By Carolanne WIlson
As Spring peaks, Northern Virginia features flowering azaleas, dogwood canopies, and pesky dandelions. Manicured lawns flaunt down neighborhood streets, and Mother Nature continues to outshine in parks, trails and the spaces in between.
Home to a plethora of flora and fauna, Virginia has a long history of impressive grounds. The “Mother of Presidents” could also tack on, “and Their Gardens.” Many of these impressive natural displays are publicly accessible, but many of these gardens rooted in history are found at private residences. The Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) devotes an entire year of planning and preparation of their signature event, Historic Garden Week, to give the public a peek behind the fence.
The annual event is divided by region and tours span over the week (April 18th-25th). Northern Virginia kicks off in Old Town Alexandria this Saturday from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Tickets include tours of five rowhomes’ grounds, admission to Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, and complimentary refreshments.
209 South Fairfax Street, Built: Approx. 1787
312 Queen Street, Built: 1752
115 Prince Street, Built: 1783
511 Prince Street, Built: 1763
317 South Saint Asaph Street, Built: Approx. 1750-1770
The Garden Club of Fairfax will host their tour on Tuesday, April 21 from 10:00-4:00 PM. Tickets include three homes, featuring Fairfax County’s oldest home. Lunch is available by prepaid order, along with complimentary refreshments.
Cobb-Williams House, 3500 Chain Bridge Road, Built: 1865 (Oldest Home in Fairfax)
3214 Upper Wynnewood Place, Built: 1993
3235 Navy Drive, Built: 1997
Leesburg’s time to shine will be on Sunday, April 19th & Monday, April 20th. The tour includes George C. Marshall’s home, Dodona Manor, and five private residences built in the early 19th & 20th century. Oatlands, a Garden Club of Virginia restoration property, will offer guided tours on April 20th, reservation required.
11 Cornwall Street, NW, Built: 1760
17 Cornwall Street, NW, Built: 1910
Woodberry, 248 Edward’s Ferry Road, Built: 1900
Baker House, 202 West Market Street, Built: Approx. 1801-1810
Dodona Manor, George C. Marshall, 312 East Market Street, Built: 1807
Knox House, 7 Wirt Street, NW, Built: 1790
Further west, Winchester will be the region’s finale. On Saturday, April 25th from 10:00-4:00 PM, tickets will include admission to The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and access to four properties situated on expansive rural land. Food trucks will be available from 11:00-1:00PM at the Tour Headquarters.
Stony Acres, 1074 Merriman’s Lane, Built: 1846
202 Robinson Drive, Built: 2000
143 Fox Meadow Lane, Built: 1951
201 Fox Meadow Drive, Built: 1986
Proceeds from Historic Garden Week fund various restoration and preservation projects at public sites statewide. Connecting shared history and cultural heritage along with the natural world is a part of GCV’s mission. While upholding high standards of historical and horticultural accuracy, restoration partners in Northern Virginia include Belle Grove, Green Spring Gardens, and Mount Vernon.
