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

 

 

Sights to see in Charlottesville Virginia, do not miss Monticello and the Rotunda

Garden Pavillion overlook at Monticello

It seems often one doesn't take in popular area attractions. A nice perk to get locals to climb the mountain up to Monticello is free entry for residents. You must have an accompanying out of town guest and purchase a ticket, but that makes it 1/2 off. This weekend we finally took advantage of this offer when friends were visiting from California. One of my oldest friends that I grew up with was on the East coast for business and I had never met his wife. It was truly a thrill for me to see Danny again and had an immediate connection with his wife. Danny and I had not spoken in many years but he's a friend that I'll always be close to. It makes me think of my mother and her relationship with one of her dearest and oldest friends Sue. You may not speak with them often but you pick right up where you left off when you do.

Monticello overlooking Thomas Jefferson's vegetable garden

We could not have asked for a better day weather-wise. Humidity was low as was the typically horribly hot July temperature. No rain, plenty of fluffy cloud cover and temps in the 80s! Unheard of for this time of year in Virginia.

I don't often take the house tour at Monticello as I typically go during the Fall Heritage Harvest Festival and am totally focused on the tons of outside activities. Danny and I went on an Elementary school tour of Monticello way back before the Visitor and Education Center complex existed. This was only my second house tour since moving to Cville 10 years ago and I always learn a little more about the man that designed Monticello.

Cardoon bloom with Montalto ridge in background

All humans have faults and Thomas Jefferson was certainly not a perfect human being but he was a master of his time in so many fields. I just finished a book, The Founding Gardeners, about the gardening pursuits of our founding fathers and didn't realize how entrenched they were into agriculture and plants. Their private lives were totally immersed in planting, collecting, researching, and creating gardens (Washington, Madison, Monroe, Adams, and Jefferson). Especially craving the need to plant after retiring from the laborious political arena in which they all served.

In Jefferson Gardens: Sunflower and brilliant Castor Bean

Recently I've come across several quotes by Jefferson that are relevant to the current political climate in the United States. One being, "I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as a cause for withdrawing from a friend." Often a truism in his behavior but at one point the political difference between one of his dearest friends, John Adams, was so broad that it took many years of aging before they forgave each other. Also interestingly, there was a bust of one of Jefferson's biggest political adversaries, Alexander Hamilton, at Monticello. It was placed here years after Jefferson retired from politics so he must of meant what he said. Jefferson apparently had a respect for smart minds no matter what their political view. Jefferson was all about educating his guests so one could imagine he also wanted to share the historic details with visitors.

N Plaza flight of stairs up to UVA Rotunda

Another wonderful place to take visitors is to the restored Rotunda. Previously closed for touring due to extensive restoration, it's back open again. Don't miss the 2 large  photos on display in the upper story showing the Rotunda when it housed the campus library during different periods. Be sure to poke around the book shelves as there might be a special exhibit on loan from the UVA Special Collections Library (another nearby campus treasure that one should explore). Also do not miss the many secret gardens behind the original campus, called the Academical Village.

Gazing over the Lawn from the lower level UVA Rotunda

A glorious day in Charlottesville, Virginia with friends!

~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 2016 Biggest Tour of the Year

Flower Arrangement Richmond Tour 

If you love Spring as I do, then you won't want to miss the biggest tour of the year, Historic Garden Week in Virginia. Beginning April 23 select communities throughout the state host home and garden tours sponsored by local Garden Clubs. Each year I get my grubby gardening gloves on the 250 page guidebook that explains in detail every tour site. You can pick up a catalog in local specialty shops and libraries or you can read the guidebook online. Proceeds from the tours help preserve historic gardens in Virginia.

Beautiful Flowers during prior Tour

Each year I blog about my favorite tour sites listed in the catalog. The following communities made my list mainly because of their emphasis on gardens. Some localities focus more on home interiors. Last year we visited Richmond and it was outstanding and over the years we have visited Ashland, Charlottesville, Lexington, Staunton, and Richmond (twice).

Note: Some tour tickets can be purchased in advance for a $5.00 discount.

Ashland Tour 2012

4/23, Saturday, 10-5, $35.00 - Staunton is pulling out all the stops with 8 properties open on tour day. They also have guest speakers and performances throughout the day. When we toured Staunton several years ago I was totally blown away by the floral arrangements created by the Augusta Garden Club. On tour this year are expansive gardens with over 1,000 Daffodils and Tulips, Azalea, Rhododendron, Peony, and Spring Shrubs. Featured are select Roses from the Garden Club of Virginia's Rose Collection. The Charles Gillette designed garden at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum is included on the tour. While you are in town, check out the ongoing efforts to replant Dogwood trees in the sprawling Gypsy Hill Park.

This Spring on Forsythia Hill in my garden.

4/23, Sat, 12-5, $45.00 - Winchester-Clarke features native plant and organic food production gardens featuring herbs and vegetables. Specialty gardens are also highlighted on this tour; Dahlia, Rose, more than 15,000 Daffodils, 10,000 Tulips, and 15,000 Grape Hyacinths. Clay Hill will be on the tour and has been featured in several notable publications and includes an Orchid conservatory, Italianate boxwood parterre garden, and perennial & vegetable gardens planted within stone walls built by Hessian soldiers. Don't miss the Black Walnut tree said to be one of the largest in Virginia. If you have time, visit our State Arboretum of Virginia.

Ashland Tour 2012

4/26, Tuesday, 10-5, $25.00 - Petersburg is steeped in history and is a fascinating place to visit even without Historic Gardening Week to lure you in. Centre Hill Mansion has been featured in several movies and is a restoration project of the Garden Club of Virginia. Several other amazing historic homes are featured on the tour as is a billiard room, wine cellar, carriage house, potting shed, barn, gazebo, and guest house. Art, history, and antiques abound along with terraced gardens, flowering trees, walking trails, and native plants. The Marie Bowen Garden is a 30 year restoration project taken on by the Raleigh Parish Garden Club, named after one member who spent countless hours propagating native plants for an overgrown expansive ravine located within the garden. You may want to make time for the first Bank Museum in Virginia, Farmers Bank, one of the few in the USA,

Monticello during Garden Week 2014

4/28, Thurs, 10-5, $40.00 - Norfolk features homes from the early 1900's. Well known Virginia architect, John K. Peebles designed one home that is featured. Interior styles vary from Italian to Asian. Gardens include a pesticide free garden with herbs and vegetables and a sustainable garden featuring many edible / pollinator friendly plants. The eight acre Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary is also on the tour. For more than 20 years, the St. Andrews Episcopal Church has hosted a Flower Festival and will showcase arrangements during the tour. If you have time, you might want to make a trip over to the Chrysler Museum of Art or the Moses Myers House (one of the many Garden Club of Virginia's renovated gardens).

Richmond Tour 2013

4/29, Fri, 10-4, $40.00 - Middle Peninsula will open 6 homes; a mix of historic and contemporary and new construction. A Virginia planters home from the 1840's, a Georgian style home that has discovered two cannon balls on the property, and one home from 1763 that has a slave cabin and log cabin on the property. One newer home has a waterfront view with gardens, pool and outdoor kitchen. The "Old Customs House" referred to as "Sandwich" is on the tour and is named after the Earl of Sandwich who of course invented the sandwich! You won't want to miss the home with custom crafted interior wood detailing located on the salt marsh and creek. Stroll winding woodland paths covered in over 15,000 bulbs through a bog garden surrounded by native plants and trees.

Prior Garden Week in Richmond 2015

4/30, Sat, 10-5, $35.00 - Blackstone & Nottoway County features homes ranging in age from 1800 - 1900 plus one new contemporary home. Garden details encompass a herb garden, Asian garden, Koi pond, cottage garden, heirloom plants, mature specimen trees, and over 100 Hostas. The Virginia Bluebird Society will host a garden presentation. One home features 500 martini glasses and a collection of Buddhist and Hindu statues. In town there is a carriage museum and The Nottoway County Courthouse has been described as one of the most beautiful of its style in Virginia. Trend is hosting a waffle tasting from 9 - 11 am.

Richmond headquarters for Garden Club of Virginia

4/30, Sat, 10-5, $30.00 - Lexington features 6 properties, many tied to the production of grapes. Rockbridge Vineyard is on the tour as is a nearby home with natural wood detailing, a shaded woodland garden, and a fruit and vegetable garden. One home that has been modified over the years since 1790, had Union forces camped on the farm prior to Hunter's raid on Lexington and now has "rocking chairs on the front porch over looking the countryside and grape vines". Another home on the tour features natural gardens with birdhouses, hand-hewn fencing, and an amphitheater near the creek. Art is a feature in several homes on this tour. A sweet Herbery is filled with hundreds of bulbs, spring ephemerals, herbs, and a greenhouse. Also tour a rustic treehouse and log-cabin smokehouse, barn, pool and pool house surrounded by garden walking trails leading to the creek.

Garden Week in Richmond 2015

This is just a small taste of beautiful homes and gardens in Virginia. I hope you will pick a location and explore. I'm still on the fence where to go this year but at least my list has been narrowed down!

-Rebecca

Historic Garden Week in Richmond Virginia 2015

Tuckahoe Plantation, boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson.

Yesterday I spent my birthday among gardeners in Richmond, Virginia surrounded by lovely Spring flowers. This is my second trip to Richmond for the annual Historic Garden Week tour and I have yet to be disappointed. I've always loved Richmond and every time I go I love this stunningly beautiful historic city a little more.

Quote on brick wall at the Bredrup's on Cary Street.

The Cary Town tour featured several gardens designed by famed landscape architect Charles Gillette. Installed on a brick wall in one garden was the sweetest garden plaque that was written by Mr. Gillette's wife. Spring is such a beautiful and delicate season. Spires of blue Delphiniums, cupped colorful Tulips, dangling Deutzia blossoms, and pom pom Viburnum dotted the gardens.

Wilton House Museum in the woods.

Two historic sites were on the tour. The 1750 Wilton House Museum was disassembled, stored, and relocated by the Virginia Dames brick by brick. This amazing plantation mansion is a massive structure overlooking the James River surrounded by quite the collection of boxwood.

Kitty relaxing in Pansies at Tuckahoe Plantation.

Upon arrival to Tuckahoe Plantation, Thomas Jefferson's home place, one is transported centuries back in time to a scenic pastoral setting on the James River. Horses, Guinea Hens, and a sweet kitty complete the charming setting. If you have the chance to visit this designated Historic National Landmark, GO! It's the finest existing early 18th century plantation in America and I would concur!

Pot of Tulips arranged by Garden Club vol.

I'm always so impressed with the kindness of Garden Club volunteers and their personal interest and love of gardening. We chatted with several volunteers along our trip and all were very helpful and fun to talk to. I thank each of them for their time, assistance, and breathtaking arrangements. This is one of my favorite features of the tour each year. Arrangements perfectly captured Spring featuring romantic pinks and blues with touches of Delphinium, Helleborus, variegated Solomon Seal, Tulips, Iris, Peony, and Viburnum.

Garden Angel in Deutzia buds at the Cronley's on Hillcrest.

On Hillcrest Avenue, secret garden pockets among naturalized areas featured lovely statuary, large trees and shrubs, and beautiful perennials. There was quite a crowd in this garden because it was slated as the first to tour. All sites were busy but not uncomfortable. It was fun rubbing elbows with fellow gardeners about plants but the gardens are typically quiet as many are focused on taking in the beauty around them.

Refreshing pool of the Tilghman's on Cary Street.

I also toured Monticello earlier in the week.

Oh next year hurry and arrive --- what a sweet adventure.

-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

Through the Garden Gate Tour features Vintage Finds

Entryway into the gardens.

Today a fellow gardening friend and I visited the interesting garden and home of The Askew's of Charlottesville, Virginia. It was the featured garden for July in the Piedmont Master Gardeners tour series, Through the Garden Gate. Tours are hosted the 2nd Saturday of the month from 9 - noon, in a different garden each month.

Great mix of herbs and collectibles in the garden.

The Askew's are huge collectors of vintage and have designed their home and gardens around the items they have acquired. Sturdy industrial metals and large ceramics are tastefully woven throughout their garden. I especially enjoyed the collection of old farm equipment, fencing, and building discards that had been artfully placed into select garden spots. It takes a creative mind to find uses for found items that might have otherwise been tossed out.

Re-purposed entry door block A/C Unit. 

For some time I have been scratching my head trying to decide how to put some of my collected items to good use and the Askew's have inspired me to think out of the box. I really liked their placement of an old (but really cool) door to block their air conditioning unit and how they hung an old window frame and shutters on the side of a shed to make it look like a real window.

A quiet place to sip some tea - love the fence!

There were many quaint nooks in the garden in which one could sit and relax, all providing a different view of the grounds. The Askew's love of the garden was obvious, all vistas within the house were really extensions of the garden. The expansive front porch and back sun porch providing panoramic views of the garden.

Rarely Through the Garden Gate tours include the inside of the home but today was one of those days. Throughout the house, walls displayed family photos and memorabilia. I loved the feminine touches like the sweet handkerchief collections dotting the rooms and the cool framed vintage bathing suit along with the historic swim team photo. One would have to return again and again to really digest all the cool finds in the house.

Whimsical shed just for "her", MEN KEEP OUT.

Because I collect and sell vintage, I especially enjoyed this tour. I couldn't get enough of the found and family treasures and wish I had more hours to explore this interesting home.

-Rebecca