Did you know that Virginia's iconic Historic Garden Week is the only statewide tour of its kind in the United States? It also takes on special significance in 2026 as part of the nation's 250th anniversary, highlighting properties tied to early American history. Our real estate agents share some background and tips to help you prepare for this upcoming event that's not far from Richmond homes for sale.

Your Guide to Historic Garden Week 2026

During the turn of the 20th century, an initiative known as Municipal Housekeeping empowered women to use their talents and energy in service of public well-being. In 1920, the president of the James River Garden Club mobilized other statewide garden clubs to form the Garden Club of Virginia.

To raise funds to restore local gardens, the GCV held the first Historic Garden Week in 1929, raising a then-impressive $7,000. That early success helped launch what is now the nation's oldest house and garden tour. Today, the federation has 48 garden clubs, and HGW draws approximately 30,000 visitors over its eight-day span.

Now featuring nearly 130 private homes and gardens across 29 tours, Historic Garden Week offers access to properties ranging from historic estates to urban townhomes, many of which are not typically open to the public.

Historic Garden Week 2026 runs from Saturday, April 18, through Saturday, April 25. Tickets range from $25 to $75, with new reduced pricing for children on select tours, and some locations include shuttle transportation as part of the experience. Here's an overview of some of the week's top tours. Visit the website for full schedule and ticket prices.

Saturday, April 18

• Ashland, affectionately known as "The Center of the Universe," features Randolph-Macon College and a historic railroad.
• Gloucester - Mathews includes a riverside property built by George Washington's great-great-grandfather.
• Old Town Alexandria offers access to nearby landmarks, including Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens and Green Spring Gardens.
• Orange is near Montpelier, one-time home of James Madison and one of the GCV's restoration properties.
• Portsmouth is highlighted by beautiful riverbank neighborhoods.
• Staunton covers both city and country locations, including Gypsy Hill Park. 

Monday, April 20

• Berkeley, Shirley, and Westover are three properties that are Virginia and National Historic Landmarks. 
• Leesburg served as a temporary repository for national documents during the War of 1812, and its downtown area is a charming blend of old and new.
• Morven, once owned by media mogul John Kluge, was part of the first HGW and it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Wednesday, April 22

• Hampton-Newport News is known as a shipbuilding and military hub, but it also has stunning scenery and cultural attractions.
• Harrisonburg, in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, is noted for a deeply ingrained artistic and creative spirit.
• Martinsville has a background of wealth and luxury, which can be seen in exhibits found at the MHC Heritage Museum.
• Northern Neck, located within a National Heritage Area, offers sightings of bald eagles, ospreys, and herons.
• Church Hill, Richmond's oldest neighborhood, is in the history books as the site of Patrick Henry's immortal "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech.
• Virginia Beach has long been a popular vacation spot, and the tour includes three oceanfront homes on the so-called "Gold Coast."

Friday, April 24

• Kent-Valentine House, a National and Virginia Historical Landmark, is the last downtown home surrounded by trees and serves as the GCV headquarters.
• Little Oak Spring is an offshoot of Rokeby Farm, the one-time home of art collectors and philanthropists Paul and Rachel "Bunny" Mellon, also known as breeders of thoroughbred horses.
• Middle Peninsula - King and Queen County is an architecture buff's dream, featuring buildings in Antebellum, Greek Revival, and Federal styles. 
• The Virginia Executive Mansion, completed in 1813, is the oldest such residence in the United States, and is also known for the historic Gillette Garden.

Each tour features three to five private homes and gardens, enhanced by floral arrangements created by Garden Club of Virginia members using seasonal blooms and native plants. Some tours are walkable, while others are self-driven experiences that guide you through multiple historic properties and landscapes.

History, Heritage, and Lasting Impact Across Virginia

Beyond its beauty, Historic Garden Week plays a major role in preservation and tourism across the Commonwealth. Proceeds have funded more than 50 restoration projects at public gardens, including iconic sites like Mount Vernon and the University of Virginia. The event has generated an estimated $679 million in economic impact over the past 55 years while attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.

History and Scenery Meet in Richmond, VA

RVA maintains its historic heritage while embracing the innovation of the present. If this sounds like a place to call home, get in touch with us at Joyner Fine Properties to learn more.