Historic Garden Week in Virginia begins April 26th, 2025

The 2025 Historic Garden Week in Virginia is April 26 - May 3. Local Garden Clubs throughout Virginia host the annual week long home and garden tours. A nice guidebook is available at select outlets or you can view it online.

I always seek out locations that are more nature centric. Some tours focus more on home interiors but regardless, one is sure to immerse oneself in the lovely Spring gardens along tour routes. This year seems to be loaded with many choices that appeal to me!

Based on my preference to stroll in as many gardens as possible, my top contenders for tour spots this year are: Northern Neck, Chatham Hills / Richmond, Norfolk, Williamsburg, and Middleburg. 

Northern Neck, near to the Chesapeake Bay, is my top pick but it's close to a 3 hour drive for me from Charlottesville so it's a little far but oh so tempting. Situated on the Rappahannock River homes date from 1855 to the 1990's. One property attracts many birds and features a pond. Terms such as lush, expansive, wooded, and natural beauty are used to describe this tour.

Richmond is the closest spot on my list and usually there are 2 separate tours on different days. Especially interesting to me is the neighborhood of Chatham Hills which when originally designed had the landscape services of Charles F. Gillette. The guidebook starts with... "an oasis of manicured gardens, 5.5 acre estate, and describes another property as 1.5 acres of lush landscape". That should do it! A range of different styles of homes in a beautiful part of Richmond. A brick colonial, farmhouse, Greek Revival and Dutch Colonial.

The Norfolk tour is on a waterfront peninsula and included in the tour, if you have not exhausted your senses, is The Norfolk Botanical Gardens which is a real bonus! Renovated mid century dated homes are featured, which is quite appealing to me. One property contains one of the oldest Maple trees in Norfolk. I always enjoy "garden only" tours and on the list is a sedum roof solar home with gardens boasting more than 1,500 native plants.

I'm a bit partial to Williamsburg because when I was googling a Salt Spa popped up in my feed which gave me the great idea to make it an overnight trip doubling up gardens with some additional relaxation. This tour features 13 sites! Quite incredible for a one day tour. I'll need a massage after all that walking. One farm house built in 1775 was relocated to Williamsburg in 1928! Two "garden only" tours are included which is right up my alley. Included in the tour is a colonial Williamsburg guided walking tour featuring 3 homes and 4 garden sites.

Garden guidebook photos make Middleburg look quite lush. One property was included in the Smithsonian's Archives of American Gardens, cataloging more than 140 species of birds! Several water features are mentioned, one being 2 ponds located in a natural area. This tour is a walking tour which is always nice because you park once and don't have to fool with maneuvering to each property.

In my own neck of the woods, I hope to finally see the gardens of Morven in Charlottesville and I just noticed that at the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library on the UVA Campus currently is running an Anne Spencer exhibit. I've been to Anne's home and gardens in Lynchburg several times. On 4/28 Monday from 11 - 3 the UVA President's home gardens (Carr's Hill) will be open which is always pretty in the Spring!

Get out this Spring! 

~Rebecca

 

Annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia begins April 20th, 2024

In 2 weeks, Historic Garden Week in Virginia begins. April is a lovely time of the year to check out area homes and gardens. Local Garden Clubs throughout Virginia host the annual week long tours. A really nice guidebook is available at select outlets or you can view it online.

I always seek out locations that are more nature centric. Some tours focus more on home interiors but regardless, one is sure to get a blast of what is blooming in Virginia as you stroll through neighborhoods.

After reading the tour book, I've decided this year I'll be traveling to Orange and Madison Counties on 4/20. A short drive from Charlottesville to explore five historic properties that feature natural landscapes, all under land conservation easement. The properties foster habitat for bird, animals, and insects with wildflower meadows and native plantings. I also have a potential family connection to one of the homes. Genealogy can be tricky but my family immigrated to Madison and there might be some history to discover given one historic home originally belonged to an individual with our family name.

Another interesting option is a neighborhood walking tour in Norfolk on 4/25. Four homes and three gardens will be featured. There are two other nearby public gardens you can add for separate fees but it sounds like a full day as is. Keep an eye out for the amazing arrangements garden club members create!

Richmond offers several tours on different days. The one that sounds most interesting to me is the walking tour through the River Hill subdivision of the Westover Hills neighborhood on 4/24. Six homes will be open, overlooking the James River in a really pretty part of Richmond. Also do not miss Maymont if you have extra time. Historic Tuckahoe is also very interesting.

Get out and about and enjoy the beautiful Spring weather in Virginia!

~Rebecca

 

 

Historic Garden Week in Virginia, Fredericksburg Home and Garden Tour 2022

Tuesday we toured six beautiful homes and gardens in historic Fredericksburg as part of the annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia. An afternoon rain was in the forecast but it literally held off until we finished our very last stop at the Kenmore Plantation. We missed one home as we confused it with the plantation on the map.

Fredericksburg has a vibrant charming historic commercial district with homes from the early 18th century surrounding this area. The oldest residential structure was on the tour, The Charles Dick House - Georgian architecture constructed in 1740. All homes preserved the beautiful original architecture but many had completely updated interiors. Modern kitchens and rooms with a garden view were common elements.

The Rappahannock Garden Club hosted the local event and members were especially nice. 

Highly skilled in floral design, arrangements were place throughout properties, inside and out. We were prohibited from taking photos of interiors so unfortunately I can not show you any. We've traveled to various locations for 12 years and the arrangements were some of the best created.

Gardens were full of blooming Azalea, Hosta, Columbine, Solomon Seal, Dogwood, and Tulips. 

Peony was budding and ready to pop. Virginia is a lovely state to visit during Spring.

Some gardens were colorful and showy and other subtle and peaceful.

We rested over some wonderful coffee and the best no-chicken salad I've ever eaten at Katora Coffee. 

I highly recommend a quick stop if you're in the area; the White Chocolate Rose Latte and Sandwich were delicious. 

My main focus on the tour is always the gardens. I always appreciate an extensive tour with a lot of variety. I partly was interested in this tour because one of the homes used to be a flower shop. The retired flower shop owner now lives in the property adjoining the tour home. Open for strolling, it was a good example of a small garden packed with a wide variety of interesting plants. 

Several gardens focused on native plants, Kenmore Plantation has a sweet native garden and massive trees on the property. It also has a large separate formal garden. We didn't have time to take a guided tour but we were fortunate to be able to walk the grounds.

Kenmore Plantation formal gardens

I recommend a visit to Fredericksburg and stroll around the historic district. 

Flowers are oozing in this area this time of year and its just getting started!

~Rebecca

Historic Garden Week in Virginia is this week. Beautiful Home and Garden Tour 2022

Charlottesville 2018

Historic Garden Week in Virginia is almost here! Tickets are limited for each location throughout the state so you might want to consider pre-purchasing tickets online this year. The tour was suspended because of Covid, but it's back this year. 

Ashland 2020

After a deep delve into the annual guide book, we've decided to go to Fredericksburg this year. They will be celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the George Washington Foundation. Funds raised by the Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) during their 1929 tours helped restore the gardens at the Kenmore estate, which was the first GCV restoration project. A massive outside floral arrangement will be assembled throughout the day.

Richmond

Proceeds raised by the GCV from the annual tours help maintain and restore historically significant gardens throughout the state of Virginia.

Help kick off the most beautiful time of the year in Virginia by getting out and seeing the beauty that we're so fortunate to be surrounded by.

Richmond

The tour runs tomorrow, April 23 - 30th. 

Typically a community has one or two specific dates assigned to them.

HAPPY SPRING!

~Rebecca

Historic Garden Week in Virginia - 2020 Coronavirus edition - Visit the Gardens ONLINE!

2015 tour in Richmond at Tuckahoe Plantation

If you have followed my writing over the years, you will know that I blog about the amazing annual garden tour that takes place throughout the state of Virginia. This week long tour is organized by the Garden Club of Virginia, an organization that is celebrating their centennial this year!

2012 Garden Week, a lovely home in Ashland

I always pre-select the city that I will visit based on the detailed description in the Historic Garden Week of Virginia tour book. You can still dowload them online and you might be able to snag one in your area if you are lucky to find a distribution location up and running. It's a Spring publication that describes historic and private gardens that are scheduled to be on the tour.

Flower cart 2014 Garden Week in Lexington

Due to the coronavirus the week long tour has been cancelled but I just received notice that the event organizers will be hosting week long Facebook and Instagram video presentations beginning today, April 18, 2020 through April 25, 2020. They will periodically post videos on their sites throughout the day. Some history, flower arranging, gardens, and a little preview of gardens to come during the hopefully - back on again 2021 tour.

It's a very popular event and people travel even from outside our state to celebrate Spring in Virginia. A lot of planning goes into preparing homes and gardens for the thousands of visitors. It's quite sad the event has been cancelled but it's nice to know we can catch a glimpse online. You may be able to see posts on Instagram even if you don't have an account. Click on the links above and give it a try.

I've reposted a few of my favorite photos from past tours. Enjoy!

~Rebecca

Historic Garden Week 2016 in Petersburg, Virginia

 Petersburg 1838 Courthouse Clock Tower & Roses

This year as part of Historic Garden Week in Virginia, we selected Petersburg as our annual tour destination. I wanted to spend some time in the amazing Old Towne area and get a closer look of what could be described as a congenial southern historic town. 

YUMMY Sweets provided by The Petersburg Garden Club

I'm always impressed with the effort extended by the host Garden Club and Petersburg did not disappoint. The Petersburg Garden Club members at each stop were so welcoming and personable. We absolutely fell in LOVE with the house on the hill, Centre Hill, as the museum staff was superb. We can certainly understand why movie crews rush to Petersburg to set up camp to film.

All interior photos of Floral Arrangements were graciously provided by Molly Sammler, Petersburg Garden Club photographer for Historic Garden Week. 

Stone accents at the Kramer House on the Lake

Driving 2 hours from Charlottesville, we began our tour by visiting three homes located on the lake in Chesterfield Virginia. These relatively new large homes all offered lovely views of Lake Chesdin. We especially liked what we referred to as the pink and green house (my favorite color combination). Upon entry into the Kramer House, one looks beyond the open entryway through huge windows straight onto the lake. A light and airy home decorated by owner and designer Glenna Jean who makes beautiful bedding, pillows and accessories.

Rose Arrangement at Centre Hill by Molly

We were so touched by the history of her mother who died at 105 years of age. Being that her favorite flower was the rose, there were many small items in the home that she had beautifully painted. She also was a blue ribbon cookie maker and her winning Sugar Cookie recipe was handed out to every visitor. Several rooms were decorated in a garden theme featuring walls perfectly painted by an artist that had Alzheimer's. We very much loved getting to know this home on a more personal level and relaxing lake side on the multi-leveled deck chatting with garden club members.

Meeting a few furry friends @ Strachan-Harrison

Next we headed to Old Towne to race through Petersburg to get to the next set of three homes on tour. After a break at Demolition Coffee (a really cool shop in of course an amazing historic building) we were off to the Strachan-Harrison House. A boxwood garden complete with majestic trees surrounds the front entry. Inside there are beautiful period portraits. The owners have gone to great lengths to make the interior represent the homes age dated in the late 1700's. There was also a barn outside with a sweet Donkey that protects the dear Lambs from predators.

Massive Kramer H. Peacock Arrangm.

Next we were off to Centre Hill. I really do enjoy an element of surprise when I plan a tour and don't like to know too much about a property before I visit. We were walking around what appeared to be an amazing Civil War period mansion, lolly gagging along taking pictures of the roses at neighboring homes, who, by the way, have a great view off all that goes on at Centre Hill, when we read a little sign outside of the building that said for us to please forgive the length of the grass as the PBS series, Mercy Street, wants it that way! 

Centre Hill Mansion

I thought Mercy Street was filmed in Alexandria Virginia. Mercy Street is actually filmed in Richmond and Petersburg and in the series, it was chosen to list as being portrayed in the town of Alexandria Virginia. Centre Hill Mansion is the central family's home in the series. Centre Hill has been used by many movies and is a known for paranormal activity. Do not miss this beautiful mansion when you go to Petersburg.

Iris in Ginger Jar @ Strachan by Molly

At the end of our tour we dashed through - oh I wish we had more time - the historic McIlwaine House which was featured in the film, Lincoln. Amazingly, this 3-story shell of a building was moved from its original location 8 blocks away. The original ornate hand carved interior woodwork was missing but eventually found in storage and restored back on the walls. This ca. 1794 high-style federal building is now in fine condition complete with beautiful period pieces supplied by the current owner who has done an amazing job restoring this structure back to it's original condition.

Marie Bowen Gardens in Walnut Hill

Our last stop was to the natural gardens named after the Raleigh Parish Garden Club member, Marie Bowen who spent, up until her death in 1979, countless hours tending and planting the Fairfax side of a ravine. A sweet and tranquil garden that can freely be visited from dusk to dawn. It was the perfect end to a beautiful day in Petersburg, a nice mix of the new and old. 

Goodies provided: Laptop Case, Recipe, Seeds, Magazine

A nice briefcase bag was given to each participant, which now holds my laptop, along with a packet of Forget Me Not seeds. I last planted this dear plant many years ago on the grave of my dear Schnauzer, Tator. If I can get it to grow, it will be a sweet reminder of my trip to Petersburg and my pooch.

Little meditative spot at 

After hitting several Thrift Stores (another reason to visit Petersburg) and buying 2 cute purses for $2.50, we headed to Cary Street in Richmond for dinner. Home at 11 pm - pooped. My only wish was that we had another day to really delve into the history in Petersburg but I can't wait to return!

-Rebecca   

  

Historic Garden Week in Virginia 2015

Ashland Tour 2012

In Spring I look forward to reading the Garden Club of Virginia's Historic Garden Week tour book. Details are also published online as well as in print. This year the tour is held April 18th - 25th and proceeds benefit the restoration of historic gardens in Virginia. The book is quite lengthy at 265 pages and features 31 different tour areas throughout our state. To get your grubby little gardening hands on "the book", the Garden Club has published a list of where to pick up a copy. Visit the Historic Garden Week Facebook page for a chance to win free tickets and up to the minute details about specific tour sites!

Richmond Tour 2013

Each year I publish my top picks for touring and I do focus on locations within 2 hours driving distance from my home in Charlottesville. I also lean toward tours that focus on gardens verses home interiors and those that are quaint neighborhood walking tours. The guide book has a coding system which points out these important features. 

Lexington Tour 2014

A little spot of tea or cookie break is often included on many of the tours as is the option to purchase a lunch. I recommend that you BYO snacks as there are plenty of opportunities to take a break in a lovely garden along the tour. Check out a local restaurant at the end of the tour day.

Monticello Tour 2014 the Tulips loved the rain!

Charlottesville will feature homes, gardens, and public grounds the 18th - 21st. Visit estates located on the West side of town boasting breathtaking mountain views. The UVA Pavilion Gardens will be open to the public on the 21st, located on the backside of The Lawn in the Academical Village. On the 20th, Monticello will be presenting their newest restoration project, the Kitchen Road (pre-register). I always take advantage of a free grounds snooping as it is seldom offered!

Flower arrangements abound, Ashland Tour 2012

In 2012 I toured Ashland and found it to be a charming town. One home on this year's tour, on the 18th, has "one of the largest Magnolia trees in Virginia". Several homes are located on large swaths of land, some prior plantations. Front Royal, on the 25th, stands out as the Eco Tour. One home diverts excess attic heat to the swimming pool heating system. A timber frame home and barn with geothermal heating are surrounded by the "colors and scents of 5,000 perennials" creating a native Botanical Garden. A historic church and Civil War Museum are also on the tour and many of the properties have connections to Civil War history.

Richmond Tour 2013

If you are interested in visiting plantations the James River tour, 19th - 21st, is full of fabulous estates featuring mansions built in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Leesburg tour, 19th - 20th, is steeped in history and coincides with the Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival (an added bonus). On the 18th, Orange County is opening Springfields which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The formal gardens sound impressive featuring over 500 David Austin rose shrubs and 300 hydrangeas! The Barboursville Vineyards will be open as are the interesting ruins that are a similar design to Monticello. Petersburg was nearly wiped off the map 25 years ago when Hurricane Hugo hit. I saw the aftermath and wondered if it was gone forever. On the 21st, you can go back and see that this town has mended and many of the gardens have new plantings. Centre Hill Mansion is noted as a film location for several historic films and even a ghost watch! One home has a water garden designed in the likeness of Monet's in Giverny, France.

Garden Club of Virginia Headquarters in Richmond

Richmond (the headquarters of the Garden Club of Virginia), is offering three different tours between the 22nd - 24th. The Hermitage Road area tour features homes from the early 1900's in many different styles; Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, and Queen Anne. The Executive Mansion will be open as well as the restored gardens that were funded with proceeds from Historic Garden Week. On day three, The Cary Street tour is mainly a walking tour in this vibrant district. Acres and acres of park like gardens are open as are several other gardens designed by famed Charles Gillette.

Richmond Tour 2013

In Richmond, The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Sculpture Garden will be open all three days (free) with a special exhibition of Van Gogh, Manet, and Matisse, The Art of the Flower (additional fee). The Tuckahoe Plantation gardens will be open all three days and will offer plants for purchase. The gardens at the Wilton House Museum will be open which were restored using proceeds from Historic Garden Week. It is also recommended to visit the Edgar Allan Poe Museum garden which was also restored with funding from Historic Garden Week. If you still have time remaining after the main stops, visit the stunning Kent-Valentine Mansion which is the Headquarters of the Garden Club of Virginia or Maymont.

The Cary Street tour does happen to be on my birthday and Virginia Arbor Day so it probably will be my selection. I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday than strolling around gardens and homes in beautiful Richmond Virginia.

-Rebecca

Historic Garden Week in Virginia 2014

Underground Monticello in the service area looking out.

Historic Garden Week in Virginia began with days of torrential rain but ended with ideal tour weather. If you are a hardcore gardener like me, a little rain never keeps you away from attending events during this special week.

As part of garden week, the University of Virginia invites visitors to the gardens surrounding the President's house on Carr's Hill and the Academical Village. This year a friend took me to a play for my birthday and prior to the event walked over to Carr's Hill. We laughed as we passed by the large kitchen window and caught President Teresa Sullivan washing dishes dressed in her standard issue business attire. I didn't have my camera at the time but thought that would be such a great shot. Who knew the President of UVA washed dishes! She didn't even notice us, as there are so many passerbyers during Garden Week. A little while later we saw her at the play we were attending which explained why she was not "dressed down" whilst scrubbing dishes at the kitchen sink.

Monticello when the rain let up, Tulips, Tulips, Tulips!

Next on my hit list was to attend a lecture and tour of the Restoring Monticello's Kitchen Road, a project partly funded by the Garden Club of Virginia. It was pouring rain to the point that my eyeglasses fogged up and water was dripping down the top of my nose. I was drenched but I'll jump at any opportunity to be on the grounds at Monticello, regardless of such trivial things as looking and feeling like a wet rat. The architectural historian, Gardiner Hallock, was a good sport to take this group of hardcore gardeners on this trek.

Beautiful statue and purple Tulip at Rosalie.

The indoor lecture was well attended and while outside there were breaks in the rain to allow me to snap a few photos. The ongoing restoration will include extending Mulberry Road back down toward the Barn, rebuilding a Slave House, restoring the Weavers House, and reconnecting the original pathway between the service areas and the formal house. If you have followed my blog about the Levy Lions, the area that is being restored is in the vicinity of where the Lions once stood. Of course I took the opportunity to do a little side research while I was out and about.

Beautiful urns adorn the entryway.

Yesterday we headed out early to tour Lexington where 3 homes and 7 gardens were open for visitors. It was a glorious day with temperatures moderate in the 70's. Skies were blue and gardens were bursting with new Spring growth. All gardens were immaculate.

A secret side pathway from the back garden to the front.

There were no rough edges on these pristine gardens. Even wooded, hidden pockets of secret spots and work areas were tidy and obviously well tended. There were historically important gardens on the tour created by well known Garden Master, Charles Gillette. Blooming in the various gardens were beautiful Iris, purple Tulips, Azalea, Hosta, Dogwood, Solomon Seal, pink Trillium, and sweet scented Lilac in various colors. On Stonewall Street we found a huge Climbing Hydrangea that must be simply beautiful when in full bloom. The masses of Peony at Castle Hill marching up the pond hillside were ready to pop.

Entryway into the Charles Gillette Marshall St garden.

It was impressive to see homeowners interested in preservation of two historic Charles Gillette gardens. We moved from our historic family home and yard that I toiled in for 20 years and I have great respect for any homeowner that has appreciation for the past. At Castle Hill we loved the preserved boxwood maze and strolling the estate grounds. The carefully scripted self guides along the way were a nice addition.

A fun moment during the tour.

We really enjoy tours where you can walk from garden to garden instead of driving. Lexington fit the bill, we walked between all gardens for the exception of one, which was Ok because we stumbled upon an old historic greenhouse along the way where we purchased plants.

Our garden club hosts were cheerful and helpful - even the snacks and punch were delicious and we had a few laughs along the way.

Flowers for fresh arrangements made by club members.

After checking out a few Thrift Stores and making some detours, we were back at dusk, exhausted but happy to have explored beautiful Lexington and the homes of fellow gardeners. Thank you Blue Ridge Garden Club for a lovely event!

-Rebecca