Historic Garden Week of Virginia

April 23rd, April 24th, and April 25th, 2022

Open together, three historic properties and a church established in the early 1600s celebrate Historic Garden Week on three consecutive days. A special combo ticket allows access to the extensive grounds, gardens, numerous outbuildings, and first-floor interiors of all sites. In addition to touring, Westover Episcopal Church is offering lunch. All are located between scenic Route 5 and the James River in Charles City, a county with an expansive history over its 400 years, including the indigenous, the indentured, the enslaved, the early European settlers, and generations of their descendants. Built-in the 1700s by a combination of indentured and enslaved labor, Berkeley, Shirley, and Westover Plantations are Virginia and National Historic Landmarks, working farms, private homes, and living links to our country’s past.

Visit Shirley and take a self-guided tour of the manor house’s first floor with fresh floral arrangements in each room, made using material from the grounds and gardens. There will be docents in each room to share Shirley’s history and answer questions. Access to the grounds, gardens, eight historic buildings, exhibits, and gift shop are included. Tour proceeds fund the restoration and preservation of gardens throughout the state.

Afternoon Tea during Historic Garden Week

Mrs. Carter will be hosting tea at Shirley on Sunday, April 24th, 2022 at 3:00 PM. Enjoy afternoon tea served with tea sandwiches, scones, and sweets on the garden terrace at Shirley. This is a rain or shine event; if inclement weather the event will be moved indoors. Tickets for Tea with Mrs. Carter do not include admission to Historic Garden Week. Historic Garden Week admission must be purchased separately in addition to your ticket for afternoon tea.

Tickets to Afternoon Tea are $40.00 per person, not including admission. To purchase tickets for Tea with Mrs. Carter on Sunday, April 24th, 2022 at 3:00 pm, click here.

Admission and Tickets

Combination tickets are $60.00 per person and include admission to Shirley, Berkeley, Westover, and Westover Church.

To purchase a James River Plantations combination ticket for Shirley, Berkeley, and Westover, visit https://www.vagardenweek.org and select the James River Plantation tour. Statewide passes will only be honored on April 23rd, 24th, and 25th.

In lieu of combination tickets, tickets are available for Shirley only admission on the 23rd, 24th, or 25th and are $25.00 per person. To purchase Shirley Only Admission, click here.

Tickets for Afternoon Tea are $40.00 per person, not including admission. To purchase tickets for Tea with Mrs. Carter on Sunday, April 24th, 2022 at 3:00 pm, click here.

Boxed Lunches

Boxed Lunches are being sold in advance for pick up at Shirley for Historic Garden Week! Please click here to purchase your boxed lunches.

Boxed lunches are $15.00 and include a sandwich or a cold plate, a side of potato salad or chips, a devil egg half, a cupcake*, and a bottle of water.

Boxed Lunch Options:

-Chicken salad on a roll with a side of potato salad

-Chicken salad on a roll with a side of chips

-Roast beef and swiss cheese on a roll with a side of potato salad

-Roast beef and swiss cheese on a roll with a side of chips

-Pimento cheese sandwich with a side of potato salad

-Pimento cheese sandwich with a side of chips

-Turkey and provolone on wheat with a side of potato salad

-Turkey and provolone on wheat with a side of chips

-Chicken salad cold plate with a side of potato salad*

-Chicken salad cold plate with a side of chips*

-Tuna salad cold plate with a side of potato salad*

-Tuna salad cold plate with a side of chips*

*Cold plate boxed lunches do not come with cupcakes. Cold plate lunches come with a side of potato salad or chips and a boiled egg on a bed of lettuce with a bottle of water.