Reid Matson, his son, worked with NBG s executive director to insure that his father name would be remembered for the horticulture progress that he brought to our community. The Matson Perennial Garden is about a quarter of an acre in size and is filled with new cultivars of the same plants that Pat Matson first introduced in the Hampton Roads area and some of the original plants that he donated to Norfolk Botanical Garden. This new garden encompasses shade, sun, stream, a dry stack wall and stone pathways. Along the canal bank are large sweeps of perennials and along the paved road are smaller mixed groups of plants. The Airport Overlook is a display that features a detailed map of Norfolk International Airport and a description of how planes work.
Visitors can also monitor airport ground communications and learn about wind speed and direction.
A Presidential Garden located in NATO Vista. A Presidential Garden displays six 18 presidential busts, by Texas artist, David Adickes. Presidents Hoover, Van Buren, Wilson, Kennedy, Reagan and Jefferson are on display through mid-October. Internationally known sculptor David Adickes designed and rendered all of the presidential busts. A few of Adickes works include an 8 personalized bronze of former President George W. Bush.