The estate's lovely terraced gardens retain their original 18th century design with walks, parterres and English boxwood. The book provides descriptions of houses and gardens open, directions, ticket prices, and the names and telephone numbers of local tour organizers. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the tour at any of the properties open and at designated information centers. It is not necessary to buy tickets in advance, although bus groups may wish to make earlier plans. Tours will be held on their scheduled days, rain or shine.
Visitors typically drive to tour areas and then are greeted by hostess guides on tour.
All houses will feature superb flower arrangements created by members of The Garden Club of Virginia, with emphasis on colorful seasonal flowers and plants native to the state. The Beaumont-Darst House, one of the most architecturally significant early 19th century homes in the Valley of Virginia, will be open to visitors in historic downtown Lexington on Saturday, April 27. The tour on Friday, April 26, in Virginia's Middle Peninsula will celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of King William County. In addition to featuring the oldest courthouse in the nation and a number of handsome historic homes, the tour opens the magnificent Tidewater estate of Chelsea, constructed in the early 1700s. Overlooking the banks of the scenic Mattaponi River, Chelsea is enhanced by more than 5,000 boxwood and will also feature an antique carriage display on Garden Day.