Historic Garden Week
Photo courtesy of The Garden Club of Virginia
This long-running event hosted by the Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) will return this year better than ever. The Historic Garden Week in Virginia, which began in 1929, was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been done only once before in the event’s history – during World War II.
“Gardens are symbols of hope and renewal. They express creativity and provide an opportunity for reflection. During these trying times, many of us are enjoying more time spent in our gardens,” said Missy Buckingham, president of the GCV. “Expect to see more gardens open during Historic Garden Week in 2021.”
From April 17 to 24, garden lovers can enjoy tours of 30 private landscapes, public gardens and historic sites across Virginia. Approximately 2,200 floral arrangements created by GCV members will enrich these tour destinations.
On April 17, Old Town Alexandria will be one of the featured tours. The walking tour will feature private gardens, flower arranging demonstrations and gardening lectures. Historic properties on the tour include the Dr. William Brown House, The Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and The Ramsay House. Floral arranging demonstrations will take place at 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. These and other educational programs require advance registration on the event website.
The tour will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance at vagardenweek.org. A limited number of tickets will be sold for each entry time in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines. Participants are required to wear face masks and follow all Virginia and City of Alexandria COVID-19 guidelines.
Proceeds from Historic Garden Week tours will fund restoration and preservation of important gardens, parks and landmarks across the Commonwealth including Mount Vernon and The College of William and Mary. Read more about the work of the Garden Club of Virginia at gcvirginia.org.
More detailed information on Historic Garden Week and a full list of tours is available at vagardenweeek.org
