by Sandra Hutchinson

Now that it’s officially spring, I’d like to suggest several upcoming home and garden tours to consider attending. These are my favorites! Please remember that popular tours sell out early so it is always best to try and secure tickets early.

Festival of Houses & Gardens, Historic Charleston Foundation

The 2023 Festival runs from March 15 through April 16. This fantastic annual event allows the public access into many private gardens and homes, largely in the historic district of Charleston, South Carolina, known as South of Broad.

For details on tours and tickets, click here.

Don’t forget to check out the other events that Historic Charleston Foundation puts on during this month, such as lectures and luncheons.

Historic Garden Week, Commonwealth of Virginia

2023 marks the 90th year of Historic Garden Week, so ably put on by the Garden Club of Virginia. Each day for the week of April 15 – 22, in various parts of the Commonwealth, private gardens and homes are graciously opened by their owners. The arrangements above are just a sampling of some of the displays created by garden club members.

For details click here.

The beautifully produced guidebook can be viewed online, here.

The Garden Conservancy Open Days

The Garden Conservancy, although based in Garrison, NY, sponsors the Open Days program at a number of private gardens across the country. Tickets must be order online. Here’s a link to a directory of tours and events, which can be searched by month and state.

Trade Secrets

The annual Trade Secrets sale is a pilgrimage for some gardeners, held in northwest Connecticut. It began as a fundraiser for a not-for-profit domestic violence prevention and support organization, and as a way for designer Bunny Williams to sell excess plants from her greenhouse. Over the past 20 years, many other vendors have been added, including those selling antique garden fixtures. This year the event is being held on Sunday, May 21, at Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, Conn. Info, here.

There are several wonderful garden tours being offered in conjunction with Trade Secrets, including the home of Bunny Williams and Jon Rosselli (which I highly recommend) and Clove Brook Farm, the home of well-known designer and ceramist Christopher Spitzmiller. Info, here. All the properties are in northwest Connecticut or eastern New York, in the Millbrook area.

Please mention any tours you know of this spring in the comments below!