Beginning April 27, the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week celebrates 86 years with the return of its annual statewide home and garden tours. Of the 30-plus tours taking place over the eight-day showcase, several will be hosted throughout Coastal Virginia in Gloucester, Williamsburg, Hampton-Newport News, Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
Historic Garden Week is Virginia’s oldest volunteer project and our nation’s only statewide home and garden tour. Private residences across the Commonwealth open their doors and garden gates to thousands of visitors, inviting them into a discussion on home décor, floral design and landscape maintenance. While the homeowner is responsible for the appearance of the exterior gardens, local garden club members assemble more than 2,000 extravagant bouquets and arrangements to stage the homes’ showrooms.
Much like the homes and gardens on exhibit, the economic impact of Historic Garden Week is nothing short of remarkable. Since its conception, the annual event has raised over $17 million in support of state garden preservation, creation and education. The Garden Club of Virginia is dedicated to funding historic sites throughout Virginia, restoring public gardens, landscapes and state parks, as well as awarding fellowships to college and graduate-level students expressing a budding interest in conservation, environmental affairs and landscape architecture.
For those wishing to experience the beauty of Virginia at the peak of spring season, we’ve outlined local garden tours taking place between the week’s kickoff on Saturday, April 27 and its close on Saturday, May 4.
Gloucester Garden Tour
Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
On the Middle Peninsula and reaching towards the shores of Yorktown, Gloucester County is equally as historic as its surrounding cities. The proximity of the southern tip to the York River allowed for a premier vantage point for soldiers during the American Revolution. The point, dubbed Little England, is now one of several 18th-century structures on display at Gloucester’s garden tour.
The Garden Club of Gloucester invites you to explore private residences, low-country homes, Virginia’s largest colonial church and the humble estate of our first president’s great, great grandfather.
Advanced admission is $35 per person.
Westover, Shirley and Berkeley Plantations
Sunday, April 28–Tuesday, April 30, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
For three full days, explore the historic and expansive properties at a trio of James River Plantations in Coastal Virginia’s Charles City. Nestled between Richmond and Williamsburg are Westover, Shirley and Berkeley Plantations. The grounds of each estate showcase centuries-old landmarks, clusters of historic buildings and spacious gardens flush with spring color.
Advance and day-of admission is $45 per day.
Williamsburg Garden Tour
Tuesday, April 30, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The country gardens and sprawling estates of Williamsburg have been celebrated as a part of Historic Garden Week for 90 years. This year, the Williamsburg Garden Club has a number of properties on display including the Governor’s Palace Gardens, two colonial homes and three private dwellings in the nationally recognized Ford’s Colony neighborhood.
Also included in your ticket is admission to the Williamsburg Botanical Garden.
Advanced admission is $40 per person.
Hampton/Newport News Garden Tour
Wednesday, May 1, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
May Day comes to life in the form of fragrant flowers and blossoming trees along Virginia’s James River. The Hampton Roads Garden Club and Huntington Garden Club invite you to enjoy sparkling water views, a serene koi pond and a sprawling backyard oasis during your time on the Peninsula. Tour four private homes in Newport News’ most distinguished neighborhoods and take a stroll through a colorful courtyard garden at The Mariners Museum and Park.
Advanced admission is $30 per person.
Virginia Beach Garden Tour
Wednesday, May 1, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
The recently reimagined Cavalier Hotel is now at the center of one of the city’s most highly revered neighborhoods. The Cavalier Residences diverge from the Oceanfront’s main thoroughfare via winding brick pathways that encircle the hotel’s historic grounds.
Follow in the footsteps of F. Scott Fitzgerald and 10 United States presidents as you embark on a walking tour through the community’s estates, cottages and beachside bungalows. A stop by the hotel’s Sunken Garden is a must as well. Its rambling staircase and scenic verandas are well worth the visit.
Advanced admission is $30 per person.
Norfolk Garden Tour
Thursday, May 2, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Norfolk’s East Beach is dotted with brightly colored bungalows whose quaint front porches overlook the neighborhood’s curving walkways and sand dune views. Its proximity to both the Chesapeake Bay and Pretty Lake give local residences and gardens a distinctly seaside slant. The Harborfront Garden Club and Garden Club of Norfolk invite you to explore the community’s cozy parks, majestic landscape and access to some of the city’s most distinguished homes.
Advanced admission is $30 per person.
Onancock Garden Tours
Saturday, May 4, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Dating back to 1680, Onancock has long been celebrated for its historic buildings, quaint churches and deep-water port. Today, the waterfront town is neighbored by the sparkling waters of the Chesapeake Bay and is home to a number of lively shops, Eastern Shore galleries and delectable seafood eateries.
During your tour of Virginia’s eastern peninsula, explore the ancestral property of Eyre Hall and meander through some of the nation’s oldest continuously maintained gardens.
Advanced admission is $40 per person.
All tours will be held rain or shine. Click here to purchase tickets for tours and visit the official Historic Garden Week website for further details.
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
