HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK — THE MAGAZINE
THEMAGAZINE
OAK SPRING THE LEGACY OF BUNNY MELLON’S GARDEN
PAULA PRYKE BRITISH FLORIST AND AUTHOR F ALL/WINTER 2020 | VOLUME 1 KITCHEN DESIGN TRENDS SAVING OUR ECOSYSTEM FALL/ ONE PLANT AT A TIME WINTER 2020 INTRO | discover
BULB PLANTING TIPS FROM GLOUCESTER FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS DATES TO 1900 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK 2021 WILL TAKE PLACE APRIL 17-24 BY BECKY HEATH AND DENISE HUTCHINS OF BRENT & BECKY’S BULBS the path forward hen the colors in your yard start to change, it’s like a traffic signal letting you know it’s time to get started on the fall garden. Plant in an area you see often so you can BY MISSY BUCKINGHAM, PRESIDENT OF THE GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA W enjoy your efforts — along the sidewalk, next to your front or back door, the view Gardens are symbols of hope and renewal. They express creativity and provide an opportunity out your kitchen window or around a deck or patio. for reflection. During these trying times, many of us are enjoying more time spent in our own Bulbs planted now will bloom in the spring. Some will emerge before the rest of your gardens. With precautions in place, visiting someone else’s garden is also a safe place to be. garden even begins to wake from winter’s slumber. For fun, select a mix of bulbs, some that flower in early spring like Crocus tommasinianus ‘Ruby Giant’, with others Expect nearly 200 gardens to be open during Historic Garden Week 2021. that bloom a bit later, like Eremurus ‘Bubble Gum’. Growing bulbs with staggered bloom times means you’ll have splashes of color for longer. F or one week this April, visitors will This magazine includes five suggested itineraries by region to make planning your trip Most spring flowering bulbs should be planted at a depth three times the bulb’s tour inspired private landscapes, easier. Use our website, VAGardenWeek.org, to learn more about each tour, stay updated circumference with the pointed side up. The exception is tulips, which should be public gardens and historic sites on touring logistics and protocols and to purchase tickets available in mid-January. planted farther below the surface, at four times the bulb’s height. Planting deeper across Virginia, enjoying our The Garden Club of Virginia, which produces Historic Garden Week, is celebrating its also makes it more difficult for voles to eat them because most of the vole’s normal beautiful state at the peak of spring. Centennial this year. Having this milestone for our organization take place in these activity is in soil three to four inches deep. These “underground bulb monsters” have In addition, over 1,000 world-class uncertain times has positioned us to focus and prepare for the challenges of the future. to work really hard to get to the depth of eight or 10 inches. At Brent & Becky’s Bulbs floral arrangements created by Over the last eight months, we’ve channeled our energies to seek new ways to continue our soil is sandy; we plant our tulip bulbs at 8-10 inches. Garden Club of Virginia members will enhance tour properties. This beloved to make our work both meaningful and lasting, and to ensure a safe and enjoyable If you grow your bulbs in containers, consider the “lasagna layering” method. statewide event will include 30 touring experience for volunteers, homeowners and you, our visitors in the new year. Placing different varieties of bulbs in this way ensures your pots are brimming unique tours organized and hosted There is a fundamental hopefulness in planting a seed or a bulb. Communing with with blooms for longer. Place the latest blooming variety in the bottom layer and by 48 member clubs located from the nature offers beauty, optimism and solace. Access to open spaces is not only the earliest blooming type on top. If your soil is rich enough, it’s possible to use foothills of the Shenandoah Valley all essential to our well-being, but a healthy antidote to our current reality. this method in your garden as well. Dig a hole 10 inches deep, drop in one tulip the way to the beaches of Tidewater. bulb; add a bit of soil on top and follow with a daffodil bulb; add more soil, then The metaphors are apt. Gardening is grounding, but it’s also about having a hand in a crocus bulb. There will be three bulbs per hole. Other combinations of bulbs, reshaping our environment, and thus, our future. We hope Historic Garden Week — depending on suggested planting depth, work well using this technique too. The Magazine has inspired you, and we look forward to seeing you in April. Plant fall bulbs after the first frost but before the soil freezes. Depending on the severity of the approaching winter, this means you might be able to plant until early January. Most bulbs love cold weather, and if planted too soon in soil that has been warmed by Virginia’s hot, humid summers, they will rot while waiting for the soil to be cooled by autumn’s chilly nights. Another useful tip: bulbs look best when grown in groups, so plant five to 10 in a single patch rather than dotted by themselves, where they will look skimpy and lonely. Some bulbs are pest-resistant. Others might as well be squirrel candy. When planting tulips, which must be particularly delicious to them, consider creating a barrier. After planting, place chicken wire down and then cover with mulch. Garden supply catalogs “We live and work on our 28-acre sell wire cages designed to be filled with bulbs and soil, which is another option. Growing farm and gardens in Gloucester, bulbs, like daffodils and alliums that are toxic or don’t taste good to animals, amongst other bulbs, should help to deter wildlife from gnawing on the rest of your plants. Virginia, which has been called Fall is such a beautiful time of year to be outside, and what could be a better symbol the ‘Daffodil Capital of America.’ of hope than a bulb? The property includes over eight acres of educational, Chesapeake Bay friendly gardens, which is open THE BALLERINA TULIP to the public.” — BECKY HEATH The embodiment of spring, most gardeners brentandbeckysbulbs.com reserve tulips for a prominent location in the garden or in containers, where their majesty can be enjoyed up close. There are over 3,000 varieties of tulips. What makes the lily-flowered tulips different are their slender flowers with pointed, elegant petals that curve outwards. The Ballerina tulip is Historic Garden Week’s 2021 “flower” and will be showcased in over 130 participating private gardens throughout Virginia this spring. Marigold-orange with scarlet flames and lemon edges, this late-blooming beauty has a citrus- fragrance and was introduced in 1980.
2 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 Photo courtesy of Tricia Sauer HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 3 INTRO | discover
HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK 2021 WILL BE DIFFERENT: We’re planning on it
BY KAREN CAUTHEN ELLSWORTH Historic Garden Week State Director Being proactive about the upcoming tours, the Historic Garden Week State Committee and the GCV Board continues to consider applicable best practices, input and advice from both national and state partner organizations regarding the planning and production of large-scale gatherings that could apply to the upcoming tours. They are already implementing a systematic plan for all 30 tours in order to ensure the physical safety of the nearly 3,500 Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) members that make this annual event possible, as well as you, the public, by following local, state and federal guidelines. The leadership of the GCV understands the popularity of Historic Garden Week with its members and its fans and is well aware that changes will be necessary to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
THE GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA HAS YOUR SAFETY TOP OF MIND.
START HERE X Cleaning Face Physical No Easy & Obvious Contactless Worry-free & Sanitizing Masks Distancing Refreshments Places to Get Ticket Purchase Refunds & & Reduced Information & Tour Entry Exchanges Capacity
Two important dates shared with tour teams at their initial training, which took place at the end of June, are helping guide decision-making. The first involves tour LOGISTICS that directly impact what is included in the spring Guidebook, which will be published in mid-March. Several decisions affecting the upcoming tours have already been made. • Tickets for all 30 tours will be available online only, and available in mid-January on Historic Garden Week’s website, VAGardenWeek.org. • To ensure adequate social distancing, tickets will sell-out at the capacity each tour team determines is best for their particular tour. Some tours will implement timed tickets, others will sell a morning and an afternoon ticket to help control crowds and ensure social distancing. • Driving directions will not be included in the spring Guidebook. They will be available online at VAGardenWeek.org on each tour’s individual webpage. Many tours, especially those in rural areas, will provide a map that can be picked up at the Tour Headquarters on tour day. • Any additional LOGISTICAL aspects of Historic Garden Week that might need to be adjusted to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved will be communicated no later than December 15. • Please check our website and follow us on social media. Facebook: Historic Garden Week in Virginia and Instagram: @historicgardenweek
The second date involves 2021 touring PROTOCOLS. For example, will guests and hostesses be required to wear masks while touring April 17-24? The Historic Garden Week State Committee will share applicable information with the 2021 tour teams, private property owners, ticket buyers and other important stakeholders no later than February 24, 2021. That information will be communicated on our website and through social media, as well as directly to people who buy tickets through our ticketing system. ON THE COVER Ballantrae Farm in McLean We hope that candid conversations, a plan that is thorough and methodical, and was photographed by Donna Moulton, member timely communication with all stakeholders eases any worries around the upcoming of The Garden Club of Fairfax, for the covers Historic Garden Week tours. If you have any questions or ideas, please email of both The Magazine and Historic Garden [email protected]. Week’s 2021 Guidebook, coming out this March. It will be open for touring on April 20, 2021. Thank you for your continued support of “America’s Largest Open House.”
4 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 5 Photo ofLynn McCashin courtesyofJay Paul GARDEN CLUBOF VIRGINIA Lynn McCashin,ExecutiveDirector dedicated volunteers. Thank youforyourinterest andsupport, totheannualefforts ofthese Garden ClubofVirginia members in48clubsacross thestate, workingtogether. Historic Garden Week would notbepossiblewithouttheefforts of3,500 both large andsmall. ongoing volunteereffort inVirginia thatpromotes somanyofourcommunities, impressive $518 million. Apopularstatewideevent,itisalsothelargest years, wehavereliable dataindicating thatthecumulativeimpactisan Garden Week, thenation’s oldesthouseandgarden tour. Injustthelast50 Centennial in2020,weupdatedourfirsteconomicimpact studyofHistoric GARDEN CLUBOFVIRGINIA Tricia Garner, Chair, HistoricGarden Week Committee Week friendsApril17-24,2021.We can’t waittoseeyou! “A garden isafriendyoucanvisitanytime.”ComeyourHistoricGarden photographs. grabbing foropportunitiesandlettingthosenegativesdevelopintomemorable might havetobringyourownlemonade,you’llbeableseetheresults ofour some ofthemostspectaculargardens andspacesinVirginia. And,whileyou GCV, our"GraciousCommonwealthVolunteers," cannotwaittogreet youin We lookforward towelcomingyouHistoricGarden Week 2021.Membersof beautiful commonwealth. a different, butstillwonderful,experienceforthose who travelthrough our Garden Week 2021isgoingthrough itsowntransformativeprocess tobecome film goingthrough achemicalbathtobecomebeautifulpictures, Historic has beenchallenging.The“normal”isnowconsidered “negative.”Butlike within CDC,nationalandstateguidelinespertainingtotheCOVID-19pandemic work tomakeHistoricGarden Week inVirginia happen.Creating HGW2021 of thissayingisunknown,thewords are veryappropriate forthoseofuswho “Life islikephotography. You needthenegativestodevelop.”Whileauthor albeit differently. advertisers andtoinformyou,ourloyalvisitors,that“theshowWILLgoon,” The Magazineistheresult ofthedesire toacknowledgeourloyalsponsorsand this “opportunity”thatyouare holdinginyourhands.HistoricGarden Week – thinking asweplanforHistoricGarden Week 2021.We are veryexcitedabout So, whentheydo,youhavetograbthem.”Thishasbecomeournewwayof The lateAudrey Hepburnoncesaid,“Opportunitiesdon’t oftencomealong. other ofthatoneoften.Letmetellyou,wedrankaLOTlemonade! To commemoratetheGarden ClubofVirginia’s also focusedonpreparations foryour visit. owners are busy intheirgardens. Ourvolunteersare warm andperfectforplanting,nearly200privatehome- as airtemperatures are dropping butthesoilisstill members whomakethemagichappen.Rightnow, shows off thecreativity ofGarden ClubofVirginia very bestofVirginia. Itisahighlyanticipatedeventthat Historic Garden Week opensthegarden gatetothe cancel HistoricGarden Week 2020,wereminded each As weworkedthrough thedisappointmentofhavingto An oldiebutgoodieisthelemonstolemonadeone. which I’vecutandpastedsomejottedothersdown. inspire melater. I’veevengotaspiralnotebookinto words thateitherspeaktomeinamomentormight I amacollectorof“sayings.”Theseare inspirational Are youinspired bythewords ofothers,asIoftenam? “When lifegivesyoulemons,makelemonade!” HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 Painting oftheKent-Valentine HousecourtesyofBethMarchant • • • • SOUTH • • • WEST • • • • • • EAST • • • • • CENTRAL • • • • NORTH and GCVRestorations Map withItineraries,CentennialProject Common Wealth Award Winners Greener Vision Paula Pryke 2021 WillBeDifferent Path Forward Planting Tulips A LandscapeSaved Restoration Properties Paw Path Tool Tune-up Saving Our Ecosystem 25 Daffodils Garden Tips Design TrendsKitchen GardensRain Botanical Skincare Pretty Enough toEat Getting Involved Floral Foam Four Seasons SinglemannPeggy Todd Dykshorn Finding Cool Mahonia Oak Spring Garden Books Elizabeth Locke Roses ......
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...... WIN FALL/ ...... 2020 TER 90 72 52 36 20 18 16 14 10 98 96 95 94 88 86 78 70 68 66 63 60 58 51 50 48 46 41 32 28 26 24 4 3 2 Contents7 THEMAGAZINE
Karen Cauthen Ellsworth Director of Historic Garden Week and Editor of its publications [email protected]
Terri Lowman Administrative Coordinator [email protected] Whitney Tigani Designer EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE AND PROOFING Ann Heller Communications Coordinator Madeline Mayhood GCV Journal Editor Donna Moulton Photography for cover Progress Printing, Lynchburg Publisher and Distribution
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK VAGardenWeek.org
Garden Club of Virginia GCVirginia.org Historic Garden Week in Virginia @historicgardenweek #GCV, #GCVirginia, #HGW2021
DISCLAIMER Advertisements are not an endorsement by the Garden Club of Virginia of any political views, religious affiliations, or other opinions or practices of our advertisers.
ADVERTISING IN THE GUIDEBOOK DEADLINE JAN. 15, 2021 For information regarding advertising in the 2021 Guidebook, please contact us at [email protected]. Rate sheets and contracts for 2021, are available at VAGardenWeek.org. We wish to thank our loyal advertisers, whose support underwrites the cost of printing 60,000 books and distributing them worldwide.
FALL 2020 MAGAZINE & SPRING 2021 GUIDEBOOK ADVERTISING CONTRACT
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Phone ______E-mail ______Website ______FALL 2020 MAGAZINE & SPRING 2021 GUIDEBOOK ADVERTISING GUIDELINES SEND US YOUR CONTRACT BY OCTOBER 16, 2020 AND RECEIVE PLACEMENTS IN BOTH THE FALL 2020 MAGAZINE AND SPRING 2021 GUIDEBOOK. TWICE THE VISIBILITY FOR THE SAME PRICE. ADS IN BOTH THE FALL 2020 MAGAZINE AND SPRING 2021 GUIDEBOOK WILL BE THE SAME SIZE. (Please indicate your selection.) (Please indicate your selection.) NO NEED TO RESIZE ARTWORK. FULL PAGE (5.25"w x 9"h) ONE PAYMENT Total payment by October 16, 2020 $2,000 or save $60 by check ($1,940) TWO EQUAL PAYMENTS First half by October 16 and final payment by January 15, 2021. HALF HORIZONTAL PAGE (5.25”w x 4.5”h) PLEASE SEND ALL AD MATERIALS TO $1,275 for each or save $30 by check ($1,245) Terri Lowman, Administrative Coordinator AD SIZES HALF VERTICAL PAGE (2.5”w x 9”h) (Payment by Check or Credit Card. Please indicate your selection.) • Email: [email protected] Full Page $1,275 for each or save $30 by check ($1,245) • Phone: 804.644.7776 5.25"w x 9"h PAY BY CHECK Thank you for paying by check. • Fax: 804.644.7778 Half Horizontal Page QUARTER VERTICAL PAGE (2.5”w x 4.5”h) We are passing along the cost savings of a processing fee to you. • Address: 12 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219 5.25"w x 4.5"h $500 or save $15 by check ($485) Please make sure your check reflects this discount. Half Vertical Page Make checks payable to Garden Club of Virginia 2.5"w x 9"h WEBSITE AD (300 x 250 px) Send to: Garden Club of Virginia ATTN: Historic Garden Week SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS Quarter Vertical Page $250 or save $50 by check ($200) • All artwork, contracts and payments are due 2.5"w x 4.5"h 12 East Franklin Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 Website Ad to be in both and January 15, 2021 to be in SpringOctober only. 16, 2020 *PLEASE INCLUDE THE NAME AND SIZE OF THE ADVERTISEMENT IN THE CHECK MEMO SECTION 300 x 250 px • Ads must be sized to correct dimensions of placement PAY BY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD • All edits must be done prior to submission DEADLINE TO BE IN FALL MAGAZINE & SPRING BOOK: Unfortunately, there is a processing fee associated with a credit/debit DEADLINE TO BE IN FALL MAGAZINE & SPRING BOOK: NOTE: FILE SIZE CANNOT EXCEED 10 MB October 16, 2020 charge, so we cannot offer the check discount. Please provide the email where the online invoice should be sent via Square. An email October 16, 2020 NEED MORE TIME? DEADLINE FOR SPRING BOOK: will be sent with a link to make payment online through Square with NEED MORE TIME? DEADLINE FOR SPRING BOOK: January 15, 2021 credit/debit card (AMEX, VISA, MC, Discover). January 15, 2021 Artwork, contract, & payment must be submitted in full or ad will not be published. E-mail ______PRINT AD REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK MAGAZINE AND GUIDEBOOK GENERAL INFORMATION The advertiser will furnish high resolution artwork that follows the specificationsFORMAT Although efforts will be made to accommodate the wishes of the on this contract. All art and copy will be subject to the Garden Club of advertiser, specific placement of an ad in the Magazine and • PDF (All printer’s marks and color bars must be set outside Virginia’s approval with respect to style and content. If the advertiser fails COLOR Guidebook is not guaranteed. Ads that do not meet our requirements to deliver approved art or payment within the period specified, the of GCV bleed) • CMYK. All photos and graphic colors in the ad must be will be placed in the Magazine and Guidebook at the discretion of reserves the right to use previously submitted artwork from the advertiser,• PDF file name must include business’ name the Historic Garden Week office. to create an ad using information from the advertiser’s website or to (ex. refuse ABCinteriordesign_hgw.pdf) converted to CMYK It is mutually agreed as follows: The HGW Magazine and Guidebook the ad. ______Please initial here that you agree to the termsNOTE: as WE CANNOT ACCEPT MICROSOFT FILES OF ANY KIND (PUBLISHER, NOTE: IF RGB, SPOT OR PANTONE COLORS ARE PROVIDED, THEY WILL NOT will not be released for publishing with any unpaid advertisements. listed in the above paragraph. WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT, PROJECT, FRONTPAGE, ENTOURAGE, ETC.) PRINT CORRECTLY.
Signature ______MINIMUM TEXT SIZES RESOLUTION • Solid color text: Minimum 7 pt. font size • All images and logos must be at least 300 dpi at 100% size Date ______• White text on black or color background: Minimum 9 pt. font size NOTE: ADDING DPI TO AN IMAGE OR LOGO THAT IS BELOW 300 DPI WILL RESULT IN A BLURRED AND BITMAPPED IMAGE OR LOGO WHEN PRINTED
Tour ______HGW Advertising Chair Name______WEB AD REQUIREMENTS FOR VAGARDENWEEK.ORG HGW Advertising Chair Phone Number ______Email ______SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS 300 x 250 pixels, 72 dpi, max size 40 KB, Indicate the URL for linking your ad, Questions? Contact the Historic Garden Week office at 804-644-7776 or via email [email protected] JPG, GIF or SWF files Accepted
Web ads received in October receive 12 months of exposure; those received in January will receive 8 months.
GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA AT 100 Questions? Call Terri Lowman at 804-644-7776 or via email [email protected]
HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 9 INTRO | feature
REPRINTED FROM THE GCV JOURNAL FALL 2020
Paula was set to be one of the featured presenters at the Garden Club of Virginia’s Founders Day; unfortunately Covid had other plans. But the GCV is nimble and quickly pivoted. Plans are underway for the Centennial Series, which will extend this important milestone into 2021. Stay tuned for details on Paula’s rescheduled appearance.
In the meantime, Madeline Mayhood, Editor of the GCV Journal recently spoke to this living legend who, over the course of three decades, has built a veritable empire that includes a massive contract flower business, an events division, and a floral and lifestyle consultancy. At one point her signature retail shops were strategically located throughout the greater London area.
She’s a sought-after speaker, an OBE (Order of the British Empire) award winner and, in her spare time, she’s managed to write 18 books, all on floral art. Read on to learn about Paula’s early days, her style and her inspirations. PAULA PRYKE’S TOP FIVE TIPS FOR FLOWER ARRANGING
Madeline Mayhood: You were a history teacher, and you’re married to the architect Peter Romaniuk. How did you come to have such a successful 1. Check the condition of the career in flowers? flowers you’re purchasing. A CONVERSATION WITH PAULA PRYKE They may be on the wane, so Paula Pryke: I studied history and drama and, when I met my husband, I was beware. And unwrap them as soon working in a secondary school in East London. I think he gave me the confidence as possible. Inspect garden flowers in s one of the most celebrated floral designers in the world, Paula to try something new. I studied at the Constance Spry Flower School and worked a similar fashion. in a West End flower shop. Eventually my husband and I bought my first shop in Pryke embodies what so many of us in the GCV love: flowers. Islington, and we lived above it. At that time teachers earned about £50 a day, 2. Cut the stems at an oblique A and we both naively thought that we could easily earn that out of a flower shop! angle with a sharp knife, scissors And in these challenging times—of isolation, quarantines and social At the time I was probably too inexperienced to run my own business but the or clippers to achieve maximum “fresh and natural” look was an immediate hit, and then the [Islington] area surface area. Avoid bashing or distancing—the power of the flower is even more profound. Flowers became a magnet for all kinds of creatives. Looking back it was quite amazing cutting stems vertically, which destroys valuable cell structure, encourages can’t help but bring smiles and joy, even in the midst of a pandemic. who would turn up. Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, used to call in for flowers; George Harrison used to send a chauffeur. Kate Winslet and Cate Blanchett lived bacteria and obstructs water absorption. nearby and regularly called in. At the early stages of my business, Boris Johnson, Remove any foliage that will sit under who was also a client, used to cycle by on his way to the Houses of Parliament the water line, any foliage that’s and complain about our van being in the bike lane when we were unloading it bruised or past its prime or that from the flower market at the start of the day. doesn’t enhance the flower.
MM: Is there a “Paula Pryke” style and has it changed or evolved over the years? 3. Clean buckets with disinfectant or bleach. Rinse well and then rinse PP: My style has adapted to the trends and changes of the fashion and advertising industry. At heart it has always been natural and simple and colorful. again. Then add lukewarm water mixed I think the flowers I designed for my first book look very current now. What goes with flower food per accompanying around comes around again, and now I am pretty much back doing what I did at instructions. Lukewarm water provides the beginning. more oxygen to the flowers and is better for their longevity. What are your favorite flowers/foliage to work with? MM: 4. Until you’re ready to arrange, PP: The list for that question would be endless! However ranunculus, peonies, store the flowers in well-ventilated roses, sweet peas, dahlias would come in my top 10, and I adore bright green area, preferably at around 45ºF. like Viburnum opulus [snowball viburnum] or Alchemilla mollis [lady’s mantle], Also keep an eye on the water—a silver foliage such as Senecio [dusty miller], burgundy foliage like Cotinus flower will drink 1/3 of its water in [smoketree] and whatever is seasonal—berries in the autumn and blossoms in the the first 12 hours. Make sure not to flower spring. Foliage with a little movement such as jasmine and ivy are also staples. store them near fruits or vegetables. MM: What do you consider your most significant accomplishment/honor? 5. Before arranging, remove any damaged leaves or flowers. Snip PP: At one level it is being able to pick a career with flowers and then make it work for 32 years. To do something you love and to be able to make a business ends for a clean, fresh cut. out of it is an amazing and joyous accomplishment. Never more so than during this time. power10 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL MAGAZINE 2020 11 INTRO | feature
MM: There is a growing movement in the floral industry in the United States that emphasizes sustainability—from responsibly sourcing plant material to avoiding flowers treated with chemicals and discouraging the use of floral foam. Is the overall move toward a more sustainable floral industry something important in England and in your ethos specifically? PP: Yes. The Chelsea Flower Show will make 2021 its year to catch up with this movement that has been gaining traction for the last five years in the UK and worldwide. I never used a lot of floral foam and plastic in my work, but now I am making a very conscious effort to work in a sustainable way. I try to make sure that my flower arrangements are in line with the best practices for the environment and nature from which I take my inspiration. If I need to use something similar to floral foam, I use Agrawool, which is biodegradable. I prefer to hand tie my flowers or use chicken wire, which allows the flowers to be in water. It actually creates a more natural look, which of course is back in vogue now. TURN THESE PAGES MM: What and where is your favorite garden in the world? NATURALLY ARRANGING WITH PAULA PRYKE: Paula Pryke’s first book,The New PP: Levens Hall, in Cumbria in Northern England. It’s the oldest topiary garden Floral Artist, debuted in 1996 and in the world. I like the fact that it was spared when fashions changed and immediately catapulted her into A Demonstration others ripped out their topiaries. I love the thought that it was first designed in international floral stardom. the 1690s and still looks amazing. It also is a fun garden—it makes me smile. Since then, Rizzoli has published Follow @levensgardener for beautiful seasonal shots of Elizabethan England. 17 additional titles, which have been translated into over a dozen languages. They include Seasonal Wreaths & Bouquets, Wedding Flowers, Everyday Flowers, Table Flowers and Paula Pryke Flower School. Her books are renowned for being packed with ideas and creativity. They are resourceful, accessible and inspirational and contain step-by- step instructions for a myriad of Pictured here is Paula’s arrangement of cappuccino roses, pink garden roses, dahlias, MATERIALS: projects. Her most recent title is straw flowers, Queen Anne’s lace, echinacea and clematis seed heads; foliage includes 3 Chicken wire The Art of Flower Arranging (2017). jasmine, crabapples, sloe berries (blackthorn) and English oak with acorns. 2 Vase d Clippers, sharpened j Flowers and foliage, your preference
PAULA’S FAVORITES MECHANICS ADD FOLIAGE ADD FLOWERS GARDEN FLOWERS • Before making any natural arrangement, • My rule is to use a minimum of three types • Next I add flowers. I usually add one variety Roses • Scabiosas • Cosmos I work out the mechanics first. of foliage, but the more diversity the better. at a time at different angles and depths within Zinnias • Sweet Peas • Hellebores It’s best to have some with an upright habit the arrangement. Chrysanthemums • Dahlias • I use two-inch chicken wire molded Hydrangeas • Lilacs and shaped inside the vase, and then and some trailing. I don’t use variegated • I also avoid white and cream in a bold I gather as many different types of foliage very often as it dilutes color. arrangement as it neutralizes the color effect FOLIAGE seasonal foliage with a goal of creating • I first add foliage to cover the mechanics and and draws your eye, almost creating a distraction. Pussy willow • Snowball viburnum a natural effect. outline the general shape. Foliage also provides • Color is very important to me, but I also pick Cotinus • Rose hips • Snowberry structure, which I can use to position my flowers. flowers and foliage for texture—the clematis and Hypericum • Oak • Beech echinacea seed heads have been chosen for that. All photos courtesy of Paula Pryke TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT In addition to selecting the right flowers and foliage, having the right equipment is essential for great floral design. Paula recommends the following be in every designer’s tool kit: ESSENTIALS: 1 Good sharp knife 2 Strong, sharp pair of scissors 3 Stem stripper 4 Roll of bind wire (wire with an exterior paper coating to protect stems) 5 Flower food 6 Buckets, cleaners and brushes 7 Florist tape (preferably the clear variety) 8 Watering cans 9 Variety of vases. EXTRAS 1 Chicken wire 2 Water tubes 3 Zip ties 4 Wires (variety of gauges) 5 Bamboo skewers (for skewering heavy fruits and veggies) 6 Pins 7 Decorative embellishments (e.g. raffia, jute, ribbons)
12 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL MAGAZINE 2020 13 INTRO | feature
THE GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA EXISTS TO CELEBRATE THE BEAUTY OF THE LAND, TO CONSERVE THE GIFTS OF NATURE AND TO CHALLENGE FUTURE GENERATIONS TO BUILD ON THIS HERITAGE.
AGREENER VISION A lot has changed in the past 100 years, but the work of the Garden Club of Virginia has not. BY JEANETTE CADWALLENDER, THE RAPPAHANNOCK VALLEY GARDEN CLUB
Photos courtesy of Roderick Perkinson, Christine Hoggan, William Thomas and Scenic Virginia
Garden Club of Virginia members understood for centuries, they put their GCV’s most well-known public program, he women of the Garden Club of Virginia have know their watershed address, carry signature on the topography. They developed Historic Garden Week, is vital to our T reusable shopping bags, eschew an agricultural economy that molded the state’s economy. An economic impact always had their own way of getting things done. plastics, refill water bottles and future of the state. As the colonists study (Chmura Economics and Analytics celebrate compost. They promote extended their conquest from the tidewater 2019) credits this popular annual event Be it wielding axes against unsightly billboards or the natural world. Their work funds to the piedmont and beyond, they made with $518 million in economic impact restorations that expand the adaptations for their needs and what the to the state since 1969, and $12.5 million making tree tags to properly name (and save) interpretations of Virginia’s historic land required of them. each year. The first Historic Garden every tree on Richmond’s Capitol Square, the properties. Today’s GCV members are Week was held in 1929 and drew amused by the lingering perception Tobacco production, while the most visitors from all over the country. results are the same — a greener, more beautiful of ladies in their best day dresses with valuable economic driver, took a toll on hats and gloves holding meetings the soil in 17th century Virginia. By the The scale of this signature event is Virginia for all to enjoy. This year marks the 100th over afternoon tea. Garden gloves 18th century, agriculture had expanded, unprecedented. This spring it will include and sun hats are more like it. and the economy rose to depend on iron eight days of continuous touring in anniversary of this female-led organization. exportation, coal and flour, moved by the 30 different communities featuring Local clubs, of which there are 48 rivers and then, in the 19th century, the nearly 140 private properties. For the across the state, model their programs railroad. Automobiles allowed for increased garden lover it has few comparisons; on the themes emphasized by the transportation and mobility in the 20th for the state, this lifeline funds the Garden Club of Virginia (GCV), but century. Goods and people could be ongoing restoration and preservation celebrate their autonomy. Just as moved more quickly. This modern change of Virginia’s historic public gardens and the statewide non-profit promotes brought with it significant consequences — landscapes, and a research fellowship environmentalism, horticulture, flower both positive and negative. program for landscape architects. arranging and civic beautification, so does each local club. Together, The women of the Garden Club of Virginia The variety of Historic Garden Week these clubs represent nearly 3,500 noticed how many new roads altered restoration projects include the volunteers and civic leaders in the landscape with signs and billboards. gardens at the homes of four United communities both large and small. Women of action, they lobbied for limits States Presidents, grounds of historic on the placement of billboards and churchyards, projects at the Executive The Garden Club of Virginia exists to personally removed signs along the roads. Mansion, courthouse landscapes, the celebrate the beauty of the land, to Legendary stories from the mid-1930s tell grounds of a public high school, conserve the gifts of nature and to of GCV members using axes to remove university and college campuses, a challenge future generations to build billboards and covering advertisements mill and significant public, historic (and on this heritage. that had been painted on rocks. hence the event’s name) gardens from the Eastern Shore to the Blue Ridge. There is no denying the natural beauty To preserve the natural beauty of the state, of Virginia. As Europeans settled on they drew upon tourism. To this day the In light of modern interpretations, land that the indigenous people had revenue from tourism generated by the recent restoration projects such as the
Photo courtesy of Donna Moulton Continued on page 17.
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“Unless we… have some reason for existence other than just pleasurable, [we will] die a natural death. It is to us that all eyes are turning for not only support, but leadership… [as] the American people [are] turning their desires toward greater beauty of environment.” VIOLET NILES WALKER, THIRD GCV PRESIDENT 1924-26
Continued from page 15. Valentine — Jackson Memorial Garden at the Executive Mansion and the Mulberry Row Kitchen Road restoration at Monticello have attempted to complete the story of all those who Today, communities across the state lived at these important sites. The 2009 preservation focus has also extended benefit from having a GCV member WINNER beyond the state borders. Proceeds Hillside club in their cities and towns. Garden Club from Historic Garden Week tours have been shared with Charleston, SC, and New Orleans, LA, after Hurricanes Hugo and Katrina. Monetary aid was sent to England and France during WWII. The GCV has lobbied to preserve scenic Clubs compete for generous grants to support local projects with the Common Wealth and Bessie Bocock areas of the state. The early efforts with Carter Conservation Awards. Projects that benefit conservation, beautification, horticulture, preservation or A green arrow sign has been various conservation partners, led to land education are considered for the Common Wealth Award. Trees have been planted, educational projects consistently used to guide visitors being set aside for National and State launched, and civic landscapes and gardens planned and installed. Successful projects include: to Historic Garden Week sites. GCV Parks, to the preservation of the Goshen members have likewise embraced a Pass in Rockbridge County and passage of green vision, one of conservation and the Ball Bill which protects native plants. COMMON WEALTH AWARD WINNERS • 2nd Place: Morea: A Living Botanical Classroom • Gardens at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury beautification. To the organization’s Albemarle Retirement Community • 2020 Living Green Wall at the Brock Environmental • 2005 Virginia’s Botanical History, 1607 to Today The Garden Club of the Northern Neck founders in 1920, the view of the land- Today the club monitors environmental Center, The Virginia Beach Garden Club The Huntington Garden Club • 1990 Wildflowers at the Seaside at the irginiaV Marine scape was, and remains, extensive. It threats attributed to climate change, advocates • Enhancing The Visitor Center Through Educational • 2004 Bandy Field Nature Park Science Museum is an understanding that passionately for the continuation of the moratorium on Signage, Mill Mountain Garden Club The Boxwood Garden Club and The Tuckahoe The Virginia Beach Garden Club embraces the natural world and works • 2019 Peter Paul Development Center and uranium mining and focuses on responsible Garden Club of Westhampton • 1989 Scholarship to Port Isobel Island to preserve clean air and clean water. land use planning. Playground Enhancement • 2003 Camp Still Meadows The Garden Club of the Eastern Shore The Boxwood Garden Club The Spotswood Garden Club • 1988 The Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden • 2018 1st Place: Urban Garden Invites Youth to • 2002 Cape Charles Central Park The Mill Mountain Garden Club; “Dream a Different Future” The Garden Club of the Eastern Shore • Landscaping the University of Virginia Fraternity Grounds The Elizabeth River Garden Club • 2001 Virginia Native Plant Garden The Charlottesville Garden Club; • 2nd Place: Project Dogwood- A Hundred Year Journey The Garden Club of Norfolk • Landscaping the Virginia Museum of Natural History The Augusta Garden Club • 2000 The Chamber Walk The Garden Study Club • 2017 1st Place: The Franklin Garden Club and • 1987 Miller School Arboretum The Healing Grove at Boulder Crest Retreat • Washington Park Renovation Rivanna Garden Club; Fauquier and Loudoun Garden Club Albemarle Garden Club • Operation Plant A Tree • 2017 2nd Place: • 1999 Discover Garden for Williamsburg’s Children The Lynchburg Garden Club The Lee Park Wildflower and Bird Sanctuary The Williamsburg Garden Club; • 1986 Belle Boyd Cottage Garden Project The Petersburg Garden Club • The Fauquier Outdoor Lab The Garden Club of Warren County • 2016 The Academy Center of the Arts Tree Garden The Warrenton Garden Club • Preservation and Clearning Rosewell Hillside Garden Club • Plants and Planters for the Virginia Museum of Transportation The Garden Club of Gloucester • 2015 Blue Ridge Juvenile Detention Center Roanoke Valley Garden Club • 1985 Completion of the Anne Spencer Garden The Charlottesville and Rivanna Garden Clubs • 1998 A Legacy of Wildflowers Hillside Garden Club; • 2014 1st Place: The Ashland Train Station The Petersburg Garden Club; • Landscaping the Eastern Shore Public Library The Ashland Garden Club • Richmond’s Library Park The Garden Club of the Eastern Shore; • 2nd Place: Canal Walk in Great Shiplock Park The Boxwood, James River, Three Chopt and Tuckahoe • Courtyard Garden at the University of Virginia Hospital The Boxwood, James River, Three Chopt and Garden Clubs The Charlottesville Garden Club; Photos on this spread courtesy of Roger Foley, Tuckahoe Garden Clubs • 1997 Landscaping at the Ivy Creek Natural Area • Miller School Arboretum • 2013 1st Place: Chatham Manor Garden Beautification Donna Moulton, Catriona Tudor Erler, Richard A. Rivanna Garden Club The Rivanna Garden Club Garden; Koth, Warren Faught and Amanda Jolly The Rappahannock Valley Garden Club • 1996 Roots and Shoots Project • Roanoke Transportation Museum • 2nd Place: First Landing State Park The Blue Ridge Garden Club Roanoke Valley Garden Club The Princess Anne Garden Club • 1995 Old City Cemetery Gate House • 1984 Landscaping at Northern Virginia Center for • 2012 The Miller-Claytor House Garden Hillside Garden Club Mentally Handicapped The Lynchburg Garden Club • 1994 Memorial Hospital Roof Garden The Garden Club of Fairfax; • 2011 Hatton Ferry Gabriella Garden Club • Trees at the Miller School Rivanna Garden Club • 1993 Landscaping the deWitt Cottage Garden The Rivanna Garden Club; • 2010 Butterfly and Sensory Garden at St. Mary’s Home The Princess Anne Garden Club • Boxwood plantings at the Hermitage Foundation Harborfront Garden Club • 1992 Landscaping at Shalom-et-Benedictus Treatment Center The Garden Club of Norfolk • 2009 Anne Spencer Garden Winchester-Clarke Garden Club; • 1983 “Welcome to Virginia” planting areas Hillside Garden Club Landscaping the Central Rappahannock Regional Library The GCV Conservation and Beautification Committee • 2008 A Fort Called Christanna and its Indian Trading Center The Rappahannock Valley Garden Club • 1982 Landscaping at Douglass Community Center & Park The Brunswick Garden Club • 1991 Virginia Living Museums Backyard Habitat The Leesburg Garden Club • 2007 Camp Still Meadows The Huntington Garden Club; • 1981 Educating Youth for Environmental Service The Spotswood Garden Club • Landscaping at Shalom-et-Benedictus Treatment Center The Princess Anne Garden Club • 2006 1st Place: Cedar Hill Project Heritage Garden Winchester-Clarke Garden Club; • 1980 Landscaping the Entrance to the C&O Walking Trail The Nansemond River Garden Club The Blue Ridge Garden Club
16 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 17 INTRO | itineraries & map Whether it is the garden, the interior design and architecture, the history or the world-class flower arrangements created by Garden Club of Virginia members, with 30 tours to choose from this spring, there is something for everyone. On the following pages, we offer suggested itineraries by region:
WEST EAST SOUTH CENTRAL GCV Restoration Projects
Saturday, April 17 Saturday, April 17 Winchester Wednesday, April 21 Saturday, April 17 Adam Thoroughgood House, VirginiaVirginia Beach* Staunton Suffolk, Gloucester or Martinsville Ashland or James River Plantations Surry James River Plantations Leesburg (Westover, Shirley and Berkeley) Bacon’s Castle, Sunday, April 18 MillwoodThursday, April 22 Belle Grove, Middletown Private gardens in Albemarle County Sunday, April 18 & 81 Danville/Chatham Sunday, April 18 & Belmont, Fredericksburg Alexandria Monday April 19 66 Monday April 19 Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg Monday April 19 James River Plantations Friday, April 23 James River Plantations Burwell-Morgan Mill, Millwood Monticello, Montpelier and Fairy Stone State Park or Centre Hill Mansion, Petersburg James River State Park Tuesday, April 20 Smith Mountain Lake State Park Tuesday, April 20 Christ Church–Lancaster, Irvington If heading east:95 Williamsburg Petersburg, Fredericksburg or Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, Tuesday, April 20 Staunton River State Park or Richmond: Private gardens in Danville Lynchburg 29 17 Wednesday, April 21 Occoneechee State Park Hampton Gardens Executive Mansion Capitol Square, Hampton – Newport News or Richmond Wednesday, April 21 Virginia Beach Saturday, April 24 Wednesday, April 21 Fincastle Presbyterian Church, Fincastle Harrisonburg Staunton Roanoke or South Hill Richmond: Church Hill or Northern Neck Thursday, April 22 Fredericksburg Grace Arents Garden, Richmond April 17-24,2021 Alexandria Thursday, April 22 & Norfolk Thursday, April 22 Green Spring Gardens, Mason Neck* Friday, April 23 Richmond: Monument Avenue Gunston Hall, Friday, April 23 Charlottesville Historic Henry County Courthouse, Goshen Pass and Natural Bridge Win es er 15 Middle Peninsula Friday, April 23 Martinsville 81 a e rb re u e Stratford Hall GCV 2020 Centennial Saturday, April 24 Lexington Monticello Richmond: The Executive Mansion, Portsmouth Arts & Cultural Center, Lexington Saturday, April 24 64 95 17 Maymont, or Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Portsmouth 64 Project: State Parks Eastern Shore ead s iddlebur a e ar Historic Smithfield,Blacksburg* Cumberland Bear Creek Lake, 29 a rin 50 ean Historic St. Luke’s Church, Smithfield* Belle Isle, Lancaster Richmond 66 Green rin s Hollins University, Roanoke King George NORTH Caledon, 81 John Handley High School, Winchester Surry Poplar le andria Chippokes, Saturday, April 17 Warren n Kenmore, Fredericksburg Dublin Old Town Alexandria Forest 64 Claytor Lake, Kent-Valentine House, Richmond Millboro Williamsburg95 Douthat, Roanoke 460 Ker Place, Onancock Stuart Sunday, April 18 & Lynchburg Fairy Stone, GCV Lee Hall, Newport News Monday April 19 Petersburg 17 estoration Holliday Lake, Appomattox 460 17 Fredericksburg Sky Meadows State Park, Harris nbur Projects Mary Washington House, Hungry Mother, Marion Fredericksburg State Arboretum in Boyce, Mary Washington Monument, James River, Gladston 33 Richmond Green Springs Garden81 in Alexandria 220 29 Surry 13 GCV Maymont, Kiptopeke, Cape Charles n elier rederi sbur esearch Monticello, Charlottesville Lake Anna, Spotsylvania aun n Tuesday, April 20 460 64 Fellowships Montpelier, Montpelier Station Woodbridge Martinsville 15 85 95 Leesylvania, McLean Moses Myers House, Norfolk Lorton 29 Norfolk Mason Neck, C arl es ille GCV 2020 Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Middle Peninsula, Gloucester Wednesday, April 21 & 81 Centennial Leesburg 58 58 Project: Oatlands, Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge 58 64 95 17 N r ern Ne Richmond Thursday, April 22 DanvilleG s en ass State Parks Poe Museum, Duffield n i ell Natural Tunnel, Warrenton Point of Honor, Lynchburg Max Meadows New River Trail, e in n 33 Poplar Forest, Lynchburg Chesterfield 64 360 Pocahontas, Friday, April 23 & 29 s land Prestwould Plantation, Clarksville* Sailors Creek Historic Battlefield,Rice Saturday, April 24 e is Gin er Beaverdam* ani al Gardens Eas ern Scotchtown, , Woodstock Na ural rid e Seven Bends Middleburg and/or re Smith’s Fort Plantation, Surry Shenandoah River, Bentonville Oak Spring, or Ri nd Richmond a es Ri er a e ar a n St. John’s Mews, Sky Meadows, Delaplane Clarke County nu en enue C ur Hill E e u i e 64 State Arboretum of Virginia, Blandy Huddleston ansi n iddle enninsula Smith Mountain Lake, 81 a es Ri er Experimental Farm, Boyce Scottsburg 15 Staunton River, n bur 360 lan a i ns Gl u es er Stratford Hall, Stratford Randolph Staunton River Battlefield, 460 irle Sweet Briar College, Amherst Westmoreland, Montross R an e Wes er Willia sbur e ersbur er ele University of Virginia, Charlottesville Wide Water, Stafford 460 17 Washington and Lee University, Lexington Williamsburg i un ain a e York River, a e ar Ne r Ne s William & Mary, Reveley Garden, Youth Conservation Corps, Richmond 13 Williamsburg** 85 460 Ha n Richmond 29 Wilton, 221 220 Woodlawn, Alexandria* 95 N r l Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, air ne a e ar 15 ir inia 81 Staunton C a a 58 ea u Hill Yeardley House, Jamestown* 77 58 ar ins ille 58 u l 58 aun n Ri er * No Longer Under Contract an ille a e ar nee ee a e ar ** In Progress
18 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 19 NORTH REGION | travel story
Make Northern Virginia your home base during a week of touring.
OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA Overlooking the Potomac River with views of our nation’s capital, Old Town Alexandria radiates charm while safeguarding its rich historic roots. Established in 1749, TRAVEL Alexandria was a major seaport prior to the Revolutionary War, occupied by Union troops during the Civil War, and a torpedo STORY production site during World War II. In 1946, Alexandria was the third city in the country to establish a historic district to preserve its Photo courtesy of Louise Kraft architectural heritage. This easy walking tour includes private gardens nestled along the tree- lined streets of the Historic District, as well as the sanctuary at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Wander Saturday, April 17 through narrow alleys and Old Town Alexandria enchanting walled gardens. Sunday, April 18 & GREEN SPRINGS GARDEN IN ALEXANDRIA Monday April 19 On Sunday and Monday explore Sky Meadows State Park, additional sites in the area that State Arboretum in Boyce, have been Garden Club of Virginia Green Springs Garden in Alexandria (GCV) projects funded by Historic Garden Week tour proceeds over Tuesday, April 20 the last 88 years. Virginia’s only McLean Beatrix Farrand garden, Green STATE ARBORETUM IN BOYCE Springs, is located in Alexandria on About 76 miles north in Boyce is the Wednesday, April 21 & property originally farmed by State Arboretum of Virginia at Blandy Thursday, April 22 freeholder John Moss in 1784. Plantation. Left in a bequest to the Warrenton Over 150 years later, young power University of Virginia in 1926, Blandy couple Michael and Belinda was originally part of a larger historic Friday, April 23 & Straight bought the house and 33 antebellum estate named the Tuleyeres. Saturday, April 24 acres, and engaged Farrand to The arboretum is nestled on 172 acres within this property and is anchored by Middleburg and/or design a simple garden room Oak Spring, or Clarke County behind the house: a spacious lawn a large brick structure built in 1825. The enclosed by a boxwood crescent east wing, also known as “The Quarters,” housed the Tuley family for a short time with a stone retaining wall. The Photo above left courtesy of Missy Janes GCV restored the stone wall, while the manor home was being rejuvenated the boxwoods, and constructed and later served as the redesigned a more recently living quarters for the enslaved people. installed perennial bed to reflect Expanded in 1945, this structure was Farrand’s signature plant choices. subsequently used to house faculty and In 1970, the Straights deeded their to provide laboratory space for the University of Virginia. Hosted by: The Garden Club of Alexandria, Dolley Madison Garden Club, The Garden Club of Fairfax, Fauquier and Loudoun house and nearly half of their land Garden Club, The Hunting Creek Garden Club, Leesburg Garden Club, The Little Garden Club of Winchester, The Garden Club to the Fairfax County Park Authori- Numerous trails meander through the of Warren County, The Warrenton Garden Club and Winchester-Clarke Garden Club ty, making this year the garden’s property which contain 5,000 different 50th anniversary as a public space. varieties of trees and shrubs. Highlights Photo above courtesy of Donna Moulton
North20 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 21 22 NORTH REGION 1900s, McLean isknownforits the Washington Postduringtheearly Roll McLean, owner andpublisherof heart ofMcLean.Namedfor John inthe farmland ofrolling plus acres whichsitsonsix Ballantrae Farm, a spectaculargatedestateknown as On Tuesday of wanderthegrounds MCLEAN RunValley.highlight oftheCrooked theparkisa of ahistoricfarm, pastures woodlands andtherolling With462 acres. scenicviews, 1991 Mr. Mellon giftedanadditional Trail, wasaddedin1987,and in containingtheAppalachian acres, oflandin1975.Another248 acres when PaulMellondonated1,132 beautiful publiclandwasformed access forallagesandabilities.This ofintermodal overlying program miles ofsustainabletrailswithan over22 a trailsystemproviding grants helpedcompletePhaseIIIof Club ofVirginia thispastMay.The 100th anniversaryoftheGarden Virginia StateParkscelebratingthe with aCentennialproject through grantsmadepossible ofthree recipient Sky MeadowsStateParkwasthe SKY MEADOWSSTATE PARK Garden Week. Historic from proceeds using themanorhousetofarm from thatonceled in 2004alongaroad rebuilt its originalstonewallswere restoration site,DogwoodLaneand varieties ofboxwood.AGCV 162 to Society’s MemorialGarden,home trail, aswelltheAmericanBoxwood an herbaceous garden, anativeplant Cedar ofLebanonallée, a trees, 300 thatincludes include agingkogrove HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 | travel story house, poolpavilion withfireplace and abath ofbulbssurround hundreds beds,akitchengarden and Perennial house withaplayground. pool, asunkentenniscourt andatree swimming entertainingareas, farmhouse, manor housebuiltin1925, arestored estate, includingtheColonial revival ofthe gardens andlandscapedgrounds walking tourshowcasestheextensive officials.Thisdrivingand government home todiplomats,businessownersand luxury homes,high-endshoppingandis Photos courtesyofEdieHessberg trees andfountains.Inaddition, trees pergola byflowering issurrounded overlooking the carriagehouseand boxwood. Thestep-downterrace ofgardensframedby verdant acre a Another elegantestateoffers entrance. home’s front to 300yearsold,overhangs the estimatedtobe250 white oaktree, theday.Amagnificent throughout garden talkswilltakeplace arranging demonstrationsand Flower gazebo andakoipond. English andAmericanboxwood, with gardensreplete cludes formal outstanding outdoorspacein- for thefirsttime.Aparticularly all onHistoricGardenWeek are privateproperties Featured Warrenton.21 milesfrom Middleburg’s two-daytour, only on FridayandSaturdayfor Stay inVirginia’s HuntCountry MIDDLEBURG designed foranurbansetting. includinganativeplantgarden area, intheOldTownbustling streets gardenstuckedawaybehind Explore SocietyofArchitects. and French homes inAmericabytheAmerican as oneofthetwomostbeautiful namedin1939 including aproperty oftheWarrenton acres rolling Hunt, galleries. Visit siteslocatedinthe Town withshopping,diningand horse countryandavibrantOld Piedmont, Warrenton bucolic offers tour. ThegatewaytoVirginia’s McLean,andatwo-day drive from estates inWarrenton, a37-mile enjoy woodedhillsandelegant On Wednesday andThursday, WARRENTON Gardens innearbyVienna. collections atMeadowlarkBotanical Garden anduniquenativeplant Bell display gardens,theKorean ofornamental 95acres explore touring optionsintheMiddleburg area. of thegrandestatesandlandscapesonboth Visitors willbedelightedbythediversity the homeofPauland“Bunny”Mellon. once access totheOakSpringproperty, tranquilelegance.Aspecialticketallows the Barry Starkeaddsto landscape designer designed byrenowned fountain and pool installedreflecting house. Arecently and stonepatioadjoiningthepool arch leadstoaheatedpool A redbud center alléeofpeonies. gardens,andaspectacular perennial and sculpture towering hollytrees, CLARKE COUNTY glass conservancy. architecturally stunningorangeryanda Visitors willespeciallyenjoyaccesstoan aprivatecemetery. and Blakemore, the fewleftstandingafterCivilWar), brickstable(oneof garden, arestored gardens,aJapanese formal numerous 20th centuries.Highlightsinclude the the18ththrough datefrom properties private andvisitors.Featured residents county’s ruralcharacterbelovedby the conservation easement,preserving Civil Wars. in are Manyofthefarms backtotheRevolutionaryand with roots mostly ofhorseandagriculturalfarms consists area capital. Thepicturesque Valley thenation’s andjust70milesfrom County, nestledintheShenandoah of HistoricGardenWeek inClarke Take astepbackintimeonthefinalday
HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 State Arboretum ofVirginia atBlandy, Kimberly’s, George Washington’s MountVernon, McEnearney Associates Bank ofClarkeCounty, Charles R.Hooff, Inc,Realtors, Atlantic UnionBank, Museum oftheShenandoahValley, Lucy Rhame, Mannington Mills,Inc.,
Shenandoah Valley Westminster- The Mather own Alexandria Anne Jerome Cobb, American HorticulturalSociety, GUIDEBOOK ADVERTISERS 2020 HONORROLLSPONSORS& alphabetically andbytheNorthregion. Guidebook advertisers,listedhere 2020 HonorRollsponsorsandto its cancellation.Specialthankstolocal of HistoricGarden Week 2020,despite from ourpartnersthroughtheirsupport grateful forthesteadfastcommitment The Garden ClubofVirginia istruly The CountryClubofFairfax, Nancy Perkins—Sotheby'sRealty Fairfax own Alexandria Pearl ErberRE/MAXXecutex, own Alexandria Merrifield Garden Center, own Alexandria George Mason'sGunstonHall, own Alexandria Elizabeth LockeJewels, TCV Trust &Wealth Management, Fairfax Canterbury Fairfax Old T Old Town Alexandria Clarke County Old T Clarke County Old T Old T Old T Clarke County Old Town Alexandria Clarke County Old Town Alexandria Old Town Alexandria Old Town Alexandria Flowermagazine,Slogger’s, Virginia Livingmagazine& 2020 MEDIASPONSORS& HISTORIC GARDENWEEK Virginia PublicMedia Bartlett Tree Experts, SPECIAL THANKSTO , Clarke County Fairfax NORTH Old Town Alexandria , PARTNERS: Clarke County Old Town Alexandria Middleburg Middleburg Clarke County Clarke County Fairfax Fairfax , Honor23 Roll NORTH REGION | features ROSES FOR FIRST TIME GROWERS
BY PATSY SMITH, WINCHESTER-CLARKE GARDEN CLUB Although the idea of growing roses might seem daunting, caring for roses is easier than you think. With the proper conditions and simple maintenance, roses will reward you with blooms five to six months out of the year. Shrub roses and floribundas are no more difficult to care for than other flowering shrubs. You still have TRIED-AND-TRUE ROSES time to add new roses to your RECOMMENDED FOR landscape because winter is the best GARDENERS JUST GETTING time to plant bare-root roses; while STARTED: they are dormant. Planting now ensures they are ‘Carefree Beauty’ established before the brutal heat of is a reliable pink shrub that is a summer begins. If you prefer starting repeat-bloomer. with potted plants, roses are normally available at garden centers in early spring. ‘Iceberg’ is a vigorous white floribunda, a type of rose that blooms profusely HERE ARE SOME TIPS: and comes in a variety of colors. Sunlight Most roses require a minimum of ‘Julia Child’ six hours of direct sunlight per is a golden butter colored day, but if you have partial shade repeat bloomer. many old garden roses may still thrive and would be an excellent choice. ‘Don Juan’ is a deep-red climber with large, perfumy flowers that are excellent Soil cut flowers. Need balanced soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. To test the balance of acidity to alkalinity, use a pH meter, an inexpensive tool ‘Peace’ available at home improvement is a well-known light yellow hybrid centers or on the internet. tea, slightly flushed at the petal edges with darker pink. Water Roses hate living in a swimming pool. Good drainage is key. Test ‘Queen Elizabeth’ is a stately pink grandiflora and your hole by digging 18” wide one of the most widely grown and 18” deep, fill the hole with roses in the world. water and wait 30 minutes. If the water has completely drained away, you have sufficient drainage. ‘Knock Out’ roses are disease resistant shrubs Fertilizer that come in red, pink, yellow or They are constant feeders. white and repeat bloom from spring Use a time release or organic through early fall. There are compact fertilizer that breaks down slowly. varieties and even a coral pink Don’t fertilize new roses with version. They are especially easy to anything else until after the first care for and offer an especially long This spring, each tour will offer a limited amount of tickets, and some of our larger tours will offer bloom cycle. THE GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA IS STRIVING TO MAKE HISTORIC GARDEN show of blooms from spring to frost. timed tickets. Tickets will only be available online at VAGardenWeek.org. Please check our website WEEK A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL INVOLVED. in mid-January for tickets and for updated information regarding touring logistics and protocols.
24 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 25 NORTH REGION | feature
er work draws on a lifelong travel abroad has been challenging. How fascination with the antique have you adjusted to a more secluded H jewelry of the Etruscans, lifestyle in Millwood? Greeks and Romans as she creates her own neoclassical hand-made 19k Elizabeth: Like everyone else my travel gold jewelry. She selects every stone wings have been definitely clipped and designs every piece herself. since the end of February when I While many covet the luminescent unknowingly walked through Dulles A Crown Jewel stones or the Venetian glass intaglios Airport for the last time unaware of the in her designs, Elizabeth’s deepest changes that lay ahead. In “normal” passion is for one-of-a-kind antiquities: times I would travel between five and Jean: Tell me how your fascination with six months out of the year. For the first 19th-century micro mosaics and antiquity began. Elizabeth Locke pietra duras, 18th-century Chinese time in 32 years I spent the entire loves her gardens gambling counters, Essex crystals, Elizabeth: My love of the classics began at month of March in Virginia and it was a and has a soft spot miniature paintings and antique age 11, when my father took me to Italy for revelation in the best sense of the word. Japanese porcelain buttons. the first time. I became enchanted with the Every day in the morning and afternoon graceful goddesses, sphinxes and caryatids. for dahlias. The search for the perfect bit of Violette the cat and I would make our No wonder, these exuberant Right then I decided to learn to speak slow circuit around the gardens to observe history to incorporate into her designs Italian and move to Italy. I kept both late season stunners are takes Elizabeth flying around the globe the changes that this beautiful month known for their vibrant promises to myself and ended up receiving brought on a daily basis. Since then, we to European markets, antique shows a graduate degree in Italian literature from colors and wow factor, not and auctions in what she terms the have been gardening non-stop with a unlike her unique jewelry the University of Florence. I spent years large vegetable garden, lots of borders “continual treasure hunt.” The running my first business in Italy. designs created over a antique porcelain button turns into of cut flowers and the largest planting luminous 32-year career. a pendant or brooch, and the Jean: When did you decide to focus your of dahlias ever. It has been wonderful! 2,000-year-old coin transforms into creative energy on jewelry design? With the sudden shock to my business a ring or cufflinks, continuing I was “retired” overnight and all of Elizabeth’s artistic vision and the Elizabeth: After moving back to the United States, I initially worked as a contributing the energy that I normally would have craftsmanship of 35 Thai goldsmiths focused on designing jewelry was dedicated to bringing her designs editor for Town and Country magazine. A story on shopping in Bangkok turned out to addressed to homemaking, reading and to life using centuries-old gardening. I truly believe that the garden goldsmithing techniques. be a life-altering event and eventually led me to a degree in gemology, which of helped keep me stable. As things have Elizabeth spoke with Immediate Past course, has become my life’s vocation. begun to open up again my devotion President of the Garden Club of to all of my plants has not waned at all, Virginia, Jean Gilpin, a personal Jean: You have become an important figure and I don’t think that in the future it friend and neighbor, on a walk-about in the design world, and your life experiences will. To daily see the force and creativity of Elizabeth’s garden at Clay Hill. have been so exciting and adventurous. of nature is beautiful, humbling and With the advent of COVID-19, I’m sure your inspiring.
“This is a lovely and remote area in Virginia, I can’t just whiz down to the local florist—there isn’t one! I make bouquets with whatever’s growing, even if it’s a bunch of parsley.”—ELIZABETH LOCKE
Elizabeth Locke opened her spectacular property in the idyllic village of Millwood in support of Historic Garden Week in 2015 and is doing so again this spring. You too can enjoy Elizabeth’s personal garden on the Clarke County tour taking place on April 24, 2021. Tickets available in mid-January, VAGardenWeek.org. The Other Elizabeth, 17 East Main Street in Boyce, will also be open on tour day.
Photo courtesy of Patricia Lyons Photo courtesy of Edie Hessberg
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The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate — Discoveries from a Secret World By Peter Wohlleben If you are one of those people who love language and get a little swoony with beautifully constructed prose, this book will be especially appreciated. Hal Cauthen Consider that it was originally written in German and translated, this subtle yet profound read by a professional forester is even more impressive, managing to READERS’ PICKS be appealingly geeky and even a bit STORIES FOR GARDENERS mystical. You will learn the scientific processes behind the lifecycle of a forest Compiled by Karen Cauthen Ellsworth, Editor — the life, death and regeneration that of Historic Garden Week — The Magazine takes place over so many years that and Heidi James, The Lynchburg Garden most people are completely oblivious Club and GCV Horticulture Chairman to it. Trees are not individuals but parts of a community. A forest is an ecosystem; being part of it benefits the group. A Honeybee Heart Has Five Wohlleben’s idea of a “wood-wide-web” Openings: A Year of Keeping Bees of soil fungi, that makes it possible for By Helen Jukes trees to share information to protect and benefit their community, is fascinating. A true story, Jukes is in a funk when we meet her. She doesn’t like her job, she’s not in a Animal, Vegetable, Miracle — romantic relationship, A Year of Food Life then her friends give By Barbara Kingsolver her a hive. Apparently, The first book of a hive freely given non-fiction by brings good luck, award-winning author but also a lot of and Pulitzer Prize responsibility. As the author embarks nominee also has a on her first year of beekeeping, it’s Virginia connection. just as much about learning about how The concept behind to nurture herself. This charming book this family story first explains the history and how to’s of published in 2007 was taking care of bees. If you care about way before its time. Told in seasons, the bees and our planet this deft metaphor first chapter is titled “Asparagus.” After for finding one’s true passion is sure moving from Arizona to the far south- to please. western tip of Virginia, Kingsolver and her family begin a year of hyper local living. Nothing is consumed unless it is American Gardens sourced from their neighborhood or By Monty Don grown at home in southern Appalachia. Recently published, Her second husband, a professor of life this new book by a sciences and a farmer, contributes essays renowned British about related topics, like sustainable horticulturist, garden agriculture. A teenage daughter and a writer and broadcaster, vegetarian adds flavorful recipes, including is the most recent in a one in the late summer chapter all series that showcase the about tomatoes and canning. Ten-year- world’s most important old Lily raises chickens. Her adventures and well-known gardens. This newest building a business selling the extra installment documents visits across eggs contribute a note of humor. America to some of our most historic outdoor spaces including Monticello, Longwood Gardens, Lurie Garden, Naturalistic Planting Design: New York City’s Central Park and The Essential Guide Seattle Spheres. Filled with lush By Nigel Dunnett photographs by Derry Moore, it Renowned gardener and founder of complements the BBC television the “Sheffield School” method of series by the same name. planting, this book teaches the reader TICKETS FOR HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK 2021 AVAILABLE ONLINE Continued on page 30. BEGINNING MID-JANUARY AT VAGARDENWEEK.ORG
28 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 29 NORTH REGION | features
Continued from page 29.
how to achieve, “low input -high impact” gardens using native Join the plants that provide Garden Club of Virginia’s year-round interest Conservation Committee and promote sustain- at its first virtual Forum, ability. One of the open to the public at no charge. world’s current leading voices on innovative landscape design, 62ND ANNUAL Dunnett applies ecological concepts CONSERVATION FORUM while advocating for design that is more than just cosmetic or functional, but also good for the environment. THE URBAN LANDSCAPE: Second Nature — A Gardener’s Education MAKING A By Michael Pollen DIFFERENCE Better known for his books Omnivore’s IN YOUR Dilemma and Food Inc., this modern take COMMUNITY on Thoreau’s Walden Pond was written HEALTHY HABITATS & almost 30 years ago URBAN GREENING and was inspired by Pollen’s purchase of an old dairy farm in Pre-recorded Connecticut. He plants a garden and the presentations include: adventures with woodchucks and weeds Conservationist ensue. Told in a series of essays that Douglas W. Tallamy*, make this appealingly readable, the author of Nature’s Best Hope: stories are alternately funny and pro- A New Approach to found. Part autobiography, part medita- tion and part social history, this best-sell- Conservation that Starts ing author covers topics as diverse as the in Your Yard and perfect American lawn, pesticides, Richmond’s Low Line, composting and planting a tree. Chosen a project of Capital Trees by the American Horticulture Society as one of the 75 greatest books ever written imberly’s about gardening, it’s a great read for cozy nights in front of a warm fire. K
Nature’s Best Hope: A New China & Crystal Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard Fine Linens
By Doug W. Tallamy* Cardillo Photo credit Rob Home Decor Renowned conserva- tionist, Tallamy has Invitations & Stationery authored 95 research publications, multiple Ladies' Apparel Visit GCVirginia.org/Forum2020 books and taught insect-related courses Children's Boutique for 40 years. A literal grassroots call to action, this best seller will be popular with 135 North Braddock Street anyone looking to make a difference in their own backyard. He provides a Winchester, Virginia 22601 detailed plan and recommendations in 540-662-2195 Sponsored by this impassioned how-to: plant native plants, shrink our lawns, avoid using Hours chemicals and synthetic fertilizers, Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. remove invasive species and support Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. wildlife. Ultimately his message is both urgent and encouraging — we all can be part of the solution to our growing environmental challenges. Don’t miss this important treatise. FOUNDED IN 1920, WHEN 8 CLUBS CAME TOGETHER, THE GARDEN CLUB VIRGINIA FOR ALL TO ENJOY FOR 100 YEARS. IT IS NOW AN ORGANIZATION OF VIRGINIA HAS BEEN COMMITTED TO PRESERVING THE BEAUTY OF OF 48 MEMBER CLUBS WITH 3,500 MEMBERS STATEWIDE.
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A LEGACY OF LOVE AND OAK SPRING PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE
“You are starting out on an adventure. If you are not too ambitious in the beginning and you succeed more than you fail — you will have found a great happiness in life.” – BUNNY MELLON, ON STARTING A GARDEN.
BY MAX SMITH, HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS FOR OAK SPRING GARDEN FOUNDATION
Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon, who is legendary within Virginia’s horticultural community, developed a love of plants and gardens very early in her long life. At the age of 10, she began collecting botanical books. By the age of 12 she was an active gardener, inspired in part by the Olmsted Brothers, sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, who managed the grounds of her father’s estate in Princeton, New Jersey. These early encounters with gardening, and also with books on gardens and landscapes, awakened Bunny Mellon’s relentless lifelong passion for plants, a passion that matured into a deep interest in the development of botanical knowledge and the principles of garden and land- scape design in America and also in Europe. Through her studies she became a self-taught, but legendary, garden designer. Two of Mrs. Mellon’s iconic garden designs still grace the grounds of the White House: the recently refurbished Rose Garden and the East Garden, which was later renamed in honor of Bunny Mellon’s dear friend Jacqueline Kennedy.
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Bunny’s lifelong adventure in gardening took her far afield, but she was firmly rooted in the 4,000-acre Oak Spring estate in Upperville, Virginia, that she shared with her husband Paul Mellon and where she planted her Oak Spring Garden.
Photo courtesy of Roger Foley
The library, built close to her home in garden, estate, and the Oak Spring Garden Pandemic in 2020. With on-site 1981 as a gift from Paul Mellon, was Library, to serve the public interest — to programming largely shut down, expanded in 1997 to contain her growing inspire and facilitate scholarship and public OSGF created a “Farmers for Food collection of books, manuscripts, and dialogue. At the foundation’s core are plants, Relief” program to purchase produce art on plants, gardens and landscapes. gardens and landscapes, and their impor- from local small scale farmers for Mrs. Mellon’s wish was that this collection tance for human wellbeing. Oak Spring direct delivery to food banks. should continue to be a resource for weaves the garden, library and landscape Production was also scaled up on the Bscholars after her death and, in 1993, she together with programming that upholds BCCF to provide an additional 15,000 established the Oak Spring Garden scholarship, artistic creativity, science and lbs. of produce to those needing Foundation with the purpose of main- action for environmental sustainability. food. Oak Spring has also supported taining and sharing those collections. artists and researchers with socially A major program is to perpetuate Mrs. distanced residencies as well as with a When Mrs. Mellon, who the New York Mellon’s patronage of the arts and humanities “COVID-19 Artist Response Program,” Times called “the last empress,” through a series of fellowships and residencies. where artists supplied works for a passed away in March of 2014, it was In 2018, with generous support from the curated online exhibition, “Shelter in “Once you fall under the spell the end of an era. The vast Oak Spring Gerard B. Lambert Foundation, OSGF Art: How Artists are Using the of gardening — of growing estate was divided into several parcels debuted two major fellowships named for Pandemic to Re-Examine Their things — of putting together that were sold. Many of the treasures Mrs. Mellon’s children — the Eliza Moore Relationship to the Natural World.” that were once part of Mrs. Mellon’s Fellowship for Artistic Excellence and the colours, textures, forms, home were also dispersed; granted to Stacy Lloyd III Fellowship for Bibliographic A major disappointment of the COVID family members, donated to museums, Study. Each year since then, these fellowships pandemic was the cancellation of the heights, materials, you will or sold at major sale at Sotheby’s in the have supported emerging leaders in the 2020 Historic Garden Week in Virginia, carry forever a cure.” fall of 2014. The resulting funds were arts and humanities whose work has in which Oak Spring was to participate used to meet her financial obligations as a tour location. We hope that as we — BUNNY MELLON and also to support the Gerard B. emerge from the COVID crisis in 2021 Lambert Foundation and the Oak “The creation of a garden is the there will be time for reflection and Spring Garden Foundation. Support for work and thoughts of many minds healing. Our sincere wish is that the Oak Spring Garden Foundation through the beauty of plants and ensured that Mrs. Mellon’s treasured — like a piece of cloth it is woven of gardens Mrs. Mellon’s legacy can help library would not be moved elsewhere, numerous threads.” — BUNNY MELLON salve some of the disruptions of a very could remain at Oak Spring and could difficult year. Oak Spring plans to be used by visiting artists and scholars. participate in the 2021 Historic Garden benefited from access to the collections of Week. We hope we will be able to We are all fortunate that it was possible the Oak Spring Garden Library. Additional welcome hundreds of visitors to the to retain these collections in this awards are also available for scholars and Oak Spring estate to enjoy the meaningful location, and that the library practitioners in plant organismal biology, commanding vistas, rolling Piedmont could be placed at the center of the botanical art and plant conservation biology. landscape and a unique garden that is varied programs of the Oak Spring Interdisciplinary residency programs also filled not just with memory, but with Garden Foundation. When the foundation allow a diverse array of artists and researchers promise for the future. began operations in their current form to spend extended time at Oak Spring to in 2016, much of the immediate work infuse their work with inspiration gleaned focused on restoring the property and from its unique garden, library and landscape. preparing the 700 acres for use in the foundation’s programs. This work included The Oak Spring Garden Foundation has addressing deferred maintenance, also ventured into sustainable agriculture. adaptive reuse of renovated farm The Biocultural Conservation Farm (BCCF) buildings for conferences and guest established on the property in 2019 cultivates accommodation, and new land vegetables and fruits, with a special focus management practices with an eye on heirloom varieties, conserving them as towards long-term sustainability and the living plants and/or as seed, in order to conservation of native plants and animals. illustrate, save and share the biological diversity of the edible plants that underpin Today, the mission of the Oak Spring our food system. Garden Foundation is to perpetuate and share the gifts of Rachel Lambert These programs, like all of us, were forced Photos on previous spread and this spread unless Mellon, including her residence, to confront the challenge of the Coronavirus otherwise noted are courtesy of Missy Janes
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TRAVEL STORY
If staying put seems more appealing, use Richmond as your home base for a week of touring with minimal travel.
ASHLAND Virginia and National Historic Landmarks, Saturday offers two options. Head working farms, private homes and living 26 miles north from Richmond to links to our country’s past. Saturday, April 17 Old Ridge Road, an original rolling Ashland or James River Plantations road dating from the early 1700s, PETERSBURG AND FREDERICKSBURG (Westover, Shirley and Berkeley) providing access to the Piedmont Tuesday offers three choices for touring. region of Hanover County near the Head north on Interstate 95 to Sunday, April 18 & picturesque town of Ashland. The Fredericksburg or south, a similar area remains rural, featuring farms, Monday April 19 distance, towards Petersburg. Just steps James River Plantations fields, forests and rocky streams in from Fredericksburg’s bustling historic the forks of the Pamunkey River. business district are neighborhoods that Whether you’re drawn to hand- Tuesday, April 20 reveal layers of the city’s past. The Petersburg, Fredericksburg or hewn cabins or formal symmetrical historic private homes and gardens on gardens, visitors will discover Richmond: Private gardens in this walking tour showcase the evolution Hampton Gardens architectural and floral treasures in that occurs through restoration, renovation the heart of Hanover. and adaptation to modern needs. Each Wednesday, April 21 property is distinct in its architecture and Richmond: Church Hill or JAMES RIVER PLANTATIONS design, and includes charming gardens If a southern course beckons, drive welcoming guests. Enjoy plein air artists, Northern Neck about a half hour to the James floral and plant care demonstrations as River Plantations, open together well as horticultural exhibits while Thursday, April 22 for Historic Garden Week on strolling through the neighborhoods. Richmond: Monument Avenue Saturday, Sunday and Monday. After touring, the locally-owned shops, Three renowned sites and a church galleries and restaurants of downtown Friday, April 23 established in the early 1600s are Fredericksburg are just steps away, Richmond: The Executive Mansion, located between scenic Rt. 5 and making for a full day. Maymont, or Lewis Ginter the James River in Charles City, a Botanical Garden county with an expansive history Visitors who travel through the country- over its 400 years, including the side of Prince George County east of indigenous, the indentured, the Petersburg will delight in properties with enslaved, early European settlers river views. This driving tour includes a and generations of their descen- private woodland garden filled with Hosted by: The Ashland Garden Club, The Boxwood Garden Club, Historic Richmond, The James River Garden Club, dants. Built in the 1700s by a numerous native plantings, wildflowers, The Garden Club of the Northern Neck, The Petersburg Garden Club, The Rappahannock Valley Garden Club, Three Chopt combination of indentured and shade-loving moss and an impressive Garden Club, Three Rivers Garden Club and The Tuckahoe Garden Club of Westhampton enslaved labor, Berkeley, Shirley assortment of fern. Tour headquarters is and Westover Plantations are Merchants Hope Church, built in 1740. Photos courtesy Jane and Don Cowles Central36 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 37 38 CENTRAL REGION Photos courtesyofJaneandDonCowles The Northern Neck driving tour leads Neckdrivingtourleads The Northern Richmond’s Church Hillneighborhood. the Chesapeake Bayor, explore andcovesthatfeedsinto creeks Neck,alandofrivers, Northern ofthe region neck” orsouthernmost drive toLancasterCounty,the “lower Wednesday twooptions: presents NORTHERN NECK gardens attheheightofspringbeauty. with extensivevegetableandpleasure and aNationalHistoricLandmark, boyhood homeofThomasJefferson and alsoatTuckahoe Plantation,the Club ofVirginia site, (GCV)restoration ofWiltongrounds House,aGarden invited tovisitandpicniconthe Additionally, tourticketholdersare andOakLanes. as Greenway Roads,aswell Roslyn andCaryStreet stunning outdoorlivingspaceson showcases privategardensand landscaping. Thiseasywalkingtour bylush,mature styles surrounded Revival, andmid-centurytransitional including Tudor, Georgian, Federal examples oftraditionalarchitecture, magnificent ton Gardensprovides Westhampton Hamp- charming area, Road inRichmond’shighlydesirable Patterson Avenue andCaryStreet suburb.Sitedbetween streetcar century, thisneighborhood beganasa Roadintheearly20th Cary Street developmentsalong many residential Like areas. different showcase three Unique inthestate,Richmond’stours neighborhood intheNearWest End. first intheHamptonGardens back-to-backwalkingtours,the three stayinRichmondfor Alternatively, HAMPTON GARDENS HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 | travel story private properties alongMonument private properties Thursday’s tour inRichmondfeatures MONUMENT AVENUE history ofChurch Hill. aglimpseintothebeautyandrich offers homes withsmall,courtyard gardens chapters, thiswalkingtourof private four RichmondGardenClub ofVirginia Council ofHistoricRichmond andthe this historicneighborhood. Hostedbythe auniquepark-likesettingfor creating of theJamesRiveranddowntown, expansiveviews provide the riverbluffs United States.Publicopenspacesalong 19th-centurycityscapesinthe preserved styles; makingChurch Hilloneofthebest Revivalandlate19th-century Greek 19th-century Federalstyletomid-century early rangefrom canopies, theresidences tree brick sidewalks,gaslightsandmature in 1956.Co-minglingwithgranitepavers, forHistoricRichmond project restoration Richmond, andservedasthepilot in boasts themostantebellumstructures or GiveMeDeath”speech,thisdistrict Henry gavehisfamous“GiveMeLiberty Patrick St.John’sChurch (1741)where oldest neighborhood. around Centered Church HistoricDistrict,isRichmond’s Church Hill,alsoknownasSt.John’s CHURCH HILL the motherofGeorge Washington. ties tothefamilyofMaryBallWashington, Additional sitesonthetourtickethave al grant,andincludestheBelleIsleMansion. ofaGCVCentenni- State Park,arecipient River, aswellsiteslocatedinBelleIsle branchesoftheCorrotoman and western located attheconfluenceofeastern aproperty Lancaster Countyandfeatures ofupper thebackroads visitors through an extensive perennial garden, an an extensiveperennial ofgardens,including than 50acres Garden isamust see.Enjoymore day, butLewisGinterBotanical located inRichmondasingle Club ofVirginia sites restoration impossible tovisitallseven Garden Itwould be with tourproceeds. that hadlinedthedriveway, all analléeofelms the GCVreplaced In2006, dramatic 45-footwaterfall. the JapaneseGardenincludesa pergola; andaromantic parterres The ItalianGardencontains arbors. androse specimen trees walkway, labyrinth, restored ashrub 1996-98. Itnowfeatures Maymontfrom surrounding lawn theornamental restored The GardenClubofVirginia MAYMONT &LEWIS GINTER Historic GardenWeek. from by theGCVusingproceeds in1999-2000 Gillette, wasrestored landscape architect CharlesF. installed inthemid1950sbynoted TheEastGarden,designedand intheUnitedStates. residence is theoldest-occupiedgovernor’s mansion the first familiessince1813, your ownpace.HomeofVirginia’s thisin capitalsites cultural city at many ofthepublicgardensand Week onFriday,adaytoenjoy open especiallyforHistoricGarden The ExecutiveMansionwillbe socialchangeinVirginia.profound experience theepicenterof parks andfloweringalleyways, the neighborhood’s uniquepocket visit privategardengems,explore goers willhavetheopportunityto itspainfulpast.Tourto reconcile asthecommunitystrives removal of intheprocess memorials are skyline, MonumentAvenue’s punctuatedits statues thatformerly alike. Namedfortheconfederate popular withlocalsandtourists town andculturalvenuesmakeit todown- Its beautyandproximity fountains,andfollies. specimen trees, delight withseasonalblooms, homeowners. Today, theystill for andsocialrecreation respite air, fresh walled gardensprovided builders. Behindgrandfaçades, wealthy citizensandspeculative by erected and churches were significant mansions,townhomes corridor flourishedasarchitecturally development alongthisexpansive Between 1900and1925, ismakingheadlines. allée oftrees medianandadouble tree-lined avenuewithagrassy, broad Historic Landmarkin1997,this gardens. DesignatedaNational Avenue withlovelycourtyard the GCV with funding from the GCVwithfundingfrom Victorian by landscaperestored Garden,a and theGraceArents Asian garden,awetlandgarden one ofitskindinthemid-Atlantic. conservatory addedin2003istheonly Historic GardenWeek tours.Aglass
HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 Dahlgren HeritageMuseum, Gravatt Entertainment, Ellwood Thompson’s, Hilldrup Properties, Inc., Envirowash, Hilldrup, CCH Collection, Council ofHistoricRichmond, Bloomin’ Gardens, JoPa Company, Davenport &Company, Iron HorseRestaurant, Janet Brown Interiors, Bowles Affiliates, P.C., H.J. Holtz&Son, Chez Foushee, Dr. andMrs.LloydF. Moss,Jr., Boulevard FlowerGardens, B.H. Baird Insurance, Flippo Lumber, Fraîche, Haley GMC, Beaty &Brown, Fredericksburg MuseumCouncil, Feather Your Nest, Historic ChristChurch & Museum. Beckon Home, Berg Building&Design, Hillbrook Collections, Frances Kahn, City ofFredericksburg, Belmont Butchery, Friends ofHollywoodCemetery Holiday InnExpr INARAY DesignGroup Inc., Fredericksburg Atlantic UnionBank, GUIDEBOOK ADVERTISERS 2020 HONORROLLSPONSORS& by theCentralregion. advertisers, listedhere alphabeticallyand Honor RollsponsorsandtoGuidebook cancellation. Specialthankstolocal2020 of HistoricGarden Week 2020,despiteits from ourpartnersthroughtheirsupport grateful forthesteadfastcommitment The Garden ClubofVirginia istruly Fredericksburg King Geor Northern Neck–Lancaster King George Northern Neck–Lancaster Richmond Fredericksburg CENTRAL Richmond Richmond ge Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond ess &Suites, Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Northern Neck Fredericksburg Northern Neck Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Ashland Fredericksburg Fredericksburg Richmond Richmond Fredericksburg Fredericksburg Petersburg Richmond Fredericksburg Richmond , Richmond Honor39 Roll Honor Roll CENTRAL
Joyner Fine Properties, Richmond KDW Home/Kitchen Designworks, Richmond Kenmore Inn, Fredericksburg King George County, King George LaDIFF, Richmond LeCompte Travel, Richmond Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond Lewis Insurance Associates, Fredericksburg Libbie Market, Richmond Long & Foster Real Estate, Richmond Long & Foster - The Grove Office, Richmond M. Turner Landscapes, Richmond Mary Washington Healthcare, MAHONIAS: Fredericksburg A WINTER Mr. and Mrs. William J. Lynch, Jr., Fredericksburg WONDER Museum District Association, Richmond BY SUE PERRIN, Fredericksburg Navion Senior Solutions, THE GARDEN CLUB OF GLOUCESTER Petersburg Area Regional Tourism, Petersburg When fall camellias fade and winter’s drear sets in, mahonia can Petersburg Home for Ladies, Petersburg seem like a trip to the tropics. This Quinn, Richmond evergreen shrub, also called Oregon grape holly, begins its Ashland Randolph-Macon College, golden show in early January and Rappahannock Community College, continues through February. Heavy Northern Neck snow is no deterrent for this plucky (and prickly) plant with shiny Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury, gray-green foliage. Its blossoms are Northern Neck small, but heady. Mahonia’s Sara Campbell, Richmond fragrance will stop you in your tracks. Sheppard Street Antiques, Richmond As the days lengthen, flowers Stratford Hall, Northern Neck mature to abundant sprays of pendulant smokey blue berries, an Long & Foster - Strawberry Street Sales, important food source for birds in Richmond the winter months. A flock can The Bizarre Bazaar, Richmond denude a bush in a day when the fruit is perfectly ripe. Fortunately, The Council of VMFA, Richmond the berries of this useful The Dandelion, landscaping specimen seldom Northern Neck-Lancaster County attract hungry deer. The Woman’s Club at The Bolling Plant this easy-to-grow bush where Haxall House, Richmond its thorny foliage isn’t too close to a walkway. They are tough in most Thrifty Sisters, Richmond parts of Virginia and tolerate a wide Town of Ashland, Ashland variety of soils, as well as coastal Richmond conditions. Improved hybrids like TowneBank, ‘Winter Sun,’ ‘Underway’ and ‘Charity’ Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond bloom a rich yellow. This showy harbinger of spring can add much Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond needed color and interest to a dormant garden for up to three months. Virginia Properties, Richmond Individual racemes, or flower Virginia Society of Landscape Designers, clusters, are as beautiful as they are Richmond unusual in small arrangements. Wagner Jewellers, Ashland Resembling droopy bunches of This spring, each tour will offer a limited amount of tickets, and some of our larger tours will offer grapes, large cuttings minus foliage Westminster Canterbury, Richmond THE GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA IS STRIVING TO MAKE HISTORIC GARDEN can be stunning in a tall vase. timed tickets. Tickets will only be available online at VAGardenWeek.org. Please check our website Fredericksburg WEEK A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL INVOLVED. Willow, in mid-January for tickets and for updated information regarding touring logistics and protocols.
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IN 1927 THE GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA WAS ASKED TO HELP SAVE AND REPLANT SOME TREES AT MONTICELLO. at Kenmore, George Washington’s sister’s house, in Fredericksburg, they felt up to the task. The idea of hosting a house & garden tour was born – the Members held a flower show and raised $7,000 – the equivalent of over $1 million in today’s dollars. When they were asked to help restore the gardens first Historic Garden Week took place in 1929.
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ADVERTISE IN THIS SPRING'S GUIDEBOOK DEADLINE JAN. 15, 2021 For information regarding advertising in the 2021 Guidebook, please contact us at [email protected]. Rate sheets and contracts for 2021, are available at VAGardenWeek.org. We wish to thank our loyal advertisers, whose support underwrites the cost of printing 60,000 books and distributing them worldwide.
FALL 2020 MAGAZINE & SPRING 2021 GUIDEBOOK ADVERTISING CONTRACT
Business Name ______Business Contact ______
Address ______(STREET) (CITY) (STATE) (ZIP)
Phone ______E-mail ______Website ______
SEND US YOUR CONTRACT BY OCTOBER 16, 2020 AND RECEIVE PLACEMENTS IN BOTH THE FALL 2020 MAGAZINE AND SPRING 2021 GUIDEBOOK. TWICE THE VISIBILITY FOR THE SAME PRICE.
(Please indicate your selection.) (Please indicate your selection.) FULL PAGE (5.25"w x 9"h) ONE PAYMENT Total payment by October 16, 2020 $2,000 or save $60 by check ($1,940) TWO EQUAL PAYMENTS First half by October 16 and final payment by January 15, 2021. HALF HORIZONTAL PAGE (5.25”w x 4.5”h) $1,275 for each or save $30 by check ($1,245)
HALF VERTICAL PAGE (2.5”w x 9”h) (Payment by Check or Credit Card. Please indicate your selection.) $1,275 for each or save $30 by check ($1,245) PAY BY CHECK Thank you for paying by check. QUARTER VERTICAL PAGE (2.5”w x 4.5”h) We are passing along the cost savings of a processing fee to you. $500 or save $15 by check ($485) Please make sure your check reflects this discount. Make checks payable to Garden Club of Virginia WEBSITE AD (300 x 250 px) Send to: Garden Club of VirginiaFALL ATTN: Historic 2020 Garden MAGAZINE Week & SPRING 2021 GUIDEBOOK ADVERTISING GUIDELINES $250 or save $50 by check ($200) 12 East Franklin Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 *PLEASE INCLUDE THE NAME AND SIZE OFADS THE ADVERTISEMENT IN BOTH IN THE THE CHECK MEMO FALL SECTION 2020 MAGAZINE AND SPRING 2021 GUIDEBOOK WILL BE THE SAME SIZE. PAY BY CREDIT/DEBITNO CARDNEED TO RESIZE ARTWORK. DEADLINE TO BE IN FALL MAGAZINE & SPRING BOOK: Unfortunately, there is a processing fee associated with a credit/debit October 16, 2020 charge, so we cannot offer the check discount. Please provide the email where the online invoice shouldPLEASE be sent SEND via Square. ALL An AD email MATERIALS TO NEED MORE TIME? DEADLINE FOR SPRING BOOK: will be sent with a link to make payment online through Square with Terri Lowman, AD SIZES January 15, 2021 credit/debit card (AMEX, VISA, MC, Discover). Administrative Coordinator Artwork, contract, & payment must be submitted in full or ad will not be published. E-mail ______• Email: [email protected] Full Page • Phone: 804.644.7776 5.25"w x 9"h • Fax: 804.644.7778 Half Horizontal Page GENERAL INFORMATION • Address: 12 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219 5.25"w x 4.5"h The advertiser will furnish high resolution artwork that follows the specifications Half Vertical Page Although efforts will be made to accommodate the wishes of the on this contract. All art and copy will be subject to the Garden Club of 2.5"w x 9"h advertiser, specific placement of an ad in the Magazine and Virginia’s approval with respect toSUBMISSION style and content. IfREQUIREMENTS the advertiser fails Quarter Vertical Page Guidebook is not guaranteed. Ads that do not meet our requirements to deliver approved art or payment• All within artwork, the period contracts specified, and paymentsthe GCV are due 2.5"w x 4.5"h will be placed in the Magazine and Guidebook at the discretion of Website Ad reserves the right to use previously tosubmitted be in both artwork and Januaryfrom the 15,advertiser, 2021 to be in SpringOctober only. 16, 2020 the Historic Garden Week office. 300 x 250 px to create an ad using information• from Ads the must advertiser’s be sized towebsite correct or dimensionsto refuse of placement It is mutually agreed as follows: The HGW Magazine and Guidebook the ad. ______Please initial• All here edits that must you be agree done to prior the termsto submission as will not be released for publishing with any unpaid advertisements. listed in the above paragraph. DEADLINE TO BE IN FALL MAGAZINE & SPRING BOOK: NOTE: FILE SIZE CANNOT EXCEED 10 MB
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Tour ______HGW Advertising Chair Name______PRINT AD REQUIREMENTS______FOR THE HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK MAGAZINE AND GUIDEBOOK
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GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA AT 100 Questions? Call Terri Lowman at AMERICA’S 804-644-7776 or via email [email protected]
TREASURED HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK IS THE ONLY STATEWIDE HOUSE & GARDEN end of April and showcases approximately 200 private properties. For more information, LEGACIES. TOUR IN THE NATION – it features 30 tours taking place over 8 consecutive days at the VAGardenWeek.org.
We look forward to sharing our stories with you.
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park nps.gov/frsp
Fredericksburg Area Museum FAMVA.org
Gari Melchers Home & Studio GariMelchers.org
George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore Kenmore.org
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Mary Washington House and the Rising Sun Tavern WashingtonHeritageMuseums.org
The James Monroe Museum JamesMonroeMuseum.org
Photo courtesy of Theresa Rasmussen
44 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 45 CENTRAL REGION | feature
Michel Arnaud is an internationally recognized photographer whose work has been featured in Architectural Digest and Vogue. He included Quirk Hotel, the ICA, the Dykshorn residence, Blue Bee Cidery and the Black History Museum in the Richmond section of his most recent book, published in 2020. Photos by Michel Arnaud
QUIRK HOTEL ICA
Richmond has retained the sophistication and defining qualities of its urban environment through diversity, a place for higher education, and a vibrant foodie and arts scene. For some, Richmond is associated with its past. FINDING COOL However, more recently, the city is known for demonstrations for racial equality. What became clear in our time in Richmond was that bold architecture is emerging there, that examples of innovative adaptive reuse IN RICHMOND is on the rise, that nature is considered integral to these designs and in city THE BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM life, and that a new history is being written. That is pretty cool.
BY MICHEL ARNAUD WITH JANE CREECH
JAMES RIVER or New Yorkers, Richmond is a place they drive through on the way to somewhere else. in) a tour of the city’s landmarks. His knowledge of the city’s history led us from the I was one of those people driving along Interstate 95 when I set out to write and c. 1740 Old Stone House (now part of the Poe Museum), to the Canal Walk Park, and to Fphotograph a book about how cities are changing through adaptive reuse and new design. the James River Park Pipeline Walkway. Spending time with friends helps you know them better. To me, travel is the same. The more The next day Isaac drove me up to Libby Hill Park in Church Hill for the best skyline you spend time in a city, the more you know it. My relationship with Richmond has evolved views. It was here that early city founders took inspiration for the city’s name from since I first stopped at the Union Market for lunch in 2016. We were looking for a place to Richmond, England. We went to Philip Johnson’s WRVA Building, a radio station that sit outside with our cocker spaniel. The combination grocery and café with a patio was opened in 1968. Sited in the historic Church Hill neighborhood, the complex includes a perfect. A year later, with a book contract in hand, I began to research and organize. concrete tower with a spiral staircase. Richmond made the final list of 14 cities that I planned to feature. Then, we toured the grounds of the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar As with my past projects, a book on Brooklyn and one on Detroit, and this new Ironworks. We explored the plaza that connects the remaining brick buildings and the BLUE BEE CIDERY book, titled Cool Is Everywhere: New and Adaptive Design Across America, Jane glass entrance of the new building. Flowering trees and neatly trimmed shrubs contrast and I reached out to friends who lived or worked in each of the cities. In Richmond, the rectangular concrete planters containing tall grasses. We walked along the 1865 five friends — all architects — guided us in our journey of discovery. Exhibit which is displayed on a bridge that links to Brown’s Island in the James River. QUirk First, we called friends Chris McVoy and Beth O’Neill, who both had projects in A few days later, Jane and I met with Forest Frazier who moved from Brooklyn in 2018. Richmond. Chris, the partner in charge at Steven Holl Architects, was responsible He opened his practice, Architecture AF, in Jackson’s Ward. His first project was one for the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) at the Markel Center that opened in side of a duplex building. The revitalization of the building included an office on the 2018 on Virginia Commonwealth University’s urban campus. He works with Beth, first level and a residential unit above. The black exterior draws attention and the too, and she was working through their firm, O’Neill McVoy, on The Kitchens at building is an example of fresh infill urban design in the neighborhood. Reynolds in North Church Hill. The low-rise, multi-faceted building has walls of textured red concrete and complements the brick of nearby structures. It is home Forest mentioned that we should see Todd and Neely Dykshorn’s house in Church Hill. to the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Culinary program, affordable Todd is an architect and works on adaptive reuse and hospitality projects. He restored housing, three gardens and a greenhouse. and preserved the original white clapboard house that predates Civil War times, and QUIRK HOTEL replaced an older addition with a new structure made in glass and steel. His addition Beth and Chris suggested a visit not only to the ICA and its urban courtyard garden, complete added a kitchen and family room on the first floor and a main bedroom on the second with a reflecting pool surrounded by plantings of grasses and trees, but also recommended floor. Standing in the front dining room, you can see through the kitchen to the garden going to newer neighborhoods such as Scott’s Addition, once an industrial district, too. We with its 19th-century retaining wall forming the north edge. found the Blue Bee Cidery, originally a 1940s municipal stable, which is named after the Blue Orchard bee, a native pollinator. This spring they planted Montmorency and Black Tartarian cherry trees. An evergreen hedge planted along the side of the house provides privacy downstairs. When they In preparation for our first photography shoot, Jane wrote to her former classmate at Rhode moved in, their front garden was a sidewalk, so they decided to ask the city to reopen Island School of Design, Isaac Regelson, an architect and location scout, who grew up in a long bricked-in tree well. The simple change offset a very urban condition. Now a Richmond. Early on a July morning, Isaac gave the three of us (our five-year-old son joined plum tree flourishes there and adds a grace note to a very old house with a new life. 1865 EXHIBIT
46 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 47 CENTRAL REGION | feature
Madeline Mayhood: 19th century tenement architecture and 21st century design aren’t necessarily created equal and integrating the old and new is sometimes challenging. How did you reconcile such disparate, different architectural periods in your plans? What are the sorts of design details that make it work?
Todd Dykshorn: The design began about the outdoor spaces as much as the indoor. The site is bordered on the north by a 10-foot-tall mid-19th century (we think) granite retaining wall out of which flow two active springs. That drove the plan. We wanted to capture those elements in daily life both in and out. The exterior character was an interesting path. The house is in a City Old and Historic District, and therefore any work has to be approved by a commission of architectural review. We actually started with a version that proposed a wood clad addition, mirroring the older section of the house, and submitted that as an application. Neither of us were over the moon about it though, and one day we talked about what we really wanted to do, which was a glass pavilion in the yard. I asked the then head of the commission, who lives in the neighborhood, to get a reaction, and she surprised us by telling us to go for it. We’ve both liked and wanted to preserve the earliest part of the house—the sturdy, clapboard gable section—so attaching a contemporary, obviously differentiated, new piece seemed natural. particularly because based on the landscape plan. It peaks around the older section, rather than being entirely behind it.
MM: What’s your favorite part of your AN OLD HOUSE house/property and why?
TD: It’s hard to pin a favorite, but probably the happiest, unexpected result is the character and use of the old house’s BECOMES STRIKINGLY rooms on both levels. They’re like dollhouse “Cool” design doesn’t often translate to 19th-century architecture, much less to a rooms which were never that comfortable or tenement duplex in Church Hill, an uber urban neighborhood in downtown Richmond. easy to spend time in, and now they are. And from the street it faces, the meticulously renovated structure looks rather quiet We were a little nervous about the glass and noble, with a respectful nod to historical accuracy in its new, 21st-century chapter. bedroom upstairs and had a backup plan for But make a turn onto the side street—the house sits on a corner lot—and the mammoth a sleeping nook in the more opaque middle steel and glass structure reveals a seriously cool addition. The designers and owners, section upstairs. We love that room with its variety of light and shadow through Todd and Neely Dykshorn, incorporated it into their plans when they began the open or closed curtains. I have to mention the downstairs fireplace room NEW renovation of the purchased the property five years ago. “The house was quirky and though, which is the most comfortable nook of a room ever. We kept its small By Madeline Mayhood old—both positives for us—in a neighborhood we love,” Todd says. The end result— size, low ceiling and rear window that now looks into the addition’s glass room. at the intersection of old and new—proves that cool truly can be everywhere. MM: Tell me about the outside. What goal did you have in mind for the landscape? Did its history factor into your plan(s)?
TD: Absolutely. The elements of the yard were the reason for the project and were the generators for most early concepts, motivated by the chance to organize their features and spaces. Despite being compact, the site around the house offers an amazing variety of attitudes and qualities. We had already planted a hedgerow that we hoped would eventually displace a wood fence along the alley on the most exposed side of the property. About the time we were finishing construction, the hedge was established enough that the fence could come down. Now, there is just a gate door buried in the hedge that takes you from the busy road the house sits on, to a happily quiet and focused place with the spring providing a backdrop of running water.
MM: Who are your design heroes?
TD: Hmmm…that’s a great question. Being married to Neely, who is a Todd Dykshorn graduated from Iowa decorative arts grad, I’m constantly amazed that I made it through eight years State University and received his mas- of design education and never heard of the designers she studied. Those in ter’s in architecture from Harvard. His fashion, furniture, fabrics, graphics and more, who I now realize were often in home will be featured on the Historic Garden Week Church Hill tour taking collaboration with the architects we were studying. Growing up in the Midwest place in Richmond on April 21, 2021. with early exposure to FLW [Frank Lloyd Wright] and now being in an environment that created Williamsburg, Poplar Forest and UVA’s lawn, I have to admit it’s Photos courtesy of Mick Anders and difficult to come down on a side of what makes a great building, space or Michel Arnaud landscape. I try to look at it all.
48 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 49 CENTRAL REGION | features
CREATE A GARDEN WITH FOUR SEASON INTEREST Plants to Entice People and Wildlife Throughout the Year WHY ARE MY BY MEG TURNER When planting a garden, be sure AZALEAS to incorporate a variety of plants to ensure interest, as well as food, shelter BLOOMING NOW? and pollination sources for wildlife, throughout the year. BY PEGGY SINGLEMANN, Director of Park Operations and Horticulture at Maymont Some of my favorites, many that are and Host, Virginia Home Grown VPM PBS native to Virginia, include:
Fall always provides a few surprises in the • American Cranberrybush Viburnum garden and this year is no exception. The (Viburnum opulus var. americanum) unique year of 2020 is still proving to be • Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora an exceptional one. Some spring blooming ‘Brilliance’) shrubs and trees are blooming out of • Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) sequence by showcasing a few blossoms • Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis) now. No need to panic, this is not as unusual • Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea as it seems. Occasionally, this happens. quercifolia) Spring flowering plants set their flower • Purity Pieris (Pieris japonica 'Purity') buds during the summer months. The • Purple Passionflower Vine period of hot, dry weather this past (Passiflora incarnata) summer tricked some plants into an early • Sasanqua Camellia dormancy. Periods of fall weather can (Camellia sasanqua) mimic spring. Since only a few flowers are • Southern Magnolia (Magnolia blooming, spring’s glorious display will grandiflora) not be greatly impacted. • Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica) • White Oak (Quercus alba) There is a lesson to learn from these • Winter Daphne (Daphne odora untimely blossoms. First, they remind 'Aureomarginata') gardeners that spring flowering plants set their flower buds for the following spring Meg Turner, the owner of M. Turner Landscapes (MTL) on the present year’s growth. Late and the Chair of Capital Trees, will open her garden summer through spring is not the time to in Richmond as part of Historic Garden Week on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Capital Trees is a nonprofit prune these trees and shrubs since doing organization created by Garden Club of Virginia mem- so will remove many of the flower buds, bers in 2010. What began as a community project is reducing the show come spring. While an now a full-fledged operation dedicated to creating errant branch may be removed in the fall and enhancing green spaces. or winter, prune spring flowering plants after they bloom. Conversely, summer and fall flowering trees and shrubs form their flower buds on the new growth of the spring season. Hydrangea macrophylla (blue or pink mophead hydrangeas) for example, bloom on the previous year’s growth or old wood. A harsh winter can freeze the expectant flower buds just as quickly as a sharp pair of clippers wielded in the spring. Pruned in the late winter/very early spring before the new growth breaks the bud stage. Regardless of when a plant blooms, always remove deadwood or any branches that are crossing and rubbing one another.
I welcome gardening and pruning questions through Virginia Home Grown’s Facebook page, or send them in during the show, which airs live from March to October on VPM PBS. TICKETS FOR HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK 2021 AVAILABLE ONLINE BEGINNING MID-JANUARY AT VAGARDENWEEK.ORG
50 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 Photo courtesy of Gordon Gregory EAST REGION | travel story
Birthplace of presidents and Pocahontas, with spectacular waterfront views, the East Region is where history and hospitality converge.
SUFFOLK The first day of Historic Garden features over 100 acres and a nearly TRAVEL Week provides three touring mile-long riverfront with enormous choices. The easily-accessible willow oaks commanding the longest Saturday, April 17 walking tour at Governor’s Pointe southern exposure of any home on the Suffolk, Gloucester or in Suffolk spotlights private homes North River. Another featured property James River Plantations STORY with expansive gardens in a lovely sits well back from Main Street in neighborhood located on the Mathews, behind a sweeping lawn Sunday, April 18 & banks of the Nansemond River, dappled by the shade of mature trees. Monday April 19 named by the colonists for the James River Plantations local Native American tribe. Once JAMES RIVER PLANTATIONS lush farmland on high cliffs, the Spend Saturday, Sunday or Monday touring three iconic James River Tuesday, April 20 area captures the active river life Williamsburg beyond and was developed to Plantations. Berkeley Plantation was the maintain the natural beauty and site of the first official Thanksgiving in Wednesday, April 21 integrity of the site. 1619. The Georgian mansion has five terraced gardens that were dug by hand Hampton – Newport News or GLOUCESTER before the Revolutionary War. Shirley is Virginia Beach Also on Saturday is a tour in home to 12 generations of the same Gloucester and Mathews County. family. The mansion was begun in 1723 Thursday, April 22 Rich in farmland and important to and is still lived in by direct descendants, Norfolk the Virginia fishing industry, this the Hill Carter family. William Byrd II, bucolic area is often called the author, diarist, colonial leader and Friday, April 23 “Daffodil Capital of the World.” founder of the cities of Petersburg and Middle Peninsula Showcased properties include Richmond, lived at Westover Plantation, one of the earliest domestic one of the finest examples of Georgian Saturday, April 24 structures in the United States, architecture in America. The lawn Eastern Shore continually inhabited since 1652. includes century-old tulip poplars This outstanding example of an and offers a commanding view of the early Tidewater planter’s home James River.
Hosted by: The Garden Club of the Eastern Shore, The Elizabeth River Garden Club, The Garden Club of Gloucester, The Franklin Garden Club, The Hampton Roads Garden Club, Harborfront Garden Club, The Huntington Garden Club, The Garden Club of the Middle Peninsula, The Nansemond River Garden Club, The Garden Club of Norfolk, The Princess Anne Garden Club, The Virginia Beach Garden Club and The Williamsburg Garden Club Photo above courtesy of Sandy Geiger. Photo to the right courtesy of Diane Ginsberg East52 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 53 54 EAST REGION continuing commitment tothe plantings embodytheGCV’s and & Marytoo.Its terraces,pathways installed Reveley GardenatWilliam Tour goers canseethenewly Councilinthe 1700s. Governor’s politician whoservedonthe JohnCustisIV,colorful aBritish gardens ofthe hidden ornamental archaeology usedtounderstandthe aboutthe outdoor entertaining.Learn flower arrangementsforindoorand open tothepublicdecoratedwith rarely access toadditionalproperties days. Continuetheinspirationwith thaneverthese spacemore green WeMerchant’s Square. allappreciate as wellshoppingatnearby tour ofgardensintheColonialarea, to allowtimefortheescortedwalking gardenwill beopen.Makesure farm gardensandevena gardens, secret historic landscapes —gardenrooms, Visitors willdelightinthevarietyof flower-filled lookatsixgardens. scenic Rt.5toWilliamsburg fora On Tuesday, continuesouthdown WILLIAMSBURG Photo courtesyofGordon Campbell HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020
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travel story Virginia Beach’s BirdneckPoint neigh- If theoceanbeckons, headsoutheastto VIRGINIA BEACH House andColonialherbgarden. negotiated, orthec.1720 Old Customs toGeneralWashingtonCornwallis were byGeneral ofsurrender theterms where thesite won’tbeabletoresist buffs 1920sbungalow.Andhistory remodeled a recently in gardenssurrounding enthusiastswilllinger vista. Horticulture York astunning offering Riverbluff, 1682, aswelloneperched highon the inColonialVirginia formed squires in village, oneoftheoriginal charming locatedinthe access toproperties special.Tourstructures goerswillenjoy private homes,landscapesandlandmark the experiencewillmakethistourof historywoventhroughout revolutionary and villagegardens,withcolonial drive totheYorktown tour. Riverviews On Wednesday, itisonlyahalfhour YORKTOWN landscapes inVirginia. ofhistoric preservation and restoration recently restored, CavalierHotel. restored, recently needs ofgueststheiconic, and in 1927toservetherecreational Yacht Club.Itwasoriginallycreated headquarters, theCavalierGolfand attour lunch onthewaterfront the master-gardener owners.Enjoy lovingly plantedandmaintainedby garden stunning, waterfront splendid gardens.Abonusstopisa eachwithequally properties, newly constructedorrenovated showcases thearea live there, that variety ofbirdsandwaterfowl views. Ameccafortheimpressive waterfront picturesque Bay providing a peninsulainLinkhorn borhood, recipient of a Garden Club of Virginia ofaGardenClub ofVirginia recipient National Historic Landmarkand tourcenterpiece, Ocean. Perennial Chesapeake Bay andtheAtlantic the peninsula issituated between landed atJamestown,thisnarrow just afewyearsafterCapt.John Smith Historic GardenWeek 2021.Settled onthefinaldayof Shore Eastern the gardensandhistoryonVirginia’s Come bybridgeorboatto explore EASTERN SHORE Saluda, DeltavilleandUrbanna. waterside townsof in thecharming are Rivers. Nearbypointsofinterest Piankatank andRappahannock asthe1990snear recently built asearly1781and driving excursionincludesproperties enjoy itasavacationgetaway.This Manymore than 10,000residents. wildlife, Middlesexishometomore small, quainttownsandabundant given toJohnMontrum.Filledwith the firstEnglishlandgrantwas County datestotheearly1600swhen oystering. ThehistoryofMiddlesex in planting,crabbing,fishingand rich the MiddlePeninsula,anarea Travel northtwohoursonFridayto MIDDLE PENINSULA Park, makingforafullday. Garden andthenearbyZoological Botanical admission totheNorfolk of theriver. Tour ticketincludes lined withliveoaks,andglimpses enjoy thedevelopment’squietstreets Visitorstraditional architecture. will and showcases bothmodern sold in2015.Thiswalkingtour Virginia,Diocese ofSouthern then land wasgiftedtotheEpiscopal the Talbot familyfor150years,the Federal eraplantation.Hometo originallypartofa that were houses hasbeenaddedongrounds Lafayette River, anewsectionof hood. Locatedonthebanksof lights theTalbot Parkneighbor- taking placethenextdayhigh- tour Just 18milesaway,theNorfolk NORFOLK oldest continuouslymaintained displaying someofthecountry’s acclaimed ancestralproperty Hallc.1800isan fellowship, Eyre to beattheirpeakthisApril. boastover5,000tulipsplanted grounds in HistoricGardenWeek, itsspectacular gardens.Celebrating 50yearsofparticipation
HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen&Lighting Broadwater Academy, Anderson-Wright, Camp SilverBeach—YMCA, Bella MonteRestaurant&Enoteca, Browder-Hite Inc., Atkinson Realty, Chincoteague Realty, Awnings byBigleyandHogshire, Art attheRiver, Chincoteague ResortVacations, Abbitt Realty, Aldo’s Ristorante, Abbitt Realty, At Altitude, beecroft &bull, Dr. PeggyandMr. JohnMontgomery, Br alphabetically andbytheEastregion. Guidebook advertisers,listedhere 2020 HonorRollsponsorsandto its cancellation.Specialthankstolocal of HistoricGarden Week 2020,despite from ourpartnersthroughtheirsupport grateful forthesteadfastcommitment The Garden ClubofVirginia istruly Gloucester Williamsburg Chippokes PlantationStatePark, Williamsburg Towne Realty-CheriMulhare, irginia Beach Berkshire HathawayHomeServices irginia Beach Beach Gallery, owne Portsmouth Anderson’s HomeandGarden, Abbi Art, GUIDEBOOK ADVERTISERS 2020 HONORROLLSPONSORS& Eurasia CafeandWineBar Cricket, Ann andBrudeStoever Chatham Vineyards,
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Jenny Barker Interior Design & Four Corners Plaza Four Corners Marcia Long, Marcia Lemon Cabana, Holiday Inn & Suites North Beach, Gloucester County Chamber of Gloucester County Chamber Hampton Roads Academy, Gloucester Arts Festival, Gloucester Arts Festival, Honor Roll 56 EAST
Over time, conservation-conscious Virginia Beach Convention & garden club members continued to Visitors Bureau, Virginia Beach encourage others to reduce the use Virginia Beach History Museums, of floral foam. Several years ago I Virginia Beach considered this problem again. As sometimes occurs, fate and flowers Virginia Health Services, collided. When the Garden Club of Hampton-Newport News Virginia invited the innovative, Leesburg Garden Club member and Virginia Land & Homes, 28-year veteran floral designer, Hampton-Newport News Holly Chapple to be a keynote Waterman’s Surfside Grille, speaker at its Fall Symposium, she Virginia Beach demonstrated the use of her invention, a plastic “pillow” used to Way Back Yonder Antiques LLC, hold stems in place. Olde TowneTowne Portsmouth When a workshop offered the Whitley’s Peanuts, Gloucester opportunity to try this alternative, I WindsorMeade WIlliamsburg, accepted the challenge. It worked Williamsburg well for a single arrangement, but is not cost effective if you are creating WPL Site Design, Virginia Beach many arrangements for a large event.
There are many alternatives to floral foam which are environmentally friendly, including: • Balled up chicken wire inserted FRIENDLIER into a container. The wire functions much the same as floral foam and THAN allows multiple removals and changes which floral foam cannot FLORAL always provide. A new crumple or more wire can be added for extra FOAM strength and support. BY TORY WILLIS, THE • Small glass pebbles are another RAPPAHANNOCK VALLEY environmentally-friendly option GARDEN CLUB that permits a dash of color without the need to hide unsightly Several years ago a fellow floral mechanics. arranger commented to me that • Wire of different colors is available she had stopped using floral foam at most hardware stores and can for her arrangements, explaining be molded into different shapes. that the material was not biodegradable. I was surprised to • Bent sticks can be fastened learn the floral industry had not together to provide the same developed a material that could functionality as wire, but with a hold flowers in place without natural look. harming the environment. • A bright-colored section of hose Oasis©, as it is commonly known, can be used in a container, with has been around since the 1950s, holes cut into it to hold flowers. and is the most frequently used material for designers. • A grid design, created in tape, covering the opening of a I recalled that when my husband’s container, also works well. grandmother passed away, I had inherited her floral pin frogs. Of course, grandmother’s flower These old-fashioned, heavy items, frogs are still a good choice in a variety of styles, held stems in when arranging. place. Some had pins which looked like a tetanus shot waiting to happen, while others were made of glass with small holes in them for holding flowers. I attempted to use these frogs. I had better luck with the ones that had the rusty metal pins in them than the glass holes, but I had limited success. Oasis© provided me the stability This spring, each tour will offer a limited amount of tickets, and some of our larger tours will offer and the ability to arrange easily. THE GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA IS STRIVING TO MAKE HISTORIC GARDEN timed tickets. Tickets will only be available online at VAGardenWeek.org. Please check our website Continued on next page. WEEK A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL INVOLVED. in mid-January for tickets and for updated information regarding touring logistics and protocols.
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American Horticultural Society in Alexandria provides links to their GET gardening podcasts. Garden clubs offer opportunities to INVOLVED connect with like-minded folk, all of OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE IN NATURE whom share a common interest—in — AND TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE — horticulture, plants, conservation and ABOUND IN VIRGINIA environmental issues. National Garden Clubs include over 150,000 members in BY MADELINE MAYHOOD, thousands of garden clubs nationwide. THE JAMES RIVER GARDEN CLUB The Virginia chapter of the NGC, the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs, BC—Before Covid—seems like another is headquartered at Lewis Ginter lifetime. Today we manage stresses Botanical Garden in Richmond. The unimaginable a year ago. Even our Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) includes vocabulary has changed. Who could nearly 3,500 members in 48 clubs have predicted that “masks” and “social throughout the state. distancing” and “virtual classrooms” would become so familiar? But in the The GCV produces Historic Garden midst of the challenges and uncertainty, Week, America’s “largest open house” what has emerged as a priority is the and one of the state’s most significant need to do what matters…to identify economic drivers involving tourism. It priorities and find ways to engage. is held in late April when springtime in Virginia is at its peak. While orchestrated For those of us inclined to make nature from its state headquarters in Richmond, a priority, there is no better time to each tour is planned and hosted locally take up the torch. Taking action might by GCV members and volunteers. If you be as simple as planting a perennial, are interested in volunteering during arranging a fresh bouquet of flowers Historic Garden Week 2021, provide or joining or creating a likeminded your contact information and where community with similar priorities. you live to [email protected] And making connections to nature and your information will be forwarded makes a difference, especially now. A to the appropriate tour team. plethora of studies link well-being and overall health to exposure to nature; Supporting organizations whose its profound benefits—from stress missions matter is crucial in order for and anger reduction, decreased crime them to continue their important work. and improved overall health—are Beyond memberships, however, some continually being revealed. Nature is may offer local opportunities to engage. most certainly an elixir to an otherwise The James River Association, for example, unfortunate 2020. offers volunteer opportunities that help advocate for a clean river system. With millions of annual visitors and Spikenard Farm Bee Sanctuary in Floyd thousands of acres and trail miles, state near Roanoke is committed to restoring and local park volunteers help run the the health and vitality of honeybees parks and manage their natural worldwide; an active volunteer corps resources—from staffing contact stations helps on the bee farm. Capitol Trees offers and visitor centers, to developing ways for volunteers to engage in urban and maintaining trails and conducting landscape revitalization and reclamation environmental education programs. in downtown Richmond. In general, In addition to volunteer opportunities, most volunteer opportunities are connecting with nature can also mean somewhat limited because of Covid, an overnight stay in rustic cabins, many but many organizations are offering built decades ago by the Civilian online webinars and recorded classes. Conservation Corps, or a simple day- hike or picnic with a spectacular view. Plant societies are opportunities for plant geeks (and we say this with pride) Supporting your local botanical to focus and learn more. The Virginia garden—whether volunteering, joining Native Plant Society offers educational or simply enjoying—provides a direct opportunities, trips, meetings and pipeline to an entire community who programs. Eleven regional chapters cares about plants. And many offer comprise the VNPS and newcomers are educational opportunities in floral design, welcome. Specific plant societies are botanical illustration, composting, and worth exploring for membership and garden design, to name a few. Volunteers camaraderie; if you have a penchant for play a major role at many public gardens a particular plant, more than likely and work with staff in most areas— there is an associated society, be it a from weeding, planting, pruning to local chapter or national organization. guest services, like welcoming visitors Daylilies, daffodils, hollies and roses, and giving tours. Volunteers often get The biggest advantage of being affiliated And they can be gateways to all a safety precaution and to prevent however, both Blandy Experimental Farm for example, all have their own fan perks—comped memberships, for with a botanical garden though is the sheer sorts of plant resources. In times of crowds. Volunteer opportunities have (the State Arboretum of Virginia in Boyce), clubs. Some to explore include the example, and class, gift shop, facility access—to cutting edge horticulture and an Covid, many botanical gardens and been curtailed. Virtual experiences and Norfolk Botanical Garden offer virtual Tidewater Daylily Society, the Virginia rental and food service discounts. entire community to whom nature matters. arboreta are offering timed tickets as on websites have also ramped up, garden tours and online resources, and the Continued on next page.
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Continued from previous page. Daffodil Society, the Holly Society of America and the American Rose PRETTY Society. Some plant societies are headquartered at botanical gardens; ENOUGH the American Boxwood Society, for example, is based at Blandy Farm, TO EAT Virginia’s state arboretum. COOKING WITH If you’re really serious about learning, EDIBLE FLOWERS a master gardener program is worth considering. After (at least) 50 hours of BY CHEF REBECCA LUCARELLI horticulture classes, master gardener educators return 50 volunteer hours Growing up with a garden inspired me to of community service through their use flowers in my cooking. From a young local extension office. The program age, I remember picking chamomile is an educational outreach of Virginia heads to dry on my windowsill to make my Cooperative Extension and brings the own personal cup of tea. Experimental significant resources of Virginia’s herb and tea blends became a regular land-grant universities (Virginia Tech practice for me. Not a new practice, it is and VSU) to a state-wide audience. an artful way to add beauty and flavor to There are a plethora of ways to join, get a dish. Add edible flowers to your repertoire involved, tune in, connect, and engage. and enter a new culinary world. And while in times of Covid, there may not be as many, the hope is that REBECCA’S RULES AC—after Covid—those opportunities • Don’t cook with it unless you are will be amplified. If nature is a priority positive it is safe to eat. Not all and you love plants and the planet, flowers are edible, some are poisonous. consider the many ways you can be part of the conversation. • Eat only flowers that have been grown organically. Don’t eat anything provided by a florist or garden center. • If you have asthma or allergies, it’s not worth the risk of making them BOTANICAL worse. Don’t eat flowers. GARDENS • Remove the pistils and the stamens, only eat the petals, or the leaves, Botanical gardens offer a treasure depending on the plant. trove of ways for plant people to connect and thrive. THESE ARE POISONOUS And, they’re often gateways to By no means comprehensive, these associated organizations that also common 18 plants can cause a host of make plants a priority. While many are unpleasant side effects to humans and proceeding with caution because pets alike, including vomiting and skin of Covid, expect programs and irritations. Don’t use them in the kitchen. opportunities to be restored to some degree of normalcy once the virus is in Daffodil | Hydrangea | Baby’s Breath check. Virginia boasts a number Mountain Laurel | Oleander of public gardens, including: Alstroemeria | Tulip | Bleeding Heart Calla Lily | Foxglove | Bloodroot * Meadowlark Park, Vienna Iris | Delphinium | Lily of the Valley * Norfolk Botanical Garden, Norfolk Marigold | Morning Glory * Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Amaryllis | Yarrow Richmond TOP 15 CULINARY FLOWERS AND HERBS * Maymont, Richmond All easily grown in your own garden * Blandy Farm, State Arboretum of Virginia, Boyce Calendula * Old City Cemetery, Lynchburg has a slightly bitter taste. Its petals are * River Farm, Alexandria a bright orangey-yellow, making it more often used for color than flavor. * Hahn Horticulture Garden at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg Pansy, or Viola, * Edith Carrier Arboretum at James are related to violets, which are also Madision University, Harrisonburg edible. They have a mild, grassy flavor * Boxerwood Gardens, Lexington and are beautiful “sugared” and used to decorate cakes and cookies. * Williamsburg Botanical Garden, Historic Garden Week @historicgardenweek in Virginia #GCV, #GCVirginia, FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK 2021 VISIT Williamsburg Continued on next page. #HGW2021 VAGARDENWEEK.ORG
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Continued from previous page. Hibiscus is part of the Mallow family. Its main Mint culinary use is the gorgeous magenta is used medicinally but also as a red coloring from its petals and the flavoring in everything from ice cream cranberry flavor it imparts to tea. to toothpaste. Honeysuckle. Rose This roadside vine blooms in late Both the petals and the hips, the fruit spring and continues throughout the of the pollinated flower, are edible. summer. The small drop of nectar at With an expected perfumy flavor, the the base of the trumpet shaped flower hips are typically used to make jam. gives it its sweetness. It’s invasive, so you probably don’t want to grow it. Nasturtiums Take advantage of serendipity when have a peppery flavor. Both the flowers it’s discovered on walks in the wild. and the attractive round leaves of this summer annual are edible, making it Lavender an easy and colorful addition to a salad. is best known for its perfume, but the English variety (Lavandula angustifolia) Chives, is delicious as a culinary flavoring. It’s and their allium family, have been used strong, and can taste a little too much in cooking for thousands of years. This like soap if overused. perennial herb with a small, lavender pom-pom at its tips has an oniony, but not overpowering, taste.
The Daylily, not a true lily at all, earned its name because each bloom lasts only one Lemon Verbena Pound Cake day. Buds are sweet tasting and * 3 EGGS nutritious; the root is used medicinally. * 3 TABLESPOONS MILK * 1 ½ TEASPOONS VANILLA Sage, * 1 CUP ALMOND FLOUR a Salvia and part of the mint family is * ½ CUP SIFTED ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR an attractive, perennial herb that pairs * 1 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER well with chicken, mushrooms and * ¼ TEASPOON SALT other earthy-savory foods. * ¾ CUP SUGAR * 13 TABLESPOONS BUTTER, SOFTENED * 4 TABLESPOONS MINCED LEMON Bee Balm, VERBENA (ROSE PETALS OR LAVENDER otherwise known as red bergamot, is ARE GOOD SUBSTITUTES) also a member of the mint family and * 1 TABLESPOON ORANGE ZEST is one of the few native American herbs. It can grow up to three feet, Whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla making it a great addition to the back and set aside. With a whisk attachment, of a perennial border, where it will whisk dry ingredients in a separate attract pollinators. Flower petals are an mixing bowl. Add butter and half of the attractive garnish. egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for one minute to Squash Blossoms. allow the batter to aerate. Gradually add Most flowers grow up to four inches in the rest of the egg mixture. Turn off the length, making them perfect for mixer and fold in the chopped flowers stuffing. Their mild, vegetable-like and orange zest by hand. flavor complements stronger foods Bake in a parchment-lined loaf pan at like goat cheese. 350 degrees for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. This is Chamomile delicious on its own or served with is most often associated with tea. Long freshly whipped cream. used by herbalists to calm the stomach and the nerves, it has small daisy-like Chef Rebecca Lucarelli is a graduate of the flowers and can take over an area in French Culinary Institute and works for the your garden if it’s properly placed in a Food Network as its Purchasing and Events sunny location. Coordinator. Born and raised in New York, she went to boarding school on a farm in Peterborough, New Hampshire, where a Dill self-sustainable lifestyle was practiced and is part of the carrot family. This classic embraced. She says growing and raising her own accompaniment to fish and to pota- food changed her view of it forever and was one toes is very flexible. You can cook with of her motivations to make it her life’s work. the leaves, the flower and the seeds.
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FLOWER POWER A BOTANICALLY INSPIRED ROUTINE FOR GLOWY SKIN
BY HALLE RIVERS MILLER
Plants need water and so do people. Skin looks healthy and your Covid mask for an instant pick- youthful when hydrated because me-up and to help with breakouts. moisture plumps away fine lines and creates a lit-from-within look. A botanical and oil based night time Serum PAI ROSEHIP OIL regime will make you look like you drink a gallon of water a day. All Many people are afraid of using oils recommended skincare products in their skincare routine. There is a are natural, contain plant-derived misconception they will clog pores ingredients and are easily available and cause acne. Rosehip oil is on the internet. extremely regenerative, and is perfect for getting rid of dark spots and acne scars. Pat this serum on Cleanse your face, don’t rub. TATCHA CAMELLIA CLEANSING OIL A 2-in-1 potion that cleans skin without drying it, the main Moisturize WELEDA SKIN FOOD ingredient in this product is Japanese Camellia oil. Lightweight, This lotion is extremely thick and it leaves skin feeling soft, but not can be used all over your body, not greasy. Rub gently all over your just to nourish facial skin. It might face and over eyelids with your seem greasy upon initial hands to remove makeup and any application, but will leave your skin dirt and grime accumulated over feeling soft and healthy after it is the course of your day. Then rinse fully absorbed. For those who off with warm water. already have oily skin, there is a lite version, or it can be thinned by mixing with the Rosehip oil. Mask Containing both chamomile and TATA HARPER RESURFACING MASK calendula, it helps to soothe skin at All of Tata Harper’s products are the end of a long day. created entirely with fresh, organic ingredients and are made in Vermont. The resurfacing mask Lips AESOP ROSEHIP SEED LIP CREAM contains willow bark as well as geranium, calendula and After these five steps, don’t skip bergamot. These ingredients gently your lips. Give them some attention exfoliate skin to bring out its inner too. This product has a surprising glow. Layer on this mask after texture. As its name states, it’s more washing your face, and leave on for of a cream than a balm. It smells 20 minutes. Meanwhile, make a amazing because it’s made of relaxing cup of tea and take care of rosehip oil and ylang ylang; both your face and yourself. hydrate and soften lips.
Halle is a recent graduate of the Fashion Mist and Tone Institute of Technology in New York City, CAUDALIE BEAUTY ELIXIR the only university in the nation that offers After rinsing off the mask, rehydrate a degree in Cosmetic Marketing. She is a and tone with this easy-to-use self-described skincare junkie. One of her spray. Made with peppermint, rose beauty goals is to have skin so healthy it and rosemary, it smells amazing doesn’t require makeup. With this evening while it freshens and cools skin. routine, she’s achieved that. Pro-tip: store in your fridge and mist yourself on a hot summer day, or spray it on your face after wearing
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RAIN GARDENS BY KAYE MOOMAW, HILLSIDE GARDEN CLUB
Since so much rain has fallen across the state this year, Virginians may be wondering how to decrease the areas in their landscapes that now look like
streams. One way to channel Hal Cauthen runoff is by building a rain garden. These beautiful additions to the landscape can provide numerous benefits to your local environment. When hard surface areas like pavement or sidewalks are replaced with mixed, naturalistic plantings, the speed at which water flows over the ground and into stormwater drains and natural GETTING STARTED WITH A RAIN GARDEN lakes and streams is decreased. Slowing the water allows it to A rain garden should be sited infiltrate the soil and shed some of 10 feet from the foundation of a its toxins. Much of the stormwater building, and should not be located is percolated into the soil through in a place where water is already small passageways left from both pooling. It has six elements: microbiotic life and the root • A grass buffer strip that serves to growth of various plants and slow the flow of water as it enters trees. Hard surfaces retain heat and give off warmth. • Trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals that stabilize and use the water and tolerate “wet feet” BENEFITS • Mulch to keep it the garden moist while the plants mature Cooler Yards • A soil layer collects water and Rain gardens can help make your nutrients to sustain the plantings yard cooler in the summer. • A pond area or depression no more than six or eight inches deeper than the ground level Less Maintenance around it for short-term water Moreover, rain gardens reduce the retention need for fertilizer, water and maintenance while increasing the • A small, six-inch berm will act as a habitat for wildlife. dam to facilitate pooling and prevent water from running straight through the rain garden Fewer Mosquitos Rain Gardens are designed to mimic the natural water cycle so that absorption, transpiration and evaporation in that area can be completed in 72 hours. This prevents mosquitoes from breeding.
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POPS OF COLOR ADD INTEREST While white (and/or gray) kitchen remain a timeless classic, designers are using unexpected pops of color to keep the space from being sterile. Colored cabinetry is being seen on islands, hutches, and even one full wall, but not typically used throughout the whole kitchen. Appliance makers are expanding finish options beyond stainless steel to include white and matte black with an array of standard and custom colors available for luxury performance ranges like La Cornue. Warm brass, bronze metals, and painted fixtures continue to be used in lighting and hardware to add warmth to cool palettes. Wood is back in a big way with natural finishes and/or in painted cabinetry to add interest. INTEGRATED APPLIANCES FOR A SEAMLESS LOOK Designed to fit flush at counter depth and coordinate with custom kitchen cabinetry, integrated appliances have matching cabinetry panels that disappear into surrounding cabinetry offering a clean, seamless aesthetic and streamlined effect. STORAGE SOLUTIONS DESIGNED FROM THE INSIDE OUT One of the foundations to a functional kitchen is storage. Today, there are more solutions for cabinet interiors than ever before. In order to keep things close at hand and out of sight, kitchen designs now include; countertop and in-cabinet hidden storage for small appliances, specialty drawer dividers for cutlery and utensils, pull-outs for spices, tray dividers, roll-out trays and caddies for pot and pan lids; as well as wastebasket cabinets for garbage and recyclables. QUARTZ© REIGNS SUPREME Designers are including quartz as a surface option in addition to traditional marble, granite KITCHEN DESIGN and other natural stone countertops. The fabrication of Quartz© is a man-made process using a mixture of raw materials that is highly compressed and boasts a durable, fade resistant, non-porous stain resistant surface that is easy to maintain. Today’s quartz offerings include a wide variety of colors, textures and realistic looking stone choices. Locally, we are seeing neutrals and varying shades of grey, white and taupe as popular choices to complement clean and modern décor. ISLAND LOVE SMART TECHNOLOGY IN THE KITCHEN SIZZLES CONTINUES Expect appliances to incorporate more technology with the ability to sync with a wireless Kitchen islands remain trends an integral part of the Bluetooth device offering any number of remote settings from your phone. There are kitchen, a visual focal dedicated applications designed to perform and monitor cooking, cooling and cleaning point and hub for food the kitchen. Also, trending are finger touch and swipe controls that will ultimately replace preparation, seating knobs. Look for more mainstream adoption of vacuum sealers that are designed to keep to enjoy meals, storage food fresh longer by significantly slowing down the aging and degrading process and are a and a surface that accommodates cooktops, must for sous vide or LTLT cooking. (LTLT means low temperature/ sinks and also under- long time and sous vide cooking is the process of sealing food in an the-counter appliances. airtight container—usually a vacuum sealed bag—and then cooking For larger spaces, clients that food in temperature-controlled water.) Convection steam ovens are opting for double islands and an easy are becoming a popular choice as they are fast, powerful, versatile way to separate meal and a healthy way to cook. On the horizon, flash freezers and blast By Marvin Daniel preparation and family chillers will be making their appearance in home kitchens. Igatherings while PHOTOS BY KIP DAWKINS expanding function and Marvin Daniel is a principal at KDW Home, and not only loves design improving traffic flow but also is an avid and accomplished cook. KDW Home offers of the kitchen space. kitchen, bath and custom cabinetry designs. Design studios in Richmond and Virginia Beach and at kdwhome.com.
SHAKER STYLE IS VERSATILE Shaker style cabinets continue as a favorite choice for kitchen design. The straight lines, squared edges and simple unadorned style goes beyond its original farm- house roots and is compatible with traditional, transitional and contemporary architecture and décor. Shaker style cabinets are characterized by a five-piece door with a recessed center panel. Cabinets can be personalized with material, finish color, ornamental hardware and the addition of beveled or beaded profiles. A CONNECTION TO THE OUTDOORS BACKSPLASHES OFFER DRAMA Designers are bringing the outside in Using the countertop material as the backsplash offers a with solutions to add light and clean modern look and adds the right amount of drama include natural materials in the space. to a space. We like using a slab backsplash (meaning a The once standard “small window full piece of stone or quartz) to achieve this and/or if you over the sink” is being replaced with DISTINCTIVE HOOD CHOICES like a more traditional tiles look, consider using larger A focal point for the kitchen, range hoods much larger windows (and sometimes are moving away from the basic matching ones and also explore other tile options in various shapes, a full bank of windows). Natural stainless steel to custom metals including colors, textures or patterns. materials including stone and wood copper, custom steel and plasterwork to are incorporated to add warmth and make distinctive, decorative statement. texture to any space.
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STAUNTON Begin your week in Staunton, Battlefields, vineyards and bed & breakfasts one of Virginia’s premier historic preservation and beautification success stories. Get your Saturday characterize the bucolic towns of the Shenandoah started with a scrumptious pastry freshly baked at one of several Valley. With significant academic institutions locally owned coffee shops downtown, then enjoy plein air located in or nearby, visitors can enjoy unique artists from Beverley Street Studio School working in tour gardens shopping and sites straight from history class. during the morning. Browse scenic parks, including Gypsy Hill’s 214 acres, galleries and gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Charles Gillette on this walking tour showcasing the downtown area. ALBEMARLE COUNTY GARDENS On Sunday, drive 40 miles northwest along Interstate 64 to Albemarle County’s tour of private gardens in Charlottesville. On quiet, leafy streets surrounding the University of Virginia, some homeowners have transformed typical city lots into garden oases. Join the local Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) clubs on this intimate tour of three such gardens, where homeowner-gardeners have indulged their passion for unusual plants and stunning specimen trees, making creative use of garden spaces. Each property is owned by a GCV member, and has been developed over the years to showcase specific gardening talents and interests. At a time when gardens have become valued spaces for socializing, and offer quiet sanctuary to soothe our souls, tour goers will find inspiration in these city sanctuaries. MONTPELIER Saturday, April 17 Monday offers multiple choices. Staunton A memorial to the fourth president of the United States, James Sunday, April 18 Madison, and his wife, Dolley, Private gardens in Albemarle and the enslaved community who County lived there, the main house of Montpelier has undergone a Monday April 19 nationally acclaimed restoration to Monticello, Montpelier and its original 1820 design. Past James River State Park Historic Garden Week proceeds TRAVEL enabled the Garden Club of Tuesday, April 20 Virginia to assist in restoring the Lynchburg two-acre formal terraced Annie duPont Garden in the early 1990s. Wednesday, April 21 Breathtaking in any season, a Harrisonburg STORY Photo courtesy of Lockwood McLaughlin succession of perennials including iris and Oriental poppies, makes Thursday, April 22 & it especially spectacular in April. In addition, visitors can explore Friday, April 23 Goshen Pass and Natural Bridge Hosted by: Albemarle Garden Club, The Augusta Garden Club, The Blue Ridge Garden Club, Charlottesville Garden Club, the old-growth forest, current Hillside Garden Club, The Lynchburg Garden Club, Rivanna Garden Club and The Spotswood Garden Club archaeological excavations, eight miles of scenic walking trails Saturday, April 24 Lexington Photo courtesy of Amanda Smithson and the Gilmore Cabin. West72 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 73 74 WEST REGION attention to scale and proportion. attention toscale andproportion. planningand native plants, careful theowners’dedicationto appreciate with springhues.Visitors will includes secludedgardens brimming sensibilities,the tour modern blended traditionallineswith aesthetic homeownerswho have Curatedby environmentalism. sustainability,and preservation, showcase personalcommitmentsto that uniqueproperties tour features homes andgardens.Thisself-driving celebrated thearea’s of preserving avenuesandarichhistory tree-lined to timeless,classicarchitecture, Ridge Mountains,Lynchburg ishome Nestled inthefoothillsofBlue an hourtoLynchburg onTuesday. Take scenicRt.29southwestabout LYNCHBURG pollinator gardenatthepark. possible nativelandscapinganda theGCVmade Parks, grantsfrom withVirginiaCentennial project State at BranchPond.Aspartofits or camponthebanksofriver Visitors canhike,bike,canoe,kayak betweentours. break a relaxing River, thelongestinVirginia. Itoffers alongtheJames miles ofshoreline beautiful views,aswellthree and grasslands,quietforests rolling James RiverStateParkfeatures JAMES RIVERSTATE PARK accessible tothoseinwheelchairs. and backinamanageablefourmiles trail windsitswaytowardMonticello Blue RidgeMountains.Theforested ravines andspectacularviewsofthe Monticello Trail featuringdeep Don’tmisstheSaunders- his children. helped runhishouseholdandraise tendedhisgardensandwho crops, who builtMonticello,plantedhis about themen,womenandchildren hislife.Learn people throughout enslavedover600 man, Jefferson son’s originaldesign.Acomplicated accordingtoJeffer- trees replanting included This extensiveproject the plantation,andmainhouse. Mulberry Rowtheindustrialhubof functional andvisuallinkbetween “KitchenRoad,”the helped restore HistoricGardenWeek from proceeds 1939-41. Nearly75yearslater, the GardenClubofVirginia in by restored walk flowerborderwas of theUnitedStates,itswinding Independence, andthirdpresident author oftheDeclaration founder oftheUniversityVirginia, and hometoThomasJefferson, history-focusedoption.Designedby Monticello isanothernearby MONTICELLO HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 | travel story routine maintenance. Thegardenhas routine a GCVmember club,whichcontinuesits appearance by theHillsideGardenClub, toits1937 her gardenwasrestored poetry andgardening.Beginning in1983, during theirlifetime.Anne loved both guestsoftheSpencers Americans were African Rights leadersandprominent Landmark. Manynationally knownCivil Spencer Garden,aVirginia Historic While inLynchburg, don’tmisstheAnne ANNE SPENCERGARDEN Photo courtesyofLockwoodMcLaughlin Photo courtesyofClaire Mellinger 1 Arboretum andBotanicalGardens Arboretum James Madison Universityandits towards Harrisonburg, home of On Wednesday, headnorth HARRISONBURG andeducation. preservation beautification, horticulture, of conservation, in theareas projects Virginia, supporting agrantprogram Award theGardenClubof from twice wontheCommonWealth distinctive sidewalks throughout distinctive sidewalks throughout eventually moved toform brickswere iconicred its streets, as ever. Originallyusedtopave asbeautifulandproductive are spacesthat gardens andfarmed showcasingtended properties new allowingaccesstoprivate gardengatesoldand through town ofLexington.Meander exploring thedelightfulcollege Garden Week 2021 leisurely Spend thelastdayofHistoric LEXINGTON it. through running power damsorroads since. Today, noelectric are there development almosteverydecade the 1920s,fightingagainst startingin preserve, natural area Goshen Pass,Virginia’s oldest maintain thepristinebeautyof has championedthecauseto back toitsearliestdays.TheGCV to theGardenClubofVirginia’s the MauryRiverwithconnections Lexington isa3.7-milegorge along Located just12milesnorthof GOSHEN PASS in 2016. state parkinVirginia’s system 1929, thesitebecame37th first HistoricGarden Week Tour in onthevery destination. Featured century itbecameapopulartourist 215-foot-tall bridge.Inthelate18th King George IIIthatincludedthe applied foralandgrantfrom successfully Thomas Jefferson In1774, settled intheregion. JohnPeterSallings,who explorer of thebridgewasin1742by Places. Theearliestwrittenaccount National RegisterofHistoric of limestoneandlistedonthe of theNewWorld” iscarvedout Washington, this“NaturalWonder Indians andsurveyedbyGeorge Once settledbytheMonacan Natural Bridgeanditssurroundings. the touring withtimetoexplore organized from short respite another Thursday andFridayoffer NATURAL BRIDGE self-driving tour. contemporary visionsonthis that showcasebothtraditionaland enjoy accesstoprivateproperties as tourheadquarters,visitorswill KeysVineyardStarting attheCross Shenandoah Valley landscape. thatanchorittothe roots and libations, artsandculture, “Rocktown,” boastslocalfoodand Harrisonburg, alsoknownas middle ofscenicmountainranges, mid-Appalachians. Locatedinthe featuring nativeplantsofthe boutiques and galleriesawait. gardens, district. Mountain vistas,secret historic Lexington’s well-preserved
HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 James Monroe Highland, Bridgewater Retirement Community, Annie GouldGallery, LH Gardens, Piedmont CommunityHealthPlan, High CottonFineHomesFurnishings Andrew MintonJewelers, Barboursville Vineyards, Folly, Ivy Nursery, Restaurant Rochambeau, Bank oftheJames, City ofLynchburg, Enchanted, Mallon &Bennett, Farm Basket, Old CityCemeteryMuseums&
J.W. Townsend Landscapes, Gladiola Girls, Charlottesville Lynchburg Charlottesville Harrisonburg S.L. Williamson Company Point ofHonor Pippin HillFarm&V Monkee’ Mitfor Miller SchoolofAlbemarle, Jos. T Caspari, Academy CenteroftheArts, GUIDEBOOK ADVERTISERS 2020 HONORROLLSPONSORS& alphabetically andbytheWest region. Guidebook advertisers,listedhere 2020 HonorRollsponsorsandto its cancellation.Specialthankstolocal of HistoricGarden Week 2020,despite from ourpartnersthroughtheirsupport grateful forthesteadfastcommitment The Garden ClubofVirginia istruly Hugo Kohl,LLC, Opera ontheJames, & Gifts, Arbor Orange County Albemarle County Albemarle County Orange County Albemarle County Charlottesville Orange County Albemarle County Lynchburg Charlottesville Albemarle County Orange County Albemarle County Harrisonburg . Samuels,Inc., Charlottesville d Children’s Foundation, s, etum, Charlottesville Lynchburg Lynchburg Lynchburg Charlottesville Charlottesville Lynchburg Lynchburg , Lynchburg WEST Lynchburg Harrisonburg Lynchburg Lynchburg ineyards, Charlottesville Orange County Lynchburg Orange County , Inc., Charlottesville Charlottesville Lynchburg Honor75 Roll 77 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER TICKETS FOR HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK 2021 AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLINE 2021 AVAILABLE TICKETS FOR HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK VAGARDENWEEK.ORG AT BEGINNING MID-JANUARY MadisonMadison Lynchburg Lynchburg Lynchburg Lynchburg Charlottesville Charlottesville Charlottesville Charlottesville StauntonStaunton StauntonStaunton CharlottesvilleCharlottesville y StauntonStaunton , Albemarle CountyAlbemarle County e, WEST WEST oodrow Wilson Presidential Wilson Presidential oodrow Monticello, Charlottesville Charlottesville Lynchburg Library & Museum, Orange Count Albemarle-Charlottesville Orange Count Harrisonburg Charlottesville irginia Garden Supply, Supply, Garden irginia an Yahres Tree Company, Tree an Yahres HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s
Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Thomas Jefferson Charlottesville Wine & Country V Charlottesville Lynchburg V
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FERTILIZE • A late fall application of 10-6-4 to boxwood will promote root growth and provide the best results. Because whatTO DO boxwood is shallow-rooted, surface application is best. Broadcast fertilizer over well mulched plants at the drip line. when • Feed deciduous trees and shrubs after they are fully dormant. Remember, Monthly garden reminders from The roots grow during the dormant season. Charlottesville Garden Club — seasonal excerpts from their popular “What to Do When” calendar • Fertilize wisteria after the leaves have of garden tips, first published in 1966 fallen. Never fertilize during the spring and summer. This will cause more growth and less bloom. Always [NOVEMBER] plant in full sun.
MULCH PLANT • Apply two to four inches of mulch • Plant tulips now through December. after the ground freezes. Good mulch Properly planted bulbs will rebloom materials are rotted sawdust, straw, for three to four years. pine needles and ground up oak leaves (use your lawn mower for this). • You still have time to plant lily bulbs. Also, water and mulch them. • Plant deciduous trees and shrubs after they have gone dormant. • Lilacs may still be planted. Add wood CHORES ashes and bone meal to the soil • Turn off garden faucets. Drain hoses mixture in the hole. after disconnecting them from the spigot. • Cut the lawn for the last time about two inches high.
PRUNE • Boxwood requires little or no pruning except when a branch outgrows the general habit of the plant or to restore overgrown plants. Thinning is a type of pruning that can reduce the size of the shrub. November or December is the best time to do this as long as the temperature is above freezing. This is most important for English boxwood as the interior leaf shoots die without adequate light or air circulation. Do this late November and use cuttings for holiday decorations. • Limit pruning of early spring blooming shrubs and trees to the removal of awkward, damaged or diseased branches. Major pruning of these shrubs should be done in the spring after they bloom.
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[DECEMBER] PRUNE • Beginning in January and through March, “tip prune” crepe myrtles for cosmetic purposes to encourage large clusters of blooms in the summer. • Most deciduous trees can be pruned PRUNE now while the leaves are off, with the • Early in the month prune roses to exception of spring-flowering trees, mid-thigh. This prevents “wind which should be pruned after whipping” and bushes bending blooming. during the winter.
FERTILIZE CHORES • Put wood ashes from your fireplace • Clean old leaves and twigs out of on the vegetable garden, roses, boxwood, particularly in the center. lilacs, peonies, clematis and daffodils. Disease and pest control can be This adds lime and potash to the soil. avoided with proper sanitation. Soak Do not use on acid-loving plants, roots of boxwood well before winter such as azaleas and rhododendrons. freezes the ground. • Feed daylilies with 10-10-10 until late February or early March.
TIPS CHORES • If you decorate with a live tree over the holidays, consider decorating it • If you didn’t test your soil in the fall, for birds after it is discarded. Hang now is the time to do so. Soil should with suet, seed containers and pine be tested every three to four years. cones spread with peanut butter. An • Remove heavy snow from evergreens alternative is to cut branches from by tapping with a broom. Let ice discarded trees and lay them over covering melt naturally. bulb or perennial beds which protects your plantings from heaving • Feed the birds suet and seed and in the cold weather. provide a water source in your garden.
[JANUARY] TIPS • Use bird seed instead of salt on icy driveways and sidewalks. Salt will damage plantings and lawns. PLANT • Cut back ornamental grasses. • If the ground is frozen and you didn’t have time to plant spring flowering bulbs during the fall months, lay Calendar available at black plastic over the area you want GCVirginia.org/main/shop for $15 to plant. With sunshine it should thaw in a couple of days. Blooms will be less showy the first spring, but more spectacular the following year.
80 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 WEST REGION | features
[FEBRUARY] [MARCH]
PLANT PLANT • Pansies if you didn’t already add • This is the best time to plant and them to your garden in the fall. transplant boxwood. Don’t plant too close around it as they are shallow rooted. • Plant new roses in properly prepared PRUNE beds, selecting a site which receives • Buddleia and Russian sage to within at least six hours of daily sunlight. six inches of the ground. • When planting new shrubs, dig holes • Prune and shape late spring and the depth of the root ball and two early summer bloomers, such as times the width. spireas and abelia now and into • Dogwoods and magnolias are cold March, before growth starts sensitive and best planted in late March. • In late February or early March • Hostas, daylilies, astilbe and coral ornamental grasses should be cut bells can all be divided before new down to six inches before new growth begins. New perennials can growth begins. be planted in early spring. • Cut or mow liriope to height of three inches. • Cut back Clematis paniculata (Sweet autumn) to 12 inches. Blooming in September, it is long lived and can FERTILIZE grow 25 feet in one season. Cut • Peonies do not require fertilizer for Clematis Jackmanii to 18 inches in two or three years after planting. early spring. It comes up again from Then apply a trowel full of bone meal the roots and remaining stems. each spring before blooming in a This spring, each tour will offer a limited amount of tickets, and some of our larger tours will offer • Prune hydrangea arborescens THE GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA IS STRIVING TO MAKE HISTORIC GARDEN band six to eight inches from the timed tickets. Tickets will only be available online at VAGardenWeek.org. Please check our website (Annabelle) to the ground in late WEEK A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL INVOLVED. crown of the plant. Work into the soil, winter and fertilize lightly. It blooms in mid-January for tickets and for updated information regarding touring logistics and protocols. being careful not to disturb the roots. on new shoots off old wood. If staking is necessary, place the Hydrangea paniculata (Grandiflora or stakes before the plants fill out. PeeGee) which blooms in late • Perennials do well with 5-10-5 around summer should be pruned heavily plants in March, repeating at six week now or in early spring. intervals with another treatment at the end of the summer for late bloomers.
MULCH FERTILIZE • Allow mulch to protect plants during • Feed iris bone meal and top with late cold snaps. wood ash. • Circle herbs with lime, especially lavender. • As soon as daffodils emerge, use a CHORES handful of 5-10-10 around each clump of bulbs, and broadcast wood ash. • Clean old leaves and twigs out of boxwood, particularly in the center. • Feed trees at the drip line. Disease and pest damage can be avoided with proper sanitation. • If you didn’t check the lawnmower and other lawn-care equipment last TIPS fall, now is the time to do it. • In planning your perennial garden for the spring consider the following plants, which resist heat and humidity: yarrow, salvia and Joe Pye weed. Plants that resist drought are rudbeckia, coreopsis and steel globe thistle.
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Historic Garden Week @historicgardenweek in Virginia #GCV, #GCVirginia, FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK 2021 VISIT VAGARDENWEEK.ORG #HGW2021
84 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 85 WEST REGION | features
“WHAT WOULD THE TOP 25 FAVORITE YOU PICK DAFFODILS Rapture IF YOU COULD Sweetness Fragrant Rose ONLY GROW 25 Tahini Tete-a-Tete VARIETIES OF Actaea DAFFODILS?” Hawera Pacific Rim BY JANET HICKMAN, Bravoure First Vice-president of the American Daffodil Society, Monal Past GCV Daffodil Chairman and member of the Thalia Hillside Garden Club Barrett Browning Conestoga That was the question asked of the Ceylon members of the American Daffodil Intrigue Society (ADS) recently. If you are Geranium new to daffodil cultivation, 25 New Penny varieties may seem like a lot, but Salome many daffodil enthusiasts grow Xit hundreds or thousands of daffodils, Avalanche so this was a challenging query. Brooke Ager The answers form a list of Dainty Miss tried-and-true varieties favored by Jetfire ADS members, with the clear Mesa Verde favorite being ‘Rapture,’ a mainstay N. jonquilla in the early spring garden and a Tripartite frequent winner in daffodil shows. Blooms of this charmer are clear yellow with a long straight cup and strongly reflexed petals. The blooms of daffodils can last up to a month and are great in arrangements. Symbolic for new beginnings, which we all are craving, daffodils are the “flower” for December birthdays and ten-year wedding anniversaries. ‘Rapture’ received significantly more recommendations from serious daffodil fans than any other variety on the rest of the list.
HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK IS THE ONLY STATEWIDE HOUSE & GARDEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS AT THE END OF APRIL AND SHOWCASES APPROXIMATELY TOUR IN THE NATION – IT FEATURES 30 TOURS TAKING PLACE OVER 8 200 PRIVATE PROPERTIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VAGARDENWEEK.ORG.
86 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 87 FEATURE | west region SAVING OUR “Since native plants support ECOSYSTEM biodiversity and the food web, it’s ONE NATIVE PLANT AT A TIME in our own best interest to plant HEIDI JAMES, THE LYNCHBURG GARDEN CLUB AND GCV HORTICULTURE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN them in our gardens, along our roadsides Imagine our commonwealth blanketed with native trees, and in our shrubs and wildflowers from end to end. Virginia has communities, unique and varying beauty, from its coastal region in the both in public and east to the piedmont and mountainous regions farther private spaces” west. While the diversity of our flora and fauna is striking, I a journey across the state could be more magnificent if we worked together to promote native plants specific to each region of the state. Lady Bird Johnson launched a
Photo courtesy of Amy Walker successful mass wildflower planting across the state of Texas in the 1980s that is still a tourist attraction today. Could we do something similar in Virginia? Photo courtesy of Nigel Dunnett
What can you do to help? A “pollinator highway” might make Virginia a social media destination, but there are favored by deer, since they can be voracious grazers and also a hazard on more serious issues at stake. We now know that indigenous plants are imperative for roadways. VDOT is mowing less frequently and only on the shoulder of the • Start by adding native plants to your the mere survival of many of our native species of bees and other pollinators, insects, road, allowing for a line of sight and space for motorists to pull-off, while own gardens. birds and mammals. They provide vital food and habitat for all species of our native protecting roadside habitats. This forward-thinking state agency recognizes wildlife and are adapted to local environmental conditions. that native vegetation stabilizes slopes, reduces erosion, increases stormwater • Find the right native plants for your and nutrients retention due to deep roots, is fit for our climate, and requires area: plantvirginianatives.org or Furthermore, native plants require far less water, a precious though taken-for-granted less maintenance. VDOT is reducing the use of herbicides and is helping to nwf.org/nativeplantfinder. The resource, compared to non-native, or introduced plants. Since native plants support bring back pollinator species, including monarch butterflies. National Wildlife Federation Plant biodiversity and the food web, it’s in our own best interest to plant them in our Finder lets you search by ZIP code. gardens, along our roadsides and in our communities, both in public and private spaces. Depending on the grower and source, non-native plants could be treated “Across Virginia’s transportation sector, we are • Reduce the size of your lawn or committed to integrating environmental stewardship make it a bee-friendly lawn that with dangerous chemicals, and thus be harmful to pollinators, and often provide little benefit, other than ornamental, to the landscape. and creating sustainable policies that support mobility, includes native grasses and flowers. access and our quality of life. We want to be a part of • Stop using chemicals and fertilizers. The United Kingdom has launched the B-Lines Initiative, which aims to create at least why we all call Virginia home.” — Virginia Secretary of 370,000 acres of flower-rich habitat. According to Buglife, the organization promoting Transportation Shannon Valentine • Provide a source of water for the project, B-Lines are “an imaginative and beautiful solution to the problem of the pollinators and birds, such as a loss of flowers and pollinators … restoring and creating a series of wildflower-rich Garden clubs and other civic organizations can make a birdbath or bubbler. habitat stepping stones. They link existing wildlife areas together, creating a network, difference by becoming a Bee City USA®. Their goal is to • Finally, leave your garden intact like a railway, that will weave across the British landscape. This will provide large areas of encourage cities, towns or counties to adopt practices that through the winter to provide an brand-new habitat benefiting bees and butterflies– but also a host of other wildlife.” promote biodiversity and help pollinators. Ask your city to essential habitat for native bees, allocate its limited resources to landscaping and road Virginia is two-and-a-half times smaller than England and seven times smaller than butterflies and moths. The more of maintenance in a way that benefits all of us. Add food and Texas. Could we create something similar in our state by working together? According us who leave seed pods instead of habitat for wildlife instead of spending funds to plant to the Xerces Society, “Linking habitat areas by working with neighbors and your cutting them from faded perennials, barren, non-native plants, and educate the public to do the local or state transportation departments to add habitat along roadways brings the for example, the more quickly we same. There are four Bee Cities in Virginia: Hampton, Lynchburg, benefits of larger scale and helps make it possible for species to move from one can change the perception of what’s Scottsville and Vienna. place to another as the climate changes.” Named in honor of an extinct butterfly, this attractive in a garden. non-profit environmental organization focuses on the conservation of insects essential If more Virginia municipalities become Bee Cities, we can encourage our • Help shift from a mowed and nearly to maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health. Next year marks their 50th anniversary. highway departments and regional VDOT offices to work together. We lifeless lawn accented by introduced could literally “connect the dots” by creating a linked web of bee-friendly plants to a completely native The Virginia Department of Transportation is already on board. They have a strategy communities across the state. environment in your own yard. in place to add native wildflower perennials and grasses along state roads that are not Photos courtesy of Amy Walker, Donna Moulton, Jane Cowles and the Hillside Garden Club
88 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 SOUTH REGION | travel story
Your free day on Friday includes overnight stops at any of four state parks within easy driving distance.
MARTINSVILLE Begin the South Region itinerary in Martinsville mid-week. With history rooted in textiles and furniture, its Art and Culture District now plays an integral part in the revitalization of this former mill town. Located in a true “foothills” community, this tour takes visitors on country roads where expanses of pasture- land reveal breathtaking mountain views. Visitors will enjoy the scenery near the Smith and Mayo Rivers that beckoned the original Photo courtesy of Amy Walker Native American settlers, Colonial farmers and industrial giants to the area. Fans of best-selling author Jude Deveraux will appreciate this stones” that are supposed to protect the Occoneechee people. The park also self-driving tour where streets wearer from sickness and misfortune. In has cabins that allow guests to enjoy lined with mulberry trees, from partnership with the Martinsville Garden the comforts of home as well as one of the town’s oldest to its Club, the Garden Study Club and the views of the lake. newer ones, parallel the evolution Garden Club of Danville, it added a of the community. pollinator and monarch butterfly habitat SOUTH HILL in the shape of a fairy stone cross funded Saturday, the final day of Historic DANVILLE by Historic Garden Week. Garden Week 2021, provides two Danville is a historic river town choices: west to Roanoke or east to centrally located on Routes 29 and South Hill. Originally called “South 58. On Thursday, head east 30 SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE OR of the Hill,” this town of fewer than miles to what was once a premier STAUNTON RIVER STATE PARK 10 square miles is situated at the tobacco growing area in Virginia. Smith Mountain Lake State Park in junction of Boydton and Petersburg Hosted by local GCV clubs in Bedford County offers numerous Plank Roads, near Virginia’s border Danville and Chatham, this tour water-related activities as well as miles of with North Carolina. A railroad town features rustic tobacco barns, as walking trails. For more strenuous hiking since 1889 and a tobacco town since well as chic and modern barn trails, consider the Peaks of Otter on the the 1900s, it is now a thriving entertainment venues. The historic famous Blue Ridge Parkway. If your plan TRAVEL barns are filled with references to is to head to South Hill on Saturday, the area’s past while another travel east to Staunton River State Park. property features a restored cabin, Stay in cabins built in the 1930s by the as well as a newly built lodge and Civilian Conservation Corps with Wednesday, April 21 STORY barn. Another property offers landscaped grounds made possible by a Martinsville relaxing gardens and fountains. Centennial grant from the GCV. Access to Virginia’s largest lake, Buggs Island Lake, Thursday, April 22 FAIRY STONE STATE PARK and the distinction of being the first state Danville/Chatham Friday includes overnights tops at park to be designated an International any of four state parks. The Dark Sky Park, make it an ideal stopover. Friday, April 23 Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) was Fairy Stone State Park or instrumental in founding the State OCCONEECHEE STATE PARK Smith Mountain Lake State Park Park system, and recently celebrated Named for Native Americans who lived If heading east: its Centennial with the conclusion in the area for hundreds of years, Staunton River State Park or of a project that awarded 54 grants Occoneechee State Park is also on Buggs and $500,000 over the past five Island Lake, and is popular with anglers, Occoneechee State Park Hosted by: The Brunswick Garden Club, Chatham Garden Club, The Garden Club of Danville, Gabriella Garden Club, years to Virginia’s parks. Fairy offering 48,000 acres of fishing, boating Saturday, April 24 The Garden Study Club, The Martinsville Garden Club, Mill Mountain Garden Club and Roanoke Valley Garden Club Stone State Park, the largest of the and aquatic recreation. The visitor center six original state parks founded in and museum introduce guests to Native Roanoke or South Hill Photo above courtesy of Elizabeth Perkins 1936, is home to mysterious “fairy American history and the indigenous
90 HISTORICSouth GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 91 92 SOUTH REGION filled slopes. nestle againstthebaseofitstree- and neighborhoods—old andnew— it, mountain, hikingtrailscriss-cross Blue RidgeParkwayweavesalongthe tall, man-made,illuminatedstar. The welcoming visitorswithan88-feet- Mill Mountainstandsasabeacon, along thebanksofRoanokeRiver, withinitscitylimits.High centered amountain climate, and,remarkably, atemperate,four-season charm, Shenandoah Valley, boastsSouthern most endofVirginia’s pristine inthesouthern- Roanoke, sheltered ROANOKE Native Americanartifacts. collectionand includes anarrowhead addition tothegardens,museum In became Hudgins’life’swork. the firstHistoricGarden Week, and establishedin1929,theyearof were of botanicalgardensandanarboretum CourtofAppeals.Fiveacres Supreme ChiefJusticeoftheVirginiaformer Hudgins, wifetoEdwardWren Hudgins, homeofLucyMorton is theformer Located lessthan40minutesaway,it Museum andGardensinChaseCity. as accesstotheMacCallumMore Historic PlacesinSouthHill,aswell listed ontheNationalRegisterof in theCommercial HistoricDistrict This drivingtourshowcasesproperties commercial center. medicalcenterandabusy regional HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 |
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HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 Sleep Inn&Suites, George’s Flowers, Garland’s onCrystalSpring, Estes Express Lines,
Norris FuneralServices,Inc.andCrematory, VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital, VCU HealthCommunityMemorialHospital, Midtown Market,
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Honor93 Roll SOUTH REGION | features
IT’S TOOL TUNE-UP TIME BY SUSAN MORRIS, THE MARTINSVILLE GARDEN CLUB It’s November and gardens across Virginia are being put to bed. The next few months are a time to wait for the emergence of tender green shoots, one of the first signs of spring. Winter is an excellent time to service your outdoor equipment, making sure that secateurs, shears and THE PAW trowels are ready in the spring. PROJECT BY SUSAN MORRIS, THE MARTINSVILLE GARDEN CLUB
Almost three years ago, the Martinsville and Garden Study Clubs, both part of a START THIS OFF-SEASON network of 48 member clubs comprising PROJECT BY FIRST CLEANING the Garden Club of Virginia, received a ANY RESIDUAL DIRT AND RUST grant as part of a conservation award to FROM GARDEN TOOLS. develop a pollinator garden. The Brush off equipment with a stiff wire half-mile Paw Path runs along the scenic brush to dislodge most of the debris. Smith River at the Smith River Sporting Next, place your tools in warm, soapy Complex. Designed to address water. A hard toothbrush, while not conservation and preservation in the recommended for humans, is superb local community, the award made for cleaning small crevices and hinges. possible the following enhancements to Rinse and dry well. Worn towels the educational mission of the project. and old T-shirts can be recycled and repurposed for this task. THEPAWPATH.ORG was developed and launched last January to increase local community awareness of native plants and their importance in attracting pollinators. A MARKETING BROCHURE was designed to accompany the experience and direct tourists to the trail. NEXT, MAKE A QUICK-CLEAN BUCKET. ADDITIONAL SIGNAGE Fill a one-gallon container with was created to provide driving and walking clean “play,” or sandbox sand until directions to the garden from nearby it is within four inches of the brim. neighborhoods, and from the Dick and Add mineral oil to the sand until it is Willie Passage Trail, which follows a moist. You will need approximately decommissioned railroad line from uptown ten ounces. Once prepared, insert Martinsville to the Smith River Complex. tools into the bucket with blades and cutting edges down, pointing A 24-PAGE COLORING WORKBOOK into the sand. This is a great way to with sketches of native plants has been lightly sharpen and oil-treat your tools developed for each 1st grader in during the gardening season as well, Martinsville city schools, in Henry and is a safe and convenient way to County schools and at Carlisle School store your tools. Just be sure to store in Martinsville and will be distributed early in 2021. the bucket in a dry location. Illustration above: Ehret, F.D. . Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal [as Annona triloba L.] 1750. Trew, C.J., Ehret, G.D., Plantae selectae, vol. 1: t. 5. Illustration contributed by: Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, U.S.A. plantillustrations.org. Web. 23 Feb. 2015. This spring, each tour will offer a limited amount of tickets, and some of our larger tours will offer THE GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA IS STRIVING TO MAKE HISTORIC GARDEN timed tickets. Tickets will only be available online at VAGardenWeek.org. Please check our website WEEK A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL INVOLVED. in mid-January for tickets and for updated information regarding touring logistics and protocols.
94 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 95 CENTRE HILL MANSION, PETERSBURG MONTPELIER IN SOUTH REGION | features Two U.S. presidents, Abraham Lincoln and MONTPELIER STATION William H. Taft, visited the home. Featured in In the early 19th century, modern-day films including Killing Lincoln and President James Madison had the PBS series Mercy Street. The Garden Club of a large terraced garden of Virginia began restoration of the gardens in nearly four acres at his home 1980. Photo by Victoria Macmillan at Montpelier. After the widowed Dolley Madison sold it in 1844, the garden suffered a half century of neglect. Purchased in 1901 by the duPonts, they began an extensive renovation. In 1989 the Garden Club of Virginia was approached for assistance restoring the two-acre formal garden. Today, the walled garden features a culinary garden, herb and medicinal garden, and a vegetable garden, as well as a variety of period flowers and a Victorian garden on the lower terraces. Photo by Claire Mellinger
WILTON, RICHMOND This Colonial mansion overlooking the James River was built southeast of Richmond between 1750 and 1753, and moved in 1934 to its present location. The grounds were landscaped by the Garden Club of Virginia in 1936. Photo by Jane Cowles
HISTORIC KENMORE PLANTATION AND THE WORK OF THE GARDEN GARDENS, FREDERICKSBURG Built by patriot Fielding Lewis and his wife Betty, sister of George Washington, the grounds were the first restoration project of the Garden Club of CLUB OF VIRGINIA Virginia with funds from the first Historic Garden continues Week. Photo by Lisa Vawter For nearly 90 years the Garden Club of Virginia has been celebrating the beauty of Virginia’s landscapes and gardens through Historic Garden Week, its signature event. When Historic Garden Week 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19, the Garden Club of Virginia focused on projects already underway, in particular, the carriage turnaround at Poplar Forest and the Reveley Garden at William & Mary, as well as supporting gardens the non-profit had previously restored. Once a project becomes a GCV restoration garden, it stays in the organization’s system, MOUNT VERNON, ALEXANDRIA becoming an ongoing project. On the Potomac River lies the home of George and Martha Washington. From the Tour proceeds have restored nearly 50 historic public gardens across the end of the American Revolution in 1783 to his election to the presidency in 1789, commonwealth, provided valuable research fellowships in the area of landscape Washington replaced outbuildings, reshaped architecture, and supported the GCV’s Centennial project with Virginia State Parks. gardens, created new lawns, planted trees and even realigned roads and lanes. The Taken by Garden Club of Virginia members, these photos are just a few examples Garden Club of Virginia helped to restore of the projects made possible through proceeds from Historic Garden Week tours. Mount Vernon’s bowling green, one of the major landscape features on this vast estate. Photo by Lea Shuba
POE MUSEUM, RICHMOND GARI MELCHERS HOME AND STUDIO, BELMONT, FREDERICKSBURG A garden inspired by Poe’s love poems is The white frame house was the home of the renowned American artist Gari Melchers and his wife, Corinne, a nestled amidst the five-building museum founding member of the Rappahannock Valley Garden Club. She was involved in the restoration of the grounds at complex, which includes the Old Stone Kenmore and the gardens at Stratford Hall. In 1993, the Garden Club of Virginia returned the favor and restored House built in 1737, the oldest surviving Mrs. Melchers’ garden. Photo by Dana Parker dwelling in the original city of Richmond. The Enchanted Garden and four others were restored in 2013. Photo by Eva Clarke
BACON’S CASTLE Built in 1665, Bacon’s Castle affords visitors a rare opportunity to step back in time. It is the largest documented 17th-century garden in America. An JOHN HANDLEY HIGH SCHOOL architectural gem, it features distinctive triple-stacked Constructed in 1922, the Garden Club of Virginia enhanced the park-like setting of the nation’s only chimneys and curved Flemish gables. Several endowed public high school. The picturesque campus overlooks downtown Winchester and was recently outbuildings survive, including an 1830 enslaved voted the most beautiful high school in Virginia. Photo by Sherry Rawls-Bryce persons’ dwelling. Photo by Allison Clock HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK FALL/WINTER MAGAZINE 2020 97 A Landscape Saved
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS BY GIVING TO VIRGINIA’S STATE PARKS
In the state parks, where land is protected, the mission of the garden club can be realized; native plants and trees are protected, educational programming has a natural classroom, and tourists enjoy all benefits of the outdoors. As our Centennial gift, we gave the commonwealth $500,000 in grants to support 54 projects in communities both large and small. This award-winning and nationally recognized program continues a tradition of championing state parks and protecting our natural landscapes.
“The funds provided by TO CELEBRATE ITS 2020 CENTENNIAL, GARDEN CLUB the Garden Club of OF VIRGINIA LEADERS SEIZED UPON A PROJECT THAT LINKED THE PAST TO THE PRESENT. In 1929 (the Virginia will help us same year that Historic Garden Week was purchase the native plants launched), with the Izaak Walton League and supplies needed to and the Virginia Academy of Science, garden club members lobbied the Virginia complete this project. General Assembly to establish state parks. Not only will it be an The land that was to be set aside for public aesthetically pleasing view enjoyment of nature was representative of the best of the natural world throughout the upon entering the park, but various geographical regions of Virginia. also it helps us educate our The efforts were successful, but it wasn’t until 1936 that the state park system was visitors on the importance formally instituted. The first State Parks were: Douthat, Fairy Stone, Hungry Mother, of planting native at home.” Seashore (now called First Landing), Staunton River and Westmoreland. Just as the GCV has grown, so has the Virginia state park system, which now boasts 39 parks from — PAUL ANDERSON, WIDEWATER PARK MANAGER the Tidewater through the Piedmont, Blue Ridge Mountains, the Valley and to the mountains and Appalachian Plateau of western Virginia.
GCV GRANTS FUNDED native plant and pollinator gardens, improved displays in visitors’ centers, educational programming and equipment, drinking water stations (for people and pets), trail improvements and children’s discovery areas. In addition, the Youth Conservation Corps received money for supplies necessary for it to carry out its summer work programs, providing training for a new generation of environmental stewards.
Photo to the left is the YCC at Belle Isle and New River Trail; The Youth Conservation Corps, a summer residential program for youths, was supported by the Garden Club of Virginia. Text provided by Jeanette Cadwallender. All Photos courtesy of Virginia State Parks and Scenic Virginia.
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