They call it "America's Largest Open House," and one thing for sure is that you'll see some very 
fine homes and gardens. At this time of year, not all of the gardens are at their peak, but you'll get the drift -- and you'll see lots and lots of boxwood in Virginia. Now in its 73rd year, Historic Garden Week starts on Saturday, April 22, in Alexandria, Charlottesville, and several other areas around the state. Private homes in Alexandria include a home with a three-story Greek Revival front portico built in 1854; a brick townhouse featuring Federal and Georgian styles; a carriage house built in 
1801 with a delightful garden (right) featuring columnar hornbeams, roses,
clematis, a swimming pool, and more; and a 1753 riverfront home, once the grandest mansion in the city. Info at Ramsay House, 221 King St. (703) 838-4200.
Homes & gardens elsewhere include a Georgian-style house named for a park in Dublin, Ireland (Phoenix Park) with mature trees & shrubs, lush garden borders and perennial beds edged in cobblestone; Brinnington Farm, a historic property once owned by the family of statesman Patrick Henry; and the garden at Matfield, with brickwork and terraces, many spring blooming bulbs, and radiating garden beds. Two hundred fifty-plus homes and gardens are on view around the state.
For complete info, (804) 644-7776 or www.vagardenweek.org
(photos: left: VA Gdn Week/Richard Cheek; right: Hunting Creek Garden Club, Alexandria)
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