Just three miles down the road from us here in Cameron Station is the popular neighborhood of Old Town Alexandria. Beloved for its charming shops and waterfront location, the historic district is home to brick sidewalks, cobblestone streets, and idyllic 18th-century townhomes. Every year, owners of some of the most beautiful private properties in the neighborhood open their front doors to curious guests looking to take in a bit of spring beauty.
This is part of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, a ticketed event presented by the Garden Club of Virginia since 1929. Old Town Alexandria is one of many neighborhoods across the state where visitors can tour secluded gardens and private homes decked with beautiful flower arrangements. Held annually in April, these regional walking tours benefit the restoration of historic landmarks and gardens in Virginia.
The 2024 Old Town Alexandria tour included five private estates, and two Garden Club of Virginia restoration projects, one at George Washinton’s Mount Vernon Estate and another at Green Spring Gardens. Some of the homes toured this year were purchased as early as the 1700s. Once inside, tour-goers were treated to the sights of beautiful decorations and thoughtful renovations completed in these historic homes. And, since it was the perfect spring day outside, visitors also ventured outside to enjoy the beauty of immaculate lawns and gardens filled with peonies, magnolia trees, daffodils, hydrangeas, and more.
Photos courtesy of the Garden Club of Virginia. Also included in the tour was the Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden. The Lee-Fendall House was constructed as a residence for Phillip Richard Fendall in 1785 on land acquired from his son-in-law, Harry Lee. The property boasts an award-winning half-acre garden filled with roses, English boxwoods, and herbs. Development of the garden was undertaken by the Alexandria Council of Garden Clubs in 1974.
This year’s tour was a hit! Gorgeous homes, blooming flowers, and a bright sunny day made it the perfect spring activity.
You can visit vagardenweek.org (or click HERE) to learn more about Historic Garden Week. Next year's statewide event will be April 26 – May 3, 2025.
Shannon Augustus has been a resident of Cameron Station since 2021. She lives with her husband, Colin, and two cats. On most days you’ll find Shannon enjoying a walk around Cameron Station or spending time outdoors in nearby Old Town Alexandria.
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