THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 14, 1996 TAG: 9602140008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
I am grateful to columnist Larry Maddry for ``Bench sitting - one of life's finer comforts'' (Jan. 15) because it gives me the opportunity to talk about my very favorite place in all of Hampton Roads - Norfolk Botanical Garden! Approximately 50 park benches are positioned throughout the 155 acres of this beautiful garden. They are strategically placed so that visitors may enjoy the serenity and beauty that are offered.
Rest yourself among the blooming azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons when in spring bloom. It is an awesome sight! Enjoy the magnificent display gardens highlighted by handsome statuary collections. There is also delight in the tranquillity of Lake Whitehurst that surrounds the gardens, and our rose garden alone with more than 4,000 bushes commands attention when in bloom from May until fall.
Many of the park benches have been given in honor or memory of loved ones and are so marked. One of the new bench sites this spring will be the spectacular Baker Overlook with its scenic views of the canal gardens.
But why wait for spring? Often during the winter months Hampton Roads' weather offers us warmer days. You might want to take advantage of a sunny afternoon with an outing at the Botanical Garden.
So come and enjoy the many splendid opportunities that await you, and when you want to rest a bit, there are plenty of park benches from which to enjoy ``life's finer comforts'' - and the Norfolk Botanical Garden is just that! Hope to see you there.
ANNE R. RUFFIN, president
Norfolk Botanical Garden Society
Norfolk, Jan. 26, 1996 by CNB