George Washington's River Farm

There is a very unique place not too far from where I live in Alexandria, Virginia. As a matter of fact I can get there on my bicycle by riding on the Mt. Vernon Trail. It is George Washington's River Farm, now home of the Headquarters of the National Horticultural Society. It is a beautiful house and gardens open to the public, featuring 25 acres sitting alongside the Potomac River enhanced by a blend of formal and naturalistic gardens, including woodlands, a meadow, water features, an azalea garden, and award winning children's gardens, along with many breathtaking views.

I spent a lovely spring afternoon there meandering along the gardens, meadow and giftshop. It was so good to see mothers bringing their children there to play and picnic. What a great education those kids are getting!

 George Washington didn't actually live here. He purchased the property in 1760 and planted wheat, rye and corn at this working farm. Washington's personal secretary, Tobias Lear, lived at River Farm and was given a lifetime lease on the property when he married Washington's niece. After Lear's death in 1816, two generations of Washingtons lived here until 1850. After numerous owners, Malcolm Matheson purchased the property in 1919 and continued to enhance the grounds.

Current stewards of the farm, the American Horticultural Society, strive through it's national education programs to raise awareness of earth-friendly gardening practices, to introduce children to plants, to address national issues, and showcase the art and science of horticulture. They state, "By sharing our gardens, we hope to delight and enlighten all visitors to River Farm and provide them with inspiration for their own home."