Lewis Ginter plans phased reopening beginning June 25

There's some good news from Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, which is planning to reopen in phases beginning June 25.

The garden will open to members first in short increments – from June 25-28, then on July 2, 3 and 5 and also July 9-12. Members’ visits are free, but they must reserve tickets. The garden will send an email to members June 19 to provide a link for tickets and will ask them initially to reserve only one visit, which can be used on those members-only days or later in the year.

The garden plans to reopen to the general public Thursday, July 16. All tickets for the public will be timed, limited and available online, and you’ll be able to reserve them beginning next month.

Each visit will be limited to two hours. The garden will be open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Among the many new protocols in place at the garden, there will be a separate entrance and exit, signs to encourage social distancing and hand washing, and some closures – such as indoor areas, sections of the Children’s Garden (including WaterPlay) and the Conservatory. Restrooms will be open.

The Garden Shop and Garden Café also will be open and operating under the state’s Phase 2 directives. Food also will be available to order online and eat in the garden.

A new exhibit – M&T Bank Wind Waves and Light – will be part of the reopening and on display through Oct. 18. It features large-scale, stainless steel sculptures that move and change with the wind.