Historic Garden Week in Williamsburg – April 29, 2025
Each spring, Virginia bursts into bloom with Historic Garden Week, an annual tradition hosted by the Garden Club of Virginia (GCV). This statewide event, taking place from April 27 through May 3, 2025, features 29 unique tours across the Commonwealth, giving visitors an exclusive look at over 120 private homes and gardens. Proceeds from the event help preserve and restore Virginia’s historic public gardens, ensuring their beauty for future generations.
Williamsburg’s Historic Garden Week Tour is set for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, and offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the area’s most stunning private homes, gardens, and historic sites.
Williamsburg Tour Highlights
This year’s tour showcases four private homes in the Indian Springs and Burns Lane neighborhoods, built between the late 1700s and the 1950s. These residences seamlessly blend historic charm with modern renovations and feature:
• Elegant millwork and period details combined with contemporary updates
• A mix of antiques and mid-century furnishings, reflecting the homeowners’ unique styles
• Two private gardens, including a large woodland retreat with winding boxwood paths and a compact flower and vegetable garden
Exclusive Access to Colonial Williamsburg
Tour tickets also include entry to three rarely opened historic homes and four exquisite gardens within Colonial Williamsburg, providing a deeper look into the city’s architectural and horticultural legacy. Highlights include:
• The Lightfoot House (114 Francis St. E.) – A historic guesthouse for dignitaries featuring Flemish bond brickwork and a wrought iron balcony.
• The Moody House (312 Francis St. E.) – Originally built in 1750 and reconstructed in 1939/40, it now serves as a VIP rental home for Colonial Williamsburg.
• The Bracken Tenement (206 Francis St. E.) – A well-preserved example of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic homes.
Visitors will also enjoy guided tours of four Colonial Williamsburg gardens, staffed with horticultural experts eager to share their knowledge.
Statewide Tradition Helps Virginia Thrive
Much more than a springtime showcase, Historic Garden Week is a significant contributor to Virginia’s economy. With over 24,000 attendees annually, the event has had a cumulative economic impact of $679 million over the past 55 years.
“Not only is Historic Garden Week an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Virginia’s homes and gardens, but it’s also a major economic driver,” explains Virginia Gillock, Historic Garden Week Chair.
Since its founding in 1920, the Garden Club of Virginia has been dedicated to conservation, historic preservation, and fostering a love of gardening. Proceeds from the event support:
• The preservation and restoration of Virginia’s historic public gardens
• The Historic Landscape Research Fellowship, which has documented 31 significant gardens and landscapes since 1996
• Restoration projects such as the 18th-century garden at Stratford Hall and the statuary walk at Belmont, the home of Impressionist painter Gari Melchers
For a full schedule of the 29 tours across Virginia, visit VaGardenWeek.org.
Logistics & Check-In Information
Where to Check-In & Parking Details
Tour participants must check in to obtain an entry wristband at one of these locations:
1. Williamsburg United Methodist Church (500 Jamestown Road)
• Access to four private homes and two private gardens
• Free parking is available at the church lot and along Jamestown Road
2. Lightfoot House (114 Francis St. E., Colonial Williamsburg)
• Access to three historic homes and four gardens
• Paid parking available via the Passport Parking App at:
• Williamsburg Inn & Tavern Lot (within walking distance of the tour)
• Visitors Center (101 Visitors Center Dr.)
• City Parking Garage (230 N. Henry St.)
• Ticket holders may use Colonial Williamsburg’s bus service throughout the historic district
For a detailed tour guide, view the official brochure here: Williamsburg Garden Tour Brochure (PDF)
Lunch & Refreshments
Boxed Lunch by The Carrot Tree ($20 per person, Pre-Order Required)
• Pickup Location: 207 Burns Lane
• Time: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Seating available in the garden
• Pre-order deadline: April 13
• Contact: Cathy Adams at cbtbka@cox.net
Complimentary Refreshments
• Locations:
• 207 Burns Lane Garden
• 200 Indian Springs Garden
• Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Both gardens will be open for touring
Plan Your Visit
With 13 stunning sites to explore in Williamsburg and 29 statewide tours to choose from, Historic Garden Week is the perfect way to experience Virginia’s timeless beauty, history, and horticultural excellence. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply looking for a delightful spring outing, this event is not to be missed!
📅 Date: April 29, 2025 (Williamsburg Tour)
📅 Statewide Event: April 27 – May 3, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets & More Information: VaGardenWeek.org
Join us this spring for a one-of-a-kind journey through Virginia’s most breathtaking homes and gardens!