Fredericksburg Spring Home Show
March 16-18
Before you make your spring maintenance checklist take some time this weekend to stop in at the spring home show where you can get expert advice on decking, flooring, green energy options, landscaping, remodeling and more. Peruse displays for inspiration and find out about the latest trends.
Oatlands Mansion and Garden Tour
Resumes April 1
After the winter closure, Oatlands opens back up to the public for all to enjoy either the self-guided or interpretive guided tours of the 1700s-era plantation. Outside, patrons can take in the rolling pastures, terraces, herb gardens and a reflecting pool, while inside they can learn about the families who resided at the mansion circa 1804. Guests can also embark on the Enslaved Community tour, which focuses on the Carter Family, the largest slave owners in Loudoun County during the late 1800s.
Spring Garden Market at River Farms
April 13-14
Stock up on gardening gear and plants at this annual event held by the American Horticultural Society. There will be vendors from all over the Mid-Atlantic region selling plants, seeds, decor, books and botanical-themed art, along with Master Gardeners on hand to answer any of your questions. A food truck will be nearby to offer sustenance, and an art show will be held in the Estate House. Kids and leashed-pets are welcome.
Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival
April 21-22
The town of Leesburg morphs into a garden at this festival, where patrons can expect to be surrounded by nature’s splendor via flowers of all kinds and an assortment of heirloom vegetables, but there is more to this event than stems and seasonal veggies. There will be food, art, music on the main stage, a beer garden and opportunities to learn through craft and garden exhibits, a landscape design competition and children’s activities.
Historic Garden Week Tour
April 21-28
For the last week in April, more than 250 gardens, residences and historic landmarks across Virginia are open to the public to explore and be inspired. If you don’t want to travel, though, there are many opportunities in Northern Virginia in places such as Old Town Alexandria, Middleburg, Great Falls, McLean, Vienna, Arlington and Fredericksburg. In Alexandria, tour five homes on April 21 with refreshments to follow at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Middleburg offers two tours, April 22 and 23, with four homes in Upperville and Paris. Fredericksburg, showcasing Smithfield Plantation and six private homes, and the three-home Great Falls/McLean/Vienna tours happen on April 24.
Hollin Hills House & Garden Tour
April 28
450 midcentury modern homes designed by renowned architect Charles Goodwin make up the Hollin Hills community just south of Old Town Alexandria, and for one day each year more than a handful of homes open their doors for tours. This year 10 homes will be on display during this self-guided walking tour.
Del Ray House and Garden Tour
May 12
This is an on-year for the Del Ray community. Every other year homes are opened up to the community for tour-goers to peek in and explore the home and gardens kept by residents of this tight-knit community. Proceeds from the tour go to funding an annual $1,000 donation to The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria; any funds collected over that amount will go toward beautification of the neighborhood parks.
