What better way to break away from the drab browns and grays of winter and rejoice in the rebirth of springtime’s rainbow hues than by taking a house and garden tour? Our region has many stunning homes with over-the-top landscaping that brighten our world. Get an up-close look that will surely inspire your own home improvement projects!
March 20 – April 14
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Washington, D.C.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., takes place between March 20 and April 14, but the peak blooming period is difficult to predict more than 10 days in advance. You can sign up for email updates to be the first to know when blooms will be their most beautiful. The festival includes a Pink Tie Party, Blossom Kite Festival, PetalPalooza, and a parade. But be prepared for crowds: the festival attracts millions of tourists from around the world.
https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/
April 20 – 27
Historic Garden Week
Locations throughout Virginia
https://www.vagardenweek.org/
Each April, the Garden Club of Virginia oversees tours of gorgeous homes and gardens organized and hosted by member clubs statewide. This signature fundraiser supports the restoration and preservation of Virginia’s historic public gardens and provides graduate-level research fellowships. There are dozens of tours throughout the state, but here are some in the DMV area:
Old Town Alexandria – Saturday, April 20
This easy walking tour of Old Town Alexandria includes private townhomes and secluded Gardens in the historic district. In addition, the tour ticket includes admission to two Garden Club of Virginia restoration projects: George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Green Spring Gardens.
Leesburg – Sunday, April 21, and Monday, April 22
Hillsboro is the focus of this year’s Leesburg tour. The village dates from 1752, and visitors will enjoy a walking tour of four historic properties and a significant renovation of the town’s Main Street.
Fairfax County – Tuesday, April 23
This walking tour showcases Ballantrae in McLean – a 6.5-acre estate with a 1923 Colonial Revival manor house, a circa 1843 farmhouse, and extensively landscaped grounds with areas for outdoor entertaining, a sunken tennis court, a hidden treehouse, and a walled kitchen garden. In the neighboring town of Vienna, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens boasts 95 acres with large ornamental display gardens, a restored 18th-century farmhouse, and a Korean Bell Garden.
Fredericksburg – Tuesday, April 23
Fredericksburg has a 40-block National Historic District. Stately dwellings have pedigrees that stretch back to 1764. The handsome lineup of homes for this year’s tour includes diverse architectural styles and well-manicured historic landscapes, several of which are on the Rappahannock River. The corner of the city boasts an impressive display of spring tulips.
Winchester – Saturday, April 27
This year’s Winchester tour focuses on Fairmont Avenue, a tree-lined street brimming with homes built during the latter half of the Victorian era. The walking tour features four homes with unique architectural styles and lovely city gardens.
May 18
Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage – Montgomery County
Dedicated to the preservation of Maryland’s cultural and historically significant properties and landscapes, the Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage was formed in 1930. The “pilgrims” have traversed throughout the state each year, taking part in immersive tours of noteworthy properties. Through these tours, the MHGP has been able to donate hundreds of thousands of dollars toward the preservation of culturally important properties.
The Montgomery County tour takes place on Saturday, May 18.
The Prince George’s County tour takes place on Saturday, June 22.
May 18 – May 19
Beyond the Garden Gates
Downtown Frederick, Md.
Baker Park
Peek behind the garden gates of lovely private homes this spring in Frederick, Maryland. In addition to stunning landscapes, you’ll also be treated to various discounts from downtown Frederick retailers and restaurants.
https://www.celebratefrederick.com/events/garden-tour/
Spring is one of the best times of year in the DMV, and these activities will help you make the most of the warmer days and fresh blooms. With walking tours, festivals, and gardens galore, you will have plenty to keep you busy!
Don’t want to wait? The following gardens are open now!
Dumbarton Oaks in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The Gardens consist of sixteen acres and are an oasis of wilderness, meadows, and wooded pathways within the city. While there, explore the museum, home to a world-class Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art collection. Tickets are required beginning March 15th.
The Franciscan Monastery in N.E. Washington, D.C., is a hidden treasure within the Nation’s capital. Visitors can take a contemplative stroll among the more than 1,000 roses, beautiful native trees, and plants. Visitors of all faiths and ages are welcome. The Franciscan Monastery is in the Brookland neighborhood near Catholic University and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Open daily from 9 am to 4:45 pm, guided tours begin in April.
Brookside Gardens is a 50-acre public display garden within Wheaton Regional Park, Maryland. The gardens include the following gardens: Aquatic, Azalea, Butterfly, Children’s, Rose, Japanese-Style, Trial, Rain, and a Woodland Walk. The Formal garden areas include a Perennial Garden, a Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and a Fragrance Garden. There are also two conservatories for year-round enjoyment. Admission to the gardens is free. Outdoor gardens are open from sunrise to sunset.
Hillwood’s Estate, Museum, and Gardens in Washington, D.C., were the vision of Marjorie Post when rebuilding the estate in the 1950s. Thirteen acres of formal gardens extend from the house’s terraces and porches in a progression of “outdoor rooms.” Click here to purchase tickets.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a wonderful public garden for strolling and relaxing but it’s also a center for environmental and horticultural education, an outdoor classroom for thousands of public school children, and a botanical garden with large ornamental and native plant collections. Click here for hours and fees.
Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, an estate in Leesburg, Virginia, is operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark. Enjoy the four and a half acres of walled gardens, including the tea house, yew walk, meditation and herb gardens, and the color border. Springtime brings the Daffodil Wall and a riot of peonies.
Historic Kenmore In Fredericksburg, VA, reopens to the public on March 1. Click here to get tickets and learn more about the beautiful estate.
Lilypons is a magnificent water garden located in Adamstown, Md. is open from Tuesday through Friday from 10 – 4 beginning in March.
