Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is breaking ground on a two-year expansion project. Called “Thrive,” the $31 million project will nearly double the size of the existing Conservatory, add 7.5 acres of new gardens, and incorporate an additional lake into the Garden experience.

The result will be increased opportunities for connections, wellness, learning and resiliency.

“The reason behind the expansion is to better serve our community and beyond,” said Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s President and CEO Brian Trader. “The Garden has seen dramatic growth and a reach extending across the Commonwealth. Thrive is the natural next step in the Garden’s work supporting lifelong learning and environmental sustainability.”

Specifically, the project will provide much-needed space for new guest experiences and programming; increase outdoor classroom learning opportunities; advance collections and create more diverse gardens; and expand the Kroger Community Kitchen Garden, allowing for more produce to be grown for regional food bank Feed More.

Details include:

Conservatory: Nearly doubling in size with the addition of tropical and subtropical houses, including a permanent butterfly house; conversion of existing houses to Mediterranean and desert climates.

New Gardens: 7.5 acres of new gardens around the Conservatory and Wick Lake.

Wick Lake: Will be incorporated into the guest experience, including Martha’s Way, a walking trail that encircles the lake. Enhancements will increase the lake’s size to four acres, adding wildlife habitat, creating a living classroom, and serving as a filtration system for water pollutants.

Kroger Community Kitchen Garden: Expansion to include a demonstration garden growing produce for Feed More, plus more fruit trees, berries and vegetables.

Since construction is behind the Conservatory in areas not normally accessible to the public, there will be minimal impact on Garden guests.

The Conservatory will stay open throughout 2024. However, the Garden will not have the Butterflies LIVE! exhibit in 2024 or 2025, according to Garden officials.

Also, the expansion is not related to the Garden’s purchase of 6.2 acres from Lakeside Baptist Church, which Henrico County is supporting. Ownership of that property will not transfer until July 2025, and master site planning must be done before any plans are envisioned.

Updates about the “Thrive” expansion project will be shared at lewisginter.org.