Fabulous Francis Land House The first beautiful and historic home and gardens in Virginia Beach on my self-led tour is Francis Land House. Because this home is right off Virginia Beach Boulevard, it’s very centrally located from just about every part of the city. There’s ample parking and you don’t have to worry about paying, […]
I start my Virginia Beach Garden tour of mostly historic sites at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center and the Tidewater Arboretum. A true garden by and for the people, this Virginia Tech outpost near the beach has a lot to offer. An Oasis by the Atlantic The Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and […]
On my trip to find the living history in historic gardens, I decide (at the spur of the moment) to head to Chippokes State Park. This is an exciting detour. Usually, my normal route includes heading to Virginia Beach via Interstate 64. This time, though, my route requires a ferry trip! Best way to get […]
What history is growing in the gardens of historic Williamsburg? It’s early September and I visit several gardens to find out. I begin in Williamsburg, since I am coming from the north. Later in the week, I will work my way down to the Hampton Roads area. For now, though, I am deliriously happy because […]
Recently, I discovered a delightful botanical destination in the heart of Williamsburg, Virginia. It was my first stop on the beginning of a historic farm garden and home tour throughout Hampton Roads, and I only learned of the place once I was in town. I was not disappointed. A great time of the year to […]
I recently had the pleasure of going back to my hometown to take a wonderful walk around the plant world in Norfolk, Virginia. This place- Norfolk Botanical Gardens–is a place that’s near and dear to my heart, because I grew up less than two miles away, off Azalea Garden Road, where I used to feed […]
A visit to the Awesome arboretum in Harrisonburg After several delayed attempts this summer, I finally was able to visit the awesome Edith J. Carrier Arboretum at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and I was not disappointed. It was a day of several stellar events, starting with the Perseid meteor showers, and the planetary […]
Maymont is magical is one of the best public gardens in Richmond! Since it’s only about an hour away from where I live, I decided to visit. I wanted to enjoy other nearby garden delights. The grand plan Richmond is a convenient city to get to from most of Virginia and the Atlantic seaboard. There […]
A land of many gardens When heading to the Charlottesville (also known as the Piedmont area), Virginia, don’t miss these wonderful public gardens. If you head this way, many great Plant-lover places await you. Check them out for free (or, in some cases, with an invite or small donation). Please be aware that if you […]
Do you want to see Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Garden Ponds, a gorgeous garden full of Lotuses and Lilies in Washington, D.C? I sure did. So, I traveled to the most floral “swamp” in all of D.C. There are many reasons that I love going to the Capital city, and I always seem to go […]
Mid-summer Garden Dreams I highly suggest a midsummer visit to Virginia’s State Arboretum in Boyce, VA. Why? By the time July hits, most gardeners are usually second-guessing most of the ambitious plans they had last December when they ordered seeds. We are either are up early weeding and watering those ambitions or saying we WILL […]
An awesome Old World Estate finds appreciation and rebirth in a New World A long time ago (last century, even) I lived in Richmond. Agecroft Hall (also in Richmond) Virginia just didn’t seem worth it. There was a place that wasn’t far from where I lived. That had promises of a magnificent garden and an […]
Unexpected delights Travelling to see the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum was an unexpected and surprising delight. Located adjacent to the administrative offices at the National Arboretum on the Northeast side of Washington, DC. I’d not spent much time on that side of the capital, but I had the opportunity to visit in early July. […]
Exploring in D.C. There are many reasons to visit the beautiful children’s garden in the National Arboretum, Washington D.C.. I had fun exploring the Washington Youth Garden in D.C. It’s only minutes from Virginia, so exploring at the National Arboretum (where the Washington Youth Garden is located) is quick, easy and inspiring! Please be aware […]
So close! This time of year, it’s good to take a delightful daytrip. My destination? The National Arboretum in Washington D.C. It is less than ten miles from Reagan International, and feels a world away from many of the other popular sites in the nation’s capital. Getting there From Charlottesville, Virginia, it’s an easy trip […]
Many years ago, I edited a newsletter for the Master Gardeners in Virginia Beach called ‘Gleanings’. I often asked other gardeners for submissions. Because assembling a newsletter was new to me, as well as growing things, I needed their support. Occasionally, generous people obliged me, which is how I learned of an excellent idea for […]
How did I end up with a Lean-to greenhouse? In my early twenties, I moved out of the city with two small children and another on the way. My (then) husband and I purchased a small house. It was a 700 square foot “cottage,”. When things are tight, you can call it a “cottage” and […]
