Every year in April, the landscape blossoms with riotous color and myriad shades of green. The Old Dominion dons her finest attire like a fashion model preparing for the runway. Just as the peak of springtime color arrives, over 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, private homes and historic landmarks are opened to the public through the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week tours. This statewide event is a must-do for all flower and garden enthusiasts.

Historic Garden Week Volunteer Efforts

This year the wholly volunteer event will be held April 20-28, 2013*, marking the 80th anniversary of Historic Garden Week. It is the oldest event of its kind in the U.S. with 32 separate tours throughout the state and has become known as “America’s Largest Open House.” 100% of the proceeds are used to restore and preserve historic gardens, including those at Mount Vernon and Monticello, as well as further enhance landscapes throughout Virginia.

* Update: April 18-25, 2015

Historic Garden Week is no casual undertaking for the Garden Club of Virginia. Over 3,300 volunteers from 47 member clubs work many thousands of hours to bring this celebration of Virginia’s loveliest homes and gardens to the public. Historic Garden Week State Chairman, Anne Geddy Cross explains, “Garden Club of Virginia volunteers will create over 2,000 spectacular floral arrangements to decorate the rooms. Most of the flowers will come from their very own gardens. And the efforts of the homeowners are impressive too. We estimate that 15 tons of mulch will be used just for homes featured on Historic Garden Week this spring.”

Historic Garden Week Tours and Events

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Historic Garden Week, in addition to the home and garden tours many special activities will be held around the state at historic restoration properties. Flower arranging demonstrations, an elegant garden party at Monticello and art exhibitions are but a few. See a complete list of special activities on the Garden Club of Virginia’s website. A full-color Guidebook describing all of the homes and gardens on the tours is available in local outlets throughout the state. Tour tickets can be purchased at any of the houses or gardens on the tour (cash or check only) and range from $15-$40, depending on the tour. If you plan to visit several tours during Historic Garden Week, a statewide pass is available for $175 per person or $300 for two people. If you need overnight accommodations anywhere in Virginia, Covington’s vacation advisors will gladly assist. This spring, treat yourself to the beauty of Virginia!

All photos courtesy of Garden Club of Virginia Historic Garden Week