Harmony in Bloom: Discover Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

By: Mary Hackney

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Vienna, Virginia, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens offers a peaceful escape from the buzz of Northern Virginia life. With 95 acres of manicured beauty, this hidden gem enchants visitors with its tranquil ponds, graceful gazebos, and vibrant seasonal blooms that transform the landscape throughout the year.

Operated by NOVA Parks, Meadowlark is open daily (except major holidays and icy days), welcoming guests to wander winding paths framed by cherry blossoms in spring, colorful perennials in summer, and fiery foliage in fall. It’s not just a garden—it’s a living gallery celebrating nature’s rhythm and regional heritage.

The gardens feature three shimmering ponds and an island bridge perfect for photos, as well as dedicated collections of azaleas, lilacs, herbs, ferns, and hostas. Meadowlark also takes pride in its native plant collections, showcasing the unique flora of the Potomac River basin and Virginia wetlands. Here, delicate irises, water lilies, and sweet bay magnolias coexist with towering bald cypress and dogwoods, offering a lesson in biodiversity and beauty.

For those seeking romance or celebration, The Atrium, a glass-walled venue nestled within the gardens, hosts weddings and events amid breathtaking views of the natural surroundings.

Each winter, Meadowlark transforms into a wonderland during its Winter Walk of Lights—a dazzling display of holiday lights that reflect off the ponds and brighten chilly evenings with warmth, color, and cheer.

Yet perhaps the most distinctive jewel within Meadowlark’s crown is the Korean Bell Garden—the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. The garden centers around the magnificent Bell of Peace and Harmony, a three-ton bronze masterpiece cast in Korea and engraved with symbols of longevity, along with the national flowers of Korea and Virginia. The bell rests beneath a wooden pavilion built by Korean artisans in the traditional style—crafted without nails, each wooden beam precisely fitted and crowned with ocher roof tiles.

This serene monument symbolizes friendship between Korea and the United States. The garden was the vision of Jeung-Hwa Elmejjad-Yi, founder of the Korean American Cultural Committee, who dreamed of creating a space to celebrate Korean culture and unity. Her vision became reality in 2012, after years of collaboration between the Korean-American community, the South Korean government, and Northern Virginia’s park authority.

Today, the Korean Bell Garden stands as a reminder of global harmony, cultural pride, and the beauty of connection—echoing softly through the peaceful landscape of Meadowlark.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply in need of a quiet retreat, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens offers a place to breathe deeply, wander freely, and rediscover serenity—one bloom, one bell, and one peaceful moment at a time.

https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens