The Dolley Madison Garden Club, as part of the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, presents a walking tour featuring five architecturally diverse homes and their gardens throughout the Marshall Heights neighborhood in the Town of Orange.
Located in the eastern part of the Town of Orange, the Marshall Heights subdivided land or neighborhood was developed by the Orange Improvement Company beginning in 1912. In late 1913, at least nine homes were under construction and many of the streets were paved. Many of the homes had interior plumbing and electrical service, which for the time, were strong indicators of economic advancement and development. The area attracted some of the prominent leaders and townspeople of Orange.
The gardens on the tour are well-established, featuring ancient tree-lined paths and pollinator favorites. Visitors will enjoy touring a real kit house, a secluded home and garden with an unexpected orientation, as well as a secret garden offering an awe inspiring view. Stunning floral arrangements, created by talented Dolley Madison Garden Club members, adorn the homes and focus on seasonal flowers and plants native to Virginia, adding another element of inspiration and beauty to the showcased sites. Nearby is Montpelier, home of James Madison, and one of the Garden Club of Virginia’s restoration properties.
The five featured properties include Anne and Jim Beavers’ home at 104 North Almond Street; Anne and Jim Cantrell’s home at 138 Landon Lane; Ellen and Rich Burgujian’s home at 154 South Almond Street; Rita Carroll’s home at 171 Landon Lane and Marian and Hank Micks’ home at 121 Landon Lane. There is off-street tour parking at three of the properties. Street parking is available in the neighborhood, but not on Landon Lane. Public parking lots in Orange are free and there are several within walking distance of the tour.
Visit dmgcvirginia.org/historic-garden-week for a digital copy of the local brochure, descriptions of each property, and up-to-date information.
Tickets before April 18 are $50 for adults, $15 for children ages 5-17, and children 4 and under are free. Day of the tour tickets are $60 for adults, $25 for children ages 5-17, and children 4 and under are free.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.VAGardenWeek.org or locally until April 17 at noon at:
• The Laurie Holladay Shop, 123 South Main Street, Gordonsville, VA
• The Market at Grelen, 15091 Yager Road, Somerset, VA
• The Arts Center in Orange, 129 East Main Street, Orange, VA
IMPORTANT: This is a park and walk tour, homes and gardens include steps and uneven terrain. This tour is not accessible for the handicapped.
In keeping with the GCV’s efforts to reduce plastic waste, please bring your own reusable water containers.
More than just a fundraiser, the Historic Garden Week statewide house and garden tour is a cherished springtime tradition for both Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) members, who organize it, and for over 24,000 attendees. Last year, visitors from 42 states and 16 countries traveled to Virginia to take part in what is also the nation’s oldest house and garden tour. In addition to garden restorations, proceeds support a historic landscape research fellowship program that is building a comprehensive library of Virginia’s notable gardens. Since its beginning in 1996, the program has documented 31 sites, adding to vital research on historic properties and landscape practices.
Visit GCVirginia/historic-garden-week.org for a complete schedule and descriptions of each of the upcoming tours.
