FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read more About Us or See our Picture Quilt for an overview

What kind of garden is Boxerwood? Boxerwood is unique in that it is simultaneously
    (1) a mature woodland garden ("a tree zoo"):  We collect and maintain trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.  At present we have about 2,500 cultivars and 4,500 native trees & shrubs.  Manycultivars are labeled.

    (2) a nature community:  Boxerwood is almost 50 years old.   It contains established woodlands, wetlands, meadow and pioneer forest which loan themselves to our environmental education programs.  Our community is made up of thousands upon millions of creatures who live or visit here.  That includes those of us who are human; when you enter Boxerwood, you become aware that you are sharing in something much larger than what is of immediate or personal interest to you.  You become one of many and must find your niche among the rest of us, exploring your place and meeting those (be it plant, animal, microbe or other human) who interact with you.
    One of the many lovely characteristics of Boxerwood is its maturity allowing full-grown trees to be part of the understory. For example, under the canopy of "the great oak" (estimated to be 150+ years old), are mature dogwoods, Japanese maples, redbuds, crabapples, etc. The effect is impressive. Feel free to come and explore this mature understory and meet those of us who live there and form its natural web.

What is the Boxerwood Education Association?  BEA is a non-profit organization founded in 2000 whose mission is to educate and inspire people of all ages toward becoming successful and responsible stewards of the Earth.  We are governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees which oversees our program, professional staff, financial and fiduciary responsibilities, and is responsible for our long-range planning.

BEA is also a Membership Organization -  Anyone can join the BEA.  We have several levels of giving and corresponding benefits. All levels receive access to the garden, guest passes, quarterly newsletters, and discounts etc.  For more information click on Join the BEA.

How did Boxerwood get its name? At the same time Dr. Munger had been collecting trees and shrubs for about 8 years he also owned 14 Boxer dogs.  One evening a friend and dinner guest - O.W. Riegel - commented, "You ought to name your garden Boxerwood."  Dr. Munger said he sat up in the middle of the night and thought, "Oh my god, I bet there is a garden happening here."  The name stuck.

How long does it take to see everything? KB, the Garden Steward, says she's been here 20 years and discovers something new every day. However, she suggests, "an hour or so to walk the paths that define the gardens." There are several smaller paths that crisscross the property allowing you to discover even more plants. The possibilities seem endless. We also suggest you visit during different seasons.

How do I get to Boxerwood? See MAP.

What are your hours of operation and days open?

Unscheduled Self-Guided Tours & Birding : March 15 through November
                                                                  * Tuesday - Sunday * 9 AM - 4 PM
Off season Self-Guided Tours & Birding: Year 'round - by appointment - call 540-463-2697

Is there an entrance fee? There is no entrance fee.  Donations are welcomed.

What about parking? We now have two parking lots. The first and larger is for general use. The second -- which is closer to Munger Lodge should be used by the less hearty in that it gets you closer to the heart of the garden. (Our employees, guests and delivery people need this smaller space; so use it only if you need it.)

How do I tour the gardens? On foot. Most paths are grass and easily traversed. Some still reflect the original narrow and rough terrain. Wear good supportive shoes. Dr. Munger did not design Boxerwood with the public in mind. He created footpaths between beds and other designated areas that allowed him the access he needed. It would be easy to trip over roots, etc.

How do we set up a guided tour? Guided tours can be arranged by contacting KB or Hunter by e-mail at webmaster@boxerwood.org, or by phone 540-463-2697 or write 963 Ross Road, Lexington, VA 24450. Advance notice is necessary. Guided tours are considered to be for groups of 8 or more.

Do you allow wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, or other private parties?  Due to staff/program needs and costs, unless a group can use the property “as is” and without disturbing our programs (such as a small birthday party at a picnic table -- see special PlayTrail guidelines) we no longer rent out the facilities.  If an individual or organization wants to hold an event they believe is aligned with our mission statement, they may submit a request for an exception to the Board through the Executive Steward. 

Is there a place to eat on the grounds of Boxerwood? We have no concession area. If you would like to bring a picnic during regular hours, you are welcome. We have a couple of picnic tables for your use. (Please prepare to take your trash when you leave.)  Groups of 8 or less are welcome any time during regular hours. Larger group picnics are asked to schedule it with us by contacting us by email (webmaster@boxerwood.org) or by phone 540-463-2697 or write 963 Ross Road, Lexington, VA 24450.

What happens at Boxerwood?  See the Education, Events, and What's Blooming pages!