“It’s a Virginia tradition of graciousness and hospitality — every visitor is welcomed with a big smile and genuine happiness to see them.” — Virginia Gillick

Each April, as Virginia comes into bloom, a remarkable tradition unfolds. During the third week of the month, private homes and gardens, many rarely open to the public, welcome visitors in celebration of beauty, place, and history.

In this episode of Grandma's Silver, I sit down with Karen Ellsworth, Director of Historic Garden Week, and Virginia Gillock, Board Member and Chair, to discuss the origins and evolution of this nearly century-old tradition.

We explore the Garden Club of Virginia's founding vision, why the event has endured for generations, the deeply place-based nature of the tours across Virginia, how gardens tell stories that architecture alone cannot, and what visitors can expect this year. 

From floral arrangements and front-door hospitality to the anticipation of spring across the Commonwealth, this conversation highlights what makes Historic Garden Week so special, and why 2026 marks a particularly meaningful moment in its history.

RESOURCES:

• Learn more about Historic Garden Week here, including how to purchase tickets.
• Follow along on Facebook and/or Instagram to stay updated on events, photographs, and more.
• Interested in the book recommended by today's guests? Snag your copy of Founding Gardeners: The Revolutionary Generation, Nature, and the Shaping of the American Nature.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.