A guide to Historic Garden Week 2014
Photo by the Garden Club of the Eastern Shore
Photo by the Garden Club of the Eastern Shore
Photo by Louise Kraft
Photo by Dana Parker and The Virginia Beach Garden Club
Photo by Susie Chatfield-Taylor and the Winchester-Clarke Garden Club
Photo by The Blue Ridge Garden Club
Photo by Missy Janes and the Fauquier and Loudoun Garden Club
Photo by Roger Foley
Photo by the Gabriella Garden Club
Photo by Catriona Tuder Erler and the Albemarle Garden Club
Photo by Lisa Powell
Photo by Roger Foley
Photo by Roger Foley
Photo by Catriona Tudor Erler and the Albemarle Garden Club
Photo by Barry Wolfe
Photo by The Brunswick Garden Club
The best gardens can be places of light and wonder, or of dusk and mystery. Gardens are places of reflection and solitude, of beauty and grin-inducing splendor. They are works of art that connect us with nature, and show us the creativity, skill, and love of their caretakers. And, of course, the best gardens are in Virginia.
For 81 years, the Virginia Garden Club has welcomed visitors to unforgettable homes and gardens statewide during Historic Garden Week. This year, during the week of April 26-May 3, more than 250 locations (with 2,000 specially-prepared flower arrangements) will be featured in 31 tours.
Below, you’ll find a survey of some Garden Week tours from around the Commonwealth. And while pictures may pale in comparison to the real thing (you can’t smell a photo of a lily, after all), click through our slideshow above for some stunning garden highlights.
For a complete listing of tours and events, and for more information, visit VaGardenWeek.org
Eastern Shore
April 26
The homes and gardens of the Eastern Shore showcase four centuries’ worth of architecture, art, and design. Most locations on this tour are secluded and serene, providing a welcome removal from the rest of the busy world. Eyre Hall, a manor house originally completed by Littleton Eyre in 1758, is not to be missed. Named a National Historic Landmark in 2012, the grounds feature a formal parterre garden that has been continually tended to since 1800.
Middleburg and Upperville
April 27-28
The Middleburg and Upperville tour is steeped in history–two of the five properties featured in the tour predate the civil war! Gum Tree Farm is a working organic farm, and sheep shearing demonstrations will be presented both days of the tour. The gardens and home incorporate a variety of contemporary painting and sculpture that reflect the owners’ time spent living in London, Africa, and Virginia.
Lynchburg
April 29
Six gardens of varying styles form the Lynchburg tour, all within six miles of one another. A particular treat is the Anne Spencer house and gardens. One of the first two African American writers included in the Norton Anthology of Literature, Spencer was a celebrated poet associated with the Harlem Renaissance. The garden she cultivated, which the Garden Club has chosen to feature on the cover of this year’s guidebook, was a relaxing haven and source of inspiration. Indeed, among Spencer’s poetry, references to gardens and floral imagery are common.
Fredericksburg
April 29
The site of five Civil War battles, Fredericksburg is rich not only in history, but in excellent examples of a range of architectural styles including Federal, Victorian Italianate and Georgian. “The Sentry House” was built by Revolutionary War General George Weedon in 1786. Designed in the late Georgian style, the home houses a collection of Civil war arms and memorabilia. The Garden Club of Virginia landscape architect, Will Rieley, has landscaped the property from house to river, and an archeologist will be on-site to discuss the restored ice house, where refreshments will be served.
Richmond
April 30-May 2
This year, Richmond’s three tours will be available in a single ticket, showcasing 39 properties. The first day focuses on the gardens of Historic Byrd Park and Maymont, the second on the homes and gardens of the Glenbrooke Hills neighborhood, and the third on those of Hampton Gardens. In conjunction with these tours, a special art exhibit, “Hanging in the Garden,” will be on display April 4-30 in the Brazier Gallery on W. Main Street, featuring garden-oriented art from the homes of the Richmond tour, and depictions of restored historic gardens.
Roanoke
May 3
The Roanoke tour features five private homes and gardens. You’ll find a 25-year-old organic garden and tranquil stone pool surrounded by quiet forest growth, developed by Stanley Abbot, the designer of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Roanoke is home to the state’s longest continually operating farmer’s market, and several of the gardens are close to the Crystal Spring Village shops and restaurants.
