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Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

In 1884, Lewis Ginter bought the property and built the Lakeside Wheel Club, a one-story structure that was later modified and incorporated into Bloemendaal House. The Wheel Club was a destination for Richmond bicyclists. During 1968, the city investigated plans for a botanical garden but none of them came to fruition and the property languished. By 1981, a group of botanists, horticulturists and interested citizens banded together to form the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Inc. to uphold the will of Arents. However, a lawsuit ensued. An amicable settlement allowed the formation of the Garden. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden was chartered by court decree.

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