Richmond's finest green space, Lewis Ginter occupies 80 acres north of the city with a conservatory, extensive themed gardens, a children's garden, and a Victorian-era estate at its centre. The main conservatory is one of the largest domed glass conservatories in the eastern United States, housing tropical plants year-round. The seasonal gardens — cherry blossoms in spring, roses in summer, chrysanthemums in fall — draw crowds throughout the year.
The garden is about 20 minutes north of downtown by car. It's a full half-day visit, more if you go in spring when the cherry blossoms and azaleas are in bloom simultaneously.