Whether or not you’ve read the beloved story The Secret Garden, there’s no denying the appeal of finding yourself in such a place. Virginia’s own secret garden will welcome you into the fairytales of your childhood with wooded streams, brightly colored flowers, and places to sit and admire the natural beauty of the land. Just a stone’s throw from D.C., the historic Green Spring Gardens offers its visitors a natural retreat. Here’s more on this enchanting garden.
With origins dating back to the colonial days, Green Spring Gardens is a breathtaking National Historic Site tucked away in Fairfax County.
Friends of Green Spring Gardens/Facebook
The moment you step inside these gardens, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an array of beautiful plants and flowers.
Prawet J/TripAdvisor
Friends of Green Spring Gardens/Facebook
The gardens that exist today have origins that date back to the 1700s, when they belonged to the historic house on site. Green Spring Gardens were then donated to the public in 1970.
Friends of Green Spring Gardens/Facebook
Today, this secret garden doubles as “an outdoor classroom,” where visitors are invited to learn about all sorts of plants, flowers, and vegetables.
Friends of Green Spring Gardens/Facebook
Take your time as you stroll along the native plant gardens, cross over a babbling stream, and admire twenty demonstration gardens.
Friends of Green Spring Gardens/Facebook
Friends of Green Spring Gardens/Facebook
Look closely and you’ll notice the detailed landscaping and whimsical decorations put in place to enhance nature’s beauty.
Prairie S./flickr
For more enchantment, follow the flower-lined trail to the pond area. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect setting for a picnic or cup of tea.
Meaw W./Yelp
Tracy Lee/flickr
There are plenty of cozy nooks and spaces where visitors can rest, read, and simply enjoy the scenery before them.
Friends of Green Spring Gardens/Facebook
Throughout the year, the garden also offers plant farmers markets (complete with live music) so that visitors can take a little bit of this paradise home with them.
Friends of Green Spring Gardens/Facebook
If you feel inspired by the beautiful displays at Green Spring, you can sign up for one of the many classes and workshops available on gardening.
Meaw W./Yelp
Open from dawn to dusk, the park can be visited year-round is an instant hit among visitors of all ages.
cooperhrc/TripAdvisor Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, VA 22312.
Have you visited this special community garden in Virginia? If so, we’d love to hear about your experiences there! For more enchantment and magic, be sure to Take Virginia’s Secret Garden Hike.
Friends of Green Spring Gardens/Facebook
Prawet J/TripAdvisor
Friends of Green Spring Gardens/Facebook
Prairie S./flickr
Meaw W./Yelp
Tracy Lee/flickr
Meaw W./Yelp
cooperhrc/TripAdvisor
Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, VA 22312.
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