Garden of Tomorrow and learn more about how you can be a part of this monumental project.
Click here
August 21, 2023
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
The photo below was taken this morning and is quite impressive. As you can see we have been busy over the past few weeks. The Perry Conservatory’s foundation and elevator shaft are nearly complete along with plumbing and electricity. This 26,000 sq. ft. structure will house and protect the most threatened plants around the world. By this time next year, our Horticulture team will be in the process of planting and installing tropical and desert plant collections.
Learn more about the Perry Conservatory and see how you can help BUILD & PLANT The Garden of Tomorrow Click here
June 23, 2023
After July Fourth, the Rose Garden Road will close temporarily for approximately two months. During this time, guests will access the Garden through the Baker Hall/Visitor Center.
June 16, 2023
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
This week saw the ground excavated, metal rebar gird created and beginning of the concrete footing poured for the Tropical Biome section of the Perry Conservatory. The footing base for the elevator shaft located in the Tropical area was poured as well. Over the next few weeks, the contractors will continue to pour the footing bases for the remainder of the Tropical and Desert Biome sections and will work up to the site for the Brock Entry Pavilion.
Learn more about the Brock Parking Garden and New Brock Entry Pavilion Click here
June 9, 2023
The Garden of Tomorrow Construction Update:
This week saw the ground excavated, metal rebar gird created and beginning of the concrete footing pouring for the Tropical Biome section of the Perry Conservatory. The footing base for the elevator shaft located in the Tropical area was poured as well. Over teh next few weeks, the contractors will continue to pour the footing bases for the remainder of the Tropical Biome, Desert Biome section and will work up to the site for the Brock Entry Pavilion.
Learn more about the Brock Parking Garden and New Brock Entry Pavilion Click here
May 26, 2023
May 16, 2023
Learn more about the Brock Entry Pavilion & Brock Parking Garden Click here
April 21, 2023
This week began the asphalt installation in the west side of the parking lot near the Baker Hall Visitor Center. The installation is ongoing and slated to be complete next week followed by parking space striping and handicap parking signage. If all goes well, this parking area will open in the next couple of weeks and will provide additional parking. Next week concrete piles will be installed, driven 75ft into the ground, to create the new Brock Entry Pavilion – 85 piles when finished. This process will take about 2-3 weeks. Today, we opened our new Tram Circle behind the Baker Hall Visitor Center where guests will board a guided tram. Thank you for all of your support!
Learn more about the Brock Parking Garden and New Brock Entry Pavilion Click here
April 7, 2023
This week, the west side of the parking lot saw demolition of remaining area of the former tram circle located at the front entrance to the Baker Hall Visitor Center. Pavers for the new sidewalk are nearly complete – about 85%! Final grading in this area will take place next week. New parking spaces will be installed later this month. At the main construction site, a service road has been created that will also act as a construction laydown.
Learn more about The Garden of Tomorrow Click here
March 24, 2023
Concrete and curb installations are taking place around the Baker Hall in preparation for new parking spaces.
In the future, this area will transform into Brock Parking Garden – featuring a beautiful water feature that improves habitat quality and will serve as a nature based solution for storm water run off.
Learn more about the Brock Parking Garden Click here
A new tram pick-up location is being created behind Baker Hall – look for more information coming soon.
At the time, we have LIIMITED PARKING and are requiring Timed-Entry-Tickets for all guests.
We are expecting more parking spaces by early May. Please stay tuned!
There is currently one entrance into the Baker Hall building. Both the Education and Rose Garden Hall entrance are closed, but are accessible through the Baker Hall entrance. Please look for signs to direct you to the cross walk that will lead you safely to the Baker Hall Visitor Center. Thank you for your cooperation and patience during this time.
Need more information: Click here
Reserve your ticket: Click here
Need help reserving your ticket(s) call (757) 441-5830 ext. 0
THANK YOU for supporting NBG as a private non-profit organization.
March 17, 2023
March 13, 2023
The site for the Entry Pavilion has received additional soil for the ground base and pilings are expected to be tested this week. The construction area from the previous tram circle area to Rose Garden Hall entrance has been prepared for the upcoming curb and gutter installations that are scheduled to begin this week. Contractors are also installing drains and site work preparations for future utilities that will service the new buildings. New storm drains and piping were installed last week to support additional parking spaces.
In the future, this area will transform into The Brock Entry Pavilion and Brock Parking Garden – featuring a beautiful water feature that improves habitat quality and will serve as a nature based solution for storm water run off.
Learn more about the Brock Entry Pavilion & Parking Garden Click here
At the time, we have LIIMITED PARKING and are requiring Timed-Entry-Tickets for all guests.
We are expecting more parking spaces by early May. Please stay tuned!
There is currently one entrance into the Baker Hall building. Both the Education and Rose Garden Hall entrance are closed, but are accessible through the Baker Hall entrance. Please look for signs to direct you to the cross walk that will lead you safely to the Baker Hall Visitor Center. Thank you for your cooperation and patience during this time.
Need more information: Click here
Reserve your ticket: Click here
Need help reserving your ticket(s) call (757) 441-5830 ext. 0
THANK YOU for supporting NBG as a private non-profit organization.
March 8, 2023
In preparation for The Garden of Tomorrow expansion, the current Baker Hall Visitor Center building officially became powered by the sun in December of 2022. Ryan Call, Director of Facilities at NBG, worked with Covert Solar to install a 212.400 kW system on the roof of the Baker Hall Visitor Center/Education Building. Comprised of 472 panels, this system is expected to offset 83% of that building’s energy needs. NBG is committed to being GREEN! The savings and environmental benefits are already working! In the first two months, NBG saved nearly $4,000 dollars and the solar panels have saved more than 80,000lbs of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to over 600 trees that store carbon. This is the second solar panel installation at the Garden, the first was in 2018 when 120 panels were installed on the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights storage building.
Learn more about how the Garden is taking Environmental Action.
March 3, 2023
A message from NBG President & CEO Michael P. Desplaines
We want to take a moment to thank everyone for your support during the construction phase of The Garden of Tomorrow.
THANK YOU to the 1,777 and growing donors who are financially helping BUILD & PLANT the future of the Garden. The Brock Parking Garden will feature more parking spaces, more trees, more electrical vehicle charging stations and will be one of the most environmentally advanced parking gardens on the eastern seaboard.
THANK YOU so much for reserving your Timed-Entry-Tickets during this phase of construction with LIMITED PARKING – especially our NBG Members! We can’t thank you enough!
THANK YOU for supporting NBG as a private non-profit organization.
February 22, 2023
At the time, we have LIIMITED PARKING and are requiring Timed-Entry-Tickets for all guests.
There is currently one entrance to the Baker Hall building. Both the Education and Rose Garden Hall entrance are closed, but are accessible through the Baker Hall entrance. Here is a map to help you on your next visit. Please look for signs to direct you to the cross walk that will lead you safely to the Baker Hall Visitor Center. Thank you for your cooperation and patience during this time.
February 14, 2023
The roadway near Baker Hall Education entrance is currently being removed in preparation for the addition of new parking spaces. This specific location is estimated to be complete by early May. (Look for more updates as we get closer to spring) Thank you for your patience as we continue to BUILD & PLANT the Garden of Tomorrow. Learn more about the future Brock Parking Garden.
The Education entrance and Rose Garden Hall entrance are currently closed. The main entrance to Baker Hall is open with access to the rest of the building. Please note the new crosswalk that leads guests to a paved pathway followed by another crosswalk for easy access into Baker Hall.
THANK YOU so much for reserving your Timed-Entry-Tickets during this phase of construction with LIMITED PARKING – especially our NBG Members! We can’t thank you enough!
February 7, 2023
This week, work continues in the area beyond the parking lot. In the future, this area will transform into The Brock Entry Pavilion that will include a beautiful water feature that improves habitat quality and will serve as a nature based solution for storm water run off. There is also work taking place at the back of the parking lot where asphalt is being removed for the future Brock Parking Garden.
Learn more about the Brock Entry Pavilion & Parking Garden Click here
February 3, 2023
As construction continues, temporary fencing has been installed. Look for signage that will direct guests into Baker Hall. The Education entrance and Rose Garden Hall entrance are currently closed. A new crosswalk was painted for easy and safe access to the front entrance of Baker Hall.
February 3, 2023
January 31, 2023
As construction continues, temporary barriers have been placed near our main Baker Hall Building. The Education entrance and Rose Garden Hall entrance are currently closed. The main entrance to Baker Hall is open with access to the rest of the building.
January 25, 2023
This week, a group of 14 USS Iwo Jima Sailors volunteered their time to remove pavers from the Sensory Garden in preparation for the new Brock Parking Garden. The pavers were loaded on pallets and stored for future installation. As we expand our parking area, we are planting more than 100 trees in and around the parking garden. The back portion of the parking lot is also being prepared for lot expansion.
THANK YOU to all of the volunteers that help us through the year! As a non-profit organization, we could not do what we do without the hundreds of dedicated volunteers.
Interested in volunteering? Click here.
January 18, 2023
Dills Architects, the A.R. Chesson construction team and NBG staff met to discuss the latest updates and construction timeline. As we move through this exciting time building and planting the Garden’s future, NBG is working on making sure you are in the know and that you have a wonderful experience visiting the Garden during the construction phase of The Garden of Tomorrow.
January 17, 2023
Work on building the Garden of Tomorrow began in earnest late last week with the rerouting of underground electrical cables, dredging for future water and power lines as well as installing fencing around the work site. The latest activity is taking place in the parking lot. More than 100 trees are scheduled to be planted in and around the New Brock Parking Garden with more parking spaces, an environmentally – friendly channel run-off and the addition of beautiful water features. In addition, we were able to save and protect the six large willow oaks along Rose Garden Rd. Like all oaks, willow oaks are a keystone species in the local environment providing food and habitat for numerous species as well as needed shade for Garden visitors.
January 12, 2023
January 2023
Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2023.
Look for bi-weekly updates on how the progress is going – videos, images and information as construction progresses. Thank you to everyone who is supporting The Garden of Tomorrow. You are helping BUILD & PLANT the future.
November 17, 2022
President & CEO Michael Desplaines signed the contract to begin the construction of The Garden of Tomorrow.
September 12, 2022
Arrival of the construction trailer.
September 1, 2021
The Garden of Tomorrow groundbreaking ceremony took place September 1, 2021. This event included Norfolk City leaders, major donors, staff and special guests.
(photo: Michael P. Desplaines, NBG President & CEO)
