NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Botanical Garden's long-anticipated Garden of Tomorrow is preparing to open to the public this month, marking the completion of a $50 million project years in the making.
The centerpiece of the new space is the glass-covered Perry Conservatory, which houses two distinctive biomes. One is desert-themed, while the other is a massive two-story space filled with plants from the rainforest. Both biomes feature rare plants and glass Chihuly sculptures.
A second-story catwalk wraps around the conservatory, offering brand new views of the garden.
"Took about 3,000 donors to make this project happen. Sometimes they would do a round-up when they purchased a ticket or admission or something like that. All the way up to millions so it takes it all," Kelly Welsh of Norfolk Botanical Garden said.
The Garden of Tomorrow also includes a new welcome center with a bistro inside. Many of the materials and furniture inside are made of recycled materials.
Garden members will get first access when the Garden of Tomorrow opens September 11. It opens to the general public the following Monday, September 14.
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