Take a peek at some of the state’s prettiest public and private gardens.
Courtesy The Garden Club of Virginia; Photo by Donna Moulton
Spring is in bloom all over the South.
What Is Historic Garden Week?
Credit:Courtesy The Garden Club of Virginia; Photo by Donna Moulton
And theres a wide variety of things to see.
I feel like theres something for everyone, says Virginia Gillock, the chair ofHistoric Garden Week.
Whether you enjoy nature, flowers, history, or touring homes, the reasons to attend are manyfold.
Credit:Courtesy The Garden Club of Virginia; Photo by Georgiana Watt
Over 3,500 volunteers participate statewide to service over 24,000 visitorsfrom 24 states and almost 20 different countrieseach year.
Organizing the day is no small feat, and its years in the making.
I think thats why we have very loyal visitors who come year after year, she adds.
Credit:Courtesy The Garden Club of Virginia; Photo by Joyce Feder
Plus, the featured properties change each year.
Every tour is a little bit different because each tour is organized by that individual club, reveals Gillock.
That’s what makes it special and distinct.
Credit:Courtesy The Garden Club of Virginia; Photo by Tom Topinka
Taking pictures is taboo.
Out of respect for the property owners, we do not allow photography inside the homes, says Gillock.
Plus, a dedicatedFacebook pageshowcases professional images of the weeks highlights for guests to use as reference.
Credit:Courtesy The Garden Club of Virginia; Photo by Steve Trumbull
At the very core, this is a fundraiser for the restoration of public gardens, adds Gillock.
And its an event that has been happening for over nine decades.
Yet the premise is still the sameto raise funds for the public gardens.
Credit:Courtesy The Garden Club of Virginia; Photo by Amanda Smithson
We have restoration partners all over the state of Virginia, says Gillock.
Every year, Historic Garden Week helps to restore these areas to their original condition.
The money is also utilized to fund fellowships promoting the research and documentation of historic gardens throughout the state.
Gillock adds, Its an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Virginia.
