Home > Local Finds > Guest Post: Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center

This page may contain affiliate or sponsored links. MyActiveChild.com will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link, and the presence of our sponsors/advertising partners is what makes this website possible. Thank you for supporting us. For more information, see our terms of use.

Guest Post: Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center

September 12, 2013

Catherine Verdier lives in Norfolk with her husband and daughter. She blogs about kid-friendly living in Hampton Roads at Where the Watermelons Grow.

IMG_5384.jpg

A few weeks ago, a friend sent me a link to a site she thought we’d enjoy writing about: the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC) and its demonstration gardens. As soon as I clicked over to AREC’s homepage, I knew we’d be making a trip soon — if there’s one thing we can’t resist, it’s a good garden, especially one we haven’t seen before.

IMG_5373.jpg

The purpose of the demonstration gardens is to show both gardeners and the general public how different plants grow in Hampton Roads’ climate. As such, there are a ton of different trees, flowers, and shrubs to be found, ranging from perennials to bulbs to ornamental grasses and seascape vegetation.

IMG_5387.jpg
 
Anouk, James and I had a great time roaming around the grounds one Saturday afternoon last month. The rain garden was full of colorful bottles and rain chains and the butterfly garden was alive with dozens and dozens of fluttering swallowtails.

We also were fascinated by the enabling garden — a garden with raised beds and hard surfaces, to allow gardeners in wheelchairs or with limited mobility a safe and convenient way to garden — and the utility garden, which shows homeowners and landscapers the results of planting different plants under utility lines.

IMG_5377.jpg
 
Now that fall is just around the corner and the temperatures are about to fall into a more reasonable range, it’s the perfect time to go and explore what AREC’s demonstration gardens have to offer. There is no admission fee to the gardens and they are open seven days a week from dawn to dusk.

IMG_5367.jpg
 
If you go, prepare to be inspired! And remember to bring a pen and paper so you can jot down names of favorite plants and ideas for landscaping your own yard or garden.

IMG_5376.jpg
 

 

Written by Charlotte Moore

Owner & Founder of MyActiveChild.com | People & Programs Connector | Mom & MilSpouse

Tags: Guest Blogger, Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Education Center, and Where The Watermelons Grow
Categories: Guest Post

Recent Posts:

  1. Ticket Giveaway! Dominion Energy Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden
    Add this great local holiday event to your family traditions! Walk through a mile of light displays as a part of Dominion Energy Garden of Lights, at Norfolk Botanical Garden this season.
    November 12, 2026
  2. Updated – Museum Admission & Membership Discounts (2026)
    This post lists current discounts and ways to save money on local Museum admission, membership or tours in Hampton Roads, Virginia!
    November 12, 2026
  3. Parents Night Out! Upcoming Local Events For Kids
    Need a Date Night? Here is our list of Upcoming Parents' Night Out Events in Hampton Roads!
    November 12, 2026
  4. Indoor Playgrounds, Cafes and Play Spaces in Hampton Roads!
    A place for kids to play when it is too hot, too cold, too rainy, or a day that is just too much of everything. Parents, get ready to take those deep, relaxing breaths, here is our list of local indoor playgrounds & play spaces in Hampton Roads!
    November 12, 2026
  5. 2026 Winter Holiday Performances in Hampton Roads!
    It’s showtime, Hampton Roads! ✨ Don't miss the upcoming Holiday Performances of A Christmas Carol, Holiday POPS, The Nutcracker, The Annual Messiah Sing-Along with Symphonicity, Jingle Bell Jam with VSO and so much more!
    November 12, 2026
  6. Infant and Toddler Programs in Hampton Roads, Virginia
    Little ones want to have fun too! There are lots of great local businesses that offer programs and opportunities for getting the little ones together for playtime.
    November 12, 2026