Each year the Garden Club of Virginia hosts Historic Garden Week throughout the state. The Rappahannock Valley Garden Club hosted in Fredericksburg this year. The area included:
“The Kenmore Valley neighborhood was part of the original estate of Colonel Fielding Lewis’ Kenmore Plantation, and was surveyed by George Washington in 1752. Subdivisions on the farmland began as early as 1853, and as the growth of Fredericksburg accelerated westward with the establishment of the “State Normal School” on the heights above, the city chose to annex the valley. This walking tour is situated between Sunken Road, the eastern boundary of the University of Mary Washington on one hill, and Kenmore Avenue following the route of the old mill race that ran down the valley below Kenmore Plantation on the other side.” – Virginia Garden Week
During the day visitors were able to visit six private homes and three private gardens, watch artists at work, enjoy refreshments and tour private courtyards. The day was graced with lots of rain that could have put a damper on the tour but many – like me – just put on some rain boots, grabbed an umbrella and headed out on the tour.
Our first stop had to be my favorites along the tour. Filled with art, beautiful furniture, color everywhere, and perfectly placed decor, the home was fresh and happy even on a gloomy day. Unfortunately the tour does not allow interior photos so you will just have to use your imagination!
We continued along the tour stopping at other homes and gardens. Even in the pouring down rain, the gardens were beautiful. I think that the rain just seemed to bring out the colors of the foliage and the flowers even more.
One reoccurring theme that I saw throughout the tour was the placement of secret gardens. Homeowners have strategically placed little quite spots where they could just get away from everyday life to read, swing, nap or just sit. I love this about older homes with well established trees/yards and it is something that I will keep in my back pocket to remember.
Another part of the tour that I loved were all the window boxes. Overflowing with greenery and brightly colored flowers, they just breath life into a home.
The beautiful patios in many of the homes created the perfect back drop for summer entertaining. Add some lights, a few cocktails and some appetizers – the party is set!
Until next year Historic Garden Week! It was lovely but we are going to cross our fingers for sun!
