Showcasing Virginia’s springtime color, the 94th annual edition of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week (April 15 – 22, 2023) provides a unique opportunity to visit some of Virginia’s most gracious homes and lavish gardens during this 8-day, statewide event. In addition, Virginia’s 2023 Garden Week features over 2,000 fabulous flower arrangements created by Garden Club of Virginia volunteers, representing dozens of different statewide garden clubs.
The Charlottesville portion of the tour will showcase several historic properties over a two-day period (April 15 & 16, 2023).
Since its beginning in 1929, Virginia’s Historic Garden Week has had a cumulative economic impact of more than $500 million throughout Virginia (including some 17 million dollars for the restoration of public gardens across Virginia, including Mount Vernon, Monticello, and the grounds of the Executive Mansion in Richmond).
Here’s all you need to know about Virginia’s 2023 Garden Week:
Virginia’s 2023 Garden Week – Charlottesville Area
The rich cultural heritage of Thomas Jefferson’s era is on display in Charlottesville’s portion of Virginia’s 2023 Garden Week, as one of the buildings on the tour reflects the influence of Jefferson’s classical architectural ideals. In addition, some of the featured properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Morven
A majestic three-story brick manor house built in the late Georgian/Federal styles. Dating to 1820, the house was once owned by Thomas Jefferson. In 2001, the 7,378- acre estate was given to the University of Virginia Foundation by the late John Kluge. The extraordinary gardens (including an authentic Japanese garden) boast a number of interesting varieties, including a pair of Osage orange trees, a state champion Chinese Chestnut, and a lovely dove tree. Read more here.
Bundoran Farms
Including two private gardens and a stately Georgian Revival-style residence, this tour in the North Garden region of Albemarle County makes its first appearance in Historic Garden Week. This self-driving tour showcases Upper Bundoran, walled gardens (one with a Hartley Botanic greenhouse) and the Baldwin Center.
What Is Virginia’s 2023 Garden Week:
An 8-day statewide tour (well, nearly three dozen different tours, really) of more than 200 of Virginia’s most exquisite gardens beautiful homes and historic landmarks. Known as “America’s Largest Open House”, it is the largest ongoing volunteer effort in Virginia.
Dates / Schedule (for Charlottesville-area tours only):
Morven Estate: Saturday (April 15th, 2023), 10 am – 5 pm
Bundoran Farm: Sunday (April 16th, 2023), 10 am – 5 pm
Admission Fees:
Morven, $20 (available on the day-of, payable with cash or check only)
Bundoran Farm, $50 (in advance only at vagardenweek.org)
What Else You Should Know:
This is a driving tour of properties throughout the Central Virginia area. Most of the homes and gardens are not handicapped-accessible due to multiple staircases, narrow unpaved roads and uneven walkways. Once onsite, you will do a good bit of walking, so wear comfortable walking shoes. Neither smoking, pets, nor photography is allowed inside the homes. Children are welcome, but those under age 17 must be accompanied by an adult. The tours occur rain or shine, except for Morven (Morven tours will be cancelled for rain, but tickets are not refundable).
Official Website of Virginia’s 2023 Garden Week:
The website for the 2023 Virginia Historic Garden week is here.
Where to Stay:
Prospect Hill sparkles during the Springtime, so as you plan your trip to the Charlottesville area, remember that we have our own captivating grounds (including a century-old arboretum) and fascinating history (our original cabin was built circa 1699). In addition, we’ll pamper you with breakfast-in-bed and delight you with true Southern hospitality. Book your stay with us today right here.