Preserving our shared cultural landscapes
Since 1929, the Garden Club of Virginia has been committed to the preservation and restoration of historic landscapes and gardens in Virginia. Our work can be found at more than 50 public sites across the Commonwealth. These unique properties provide a connection to our shared history and cultural heritage and strengthen our relationship with the natural world. Funding is made possible by the proceeds of our annual Historic Garden Week tour, which draws visitors from across the world.
statewide reach
Projects
Since our first restoration in 1929, the Garden Club of Virginia has left its mark on more than 50 historic and culturally significant, publicly accessible gardens, some of which are national treasures.
The Garden Club of Virginia accepts applications for restoration projects at gardens and landscapes in Virginia. A defined set of criteria is used for consideration of potential new sites.
- Gardens must be regularly open to the public.
- Projects must be approved by the property’s governing body, which must agree to our maintenance policies.
- We engage professional landscape architects to plan and oversee the restorations.
- The scope of restoration projects include true garden restorations when sufficiently documented historic details exist, appropriate landscape settings for the period of interpretation, and restoration of a specific feature in a garden or landscape.
The GCV maintains high standards of historical and cultural accuracy and undertakes extensive study and planning, including archaeological research when warranted, in partnership with the properties.
SUBMIT A PROJECT
Have a restoration project?
Requests for new projects are considered by the GCV Restoration Committee. Please submit the request form with the required information and someone will be in touch to discuss the potential project.
fellowship program
Funding research to impact the future of landscape design
Students studying landscape design may benefit from our Restoration research fellowship, designed for graduate students currently working towards a master’s in landscape design (MLA) or equivalent degree. Students gain hands-on guidance from landscape architects, with projects typically taking place over the summer.