Our Guide to Historic Garden Week

Begin your day at a local farmers market where you can find starter plants, cut flowers, and small batch food products made from the bounty of the area. There are several options in the area including the IX Farmers Market and the City Market, located within walking distance of each other near the historic Downtown Mall.

If you didn't grab a bite at the farmers market, stop at Simeon Market, which is conveniently located on the way to Morven! This country store and market serves up coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and baked goods. A perfect treat to start your day off right!

Morven is just a quick drive away from award-winning wineries, such as Eastwood Farm and Winery and Mount Ida Reserve. Both tasting rooms offer lunch menus highlighting seasonal ingredients.

Nearby Michie Tavern serves a traditional Southern buffet from 11:30AM until 3PM and its 1784 Pub provides drinks and light snacks between 3:30PM and 7PM

Tour James Monroe’s Highland, which includes ornamental and utilitarian gardens, Colonial Revival boxwood gardens, and over 100 ash trees. Highland Rustic Trails system spans 4.5 miles of hiking trails through wooded hillsides, meadows, and stream banks.

Take a short drive to the pollinator community of Scottsville to explore boutiques like We Grow and Scottsville Supply Company.

Fuel up for the day with an early brunch at Birch & Bloom, located in the Kimpton Forum Hotel. This glass-enclosed solarium is surrounded by lush greenery with gorgeous views of the neighboring botanical garden and arboretum (which are open to the public). Complimentary valet parking is available when you dine.

Located just a 10 minute drive from the Forum, the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont is a work-in-progress, soon-to-become a 15-acre sustainable garden showcasing the natural landscape and flora. Parking is available on Melbourne Road, just adjacent to the gardens, and dogs are welcome. The land is open dawn to dusk, and visitors can explore wooded trails, bird watch, and see recent stream restoration.

Discover boutique wineries like Grace Estate, Stinson, and Fallen Tree in nearby Crozet. Casual dining options in Crozet include Batesville Market, Crozet Pizza, Fardowners, Pro Re Nata Brewery, and Smoked Kitchen & Tap.

Nearby Mint Springs Valley Park is a 520-acre park with restrooms, and ADA wheelchair-accessible fishing pier, trails for hiking and biking, and a playground!

Shop at The Barn Swallow, an artisan gallery that showcases handmade pottery, jewelry, and art. Make sure to explore their extensive flower garden, which surrounds the property with seasonal delights such as ox-eye daisies, black parrot tulips, and giant wine-colored alliums.

Grab breakfast at Bodo’s Bagels (a local staple) before heading over to the University of Virginia to explore Carr’s Hill and several Pavilions (open to the public on the 28th, from 11AM until 3PM).

A free, guided tour of the Rotunda will be offered at 11AM; just meet on the Lawn side steps! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rotunda is a must-see while at the University.

The Corner, home to over 15 locally owned restaurants, is within walking distance of UVA Grounds.

Ivy Provisions and the Birdwood Grill are also great options, located just a short drive west on Ivy Road.

The nearby Bellair Place is an interior design district with popular shops like Be Just, Helen Storey Antiques, and The Shade Shop.

Devote your day to exploration of Monticello – allow at least 2.5 hours – and points east of town.

Vegetables, herbs, and fruit grown at Monticello are often used at the on-site Café and in small-batch food products available for purchase in The Shop at Monticello. The Center for Historic Plants, at nearby Tufton Farm, grows both native and heirloom plants, including all offered for sale at Monticello’s gift shop.

Head to the nearby Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, whose art exhibits are deeply rooted in the Australian landscape, flora, and fauna. They offer free guided tours at 10:30AM and 1:30PM, which take approximately 30 minutes. Reservations are encouraged but not required.

If you have time, adjacent to the Kluge-Ruhe are the gardens at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital. The hospital’s stunning 56-acre campus offers public walking trails and gorgeous flowering trees and flowers. The property is free to visit.

Embrace your inner flower power at restaurants like Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar, The Conservatory, Camellias Bar & Roastery, Fig, and Petit Pois. The name says it all!

Depending on how many plants you can fit in your suitcase to take home, here are some favorite local garden centers. Remember: knowledgeable staff at each of these businesses can help you find plants you love and advise on how to attract wildlife and pollinators and bring greater joy to your environment… whether your own garden is several acres of land or just a few pots on the patio!

• Ivy Nursery and Ivy Corner Garden Center sell a stunning selection of annuals, perennials, and woody plants, as well as botanically inspired gifts for your home and life.
• Snow’s Garden Center is known for its wide array of shrubs and small trees like viburnums, azaleas, hydrangeas, and Japanese maples.
• Elzroth & Thompson grows many plants on site.
• Both locations of Blue Ridge Farmers Co-Op have inventories of both traditional and unusual plants, particularly edibles and native cultivars. Their selection rotates frequently!
• Fifth Season Gardening has a fun assortment of houseplants, herbs, and hydroponic and homebrew supplies.
• Hummingbird Hill Native Plant Nursery, located in Free Union, is committed to “growing local genotype native plants specifically for counteracting habitat loss and strengthening native plant populations”. They sell specifically to people who are interested in creating habitat corridors in Central Virginia and parts of the Shenandoah Valley. If this fits your gardening goals, schedule a visit to the nursery.

• Stop by Caspari’s flagship store for floral-inspired stationery and home goods.
• The Botanique & Co offers unique, zero-waste gift ideas
• Ovid & Lane sells luxurious bath and body products.
• Visit Waxwing Art Works, a small gallery and studio focused on the art of birds and landscapes.