Let’s admit it: Most of us really enjoy peeking into other people’s houses and backyards. For 90 years, the Garden Club of Virginia has hosted the annual Historic Garden Week event, which lets folks visit some of the finest private homes and gardens in the state. There will be 33 events across the commonwealth from April 15 to 22, with one in Old Town Alexandria on April 15.
Co-hosted by the Garden Club of Alexandria and the Hunting Creek Garden Club, the walking tour will feature five private homes and gardens in Old Town’s Historic District. The event will showcase historic restorations and architectural design, as well as floral arrangements created by club members.
The Dr. William Brown House, one of the homes on the tour, was once frequently visited by George Washington. The home still has some of its original features, such as a 1790 hand-hewn stone sink, combined with updated exteriors and interiors. The other featured homes include examples of Federal and Greek revival architecture and will showcase period antiques, original artwork, and walled gardens.
“We are really grateful to the people who have opened their private homes and gardens for so many people to see and enjoy,” says event co-chair Katherine Murphy. “We couldn’t do it without [their] hospitality and the generosity.”
Proceeds will go toward funding two landscape architecture research fellowships and restoring and preserving historic public gardens and landscapes across Virginia.
WHAT: Walking tour during the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week
WHEN: April 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Old Town Alexandria
COST: Tickets are $55 and may be purchased in advance online at vagardenweek.org or at the Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King St., on the day of the tour.
PARKING: Street parking is limited, but public parking is available at nearby parking lots.
BEFORE YOU GO: This event is rain or shine. Wear comfortable shoes. Houses are located within a block or two of each other.
Feature photo courtesy the Garden Club of Virginia
This story originally ran in Northern Virginia Magazine’s April issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
