Horticulture Consultations & Tours

Go behind the scenes with our Horticulture department to learn how they take care of our museum, or book a home visit for tips on how you can manage your own plants!

Includes a walking tour of the behind-the-scenes world of the Horticulture department.
A deep dive into how the horticulture department works here at the VLM. We start with seedlings, move to cuttings, and end with full-grown perennials, trees, and shrubs.
Guests will receive one one-on-one time to ask their burning plant questions and learn from professional horticulturists.
Guests will learn about how native plants support the local environment, and what alternatives to invasives and non-natives are available.

Home Consultations

Book a home visit for tips on how you can manage your own plants!
Transform your outdoor space with expert advice tailored to the unique conditions of the Hampton Roads area. Whether you’re dealing with full sun, deep shade, or tricky soil, we’re here to guide you through choosing the perfect plants for your garden’s specific needs.

Niche Services to Suit Your Needs: Are you new to the area or a new homeowner? Let us identify the plants already growing in your yard!

Interested in attracting pollinators to your garden? Are you a bird lover or looking to become one? Dreaming of a specialty garden, like a beautiful cut flower space?

Newly passionate about native plants but unsure where to start?

What We Offer:

A one hour consult with the Horticulture Curator within a one hour radius of the Virginia Living Museum (properties outside of our service area may be subject to additional cost).
This consult will cover up to one acre of connected property.
Expert guidance for planting in both shady and sunny areas, recommendations for different types of terrain, insights into native versus invasive or introduced species, strategies for planting with specific goals in mind, tips on soil amendment for optimal planting, safe pest control techniques (e.g., managing deer), what to expect in your yard, such as common animals (moles, voles) and potentially toxic plants.What We Will Not Do: Installation of plant material, removal or transplanting of any plants, pruning services, detailed landscape plans or drawings.
Special Offer: Spend $250 or more at our Plant Sale and receive 10% off any ONE of our consultations or tours. Members enjoy 15% off when they reach the same threshold.

Start building the garden you’ve always wanted with expert, personalized advice.

Reserve a Tour Now!

Call our Reservations Department at 757-534-7410, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm or email us.
Payment must be made at the time of the reservation. We accept American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa over the phone.
Cancellation Policy: $10.00 fee per person if cancellation occurs 2 or more weeks before program, within two weeks fee is raised to $25.00 per person. Rescheduling program has no fee or penalty.