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Welcome to the Shenandoah-Potomac Garden Council. We hope you enjoy our web site. Be sure to visit "Homes on Tour" for
a look at the beautiful historic homes open for viewing during our 53rd Annual House and Garden Tour. Visit "Advance Tickets"
for information about purchasing tickets.
The Shenandoah-Potomac Garden Council is comprised of Garden Clubs in Berkeley
and Jefferson Counties. These Garden Clubs host the Annual House & Garden Tour to fund beautification projects in their
communities. Over the years both project costs and proceeds have increased.
"In 1955 several local women began a spring
tradition that has blossomed into a major annual event and tourist attraction. The House and Garden Tours of Historic Berkeley
and Jefferson Counties, sponsored by the Shenandoah-Potomac Garden Council, have offered curious visitors an inside peak into
the area's most unique or historically significant properties for over 50 years.
Well prepared docents from garden
clubs throughout the region guide guests through these homes and gardens, describing the architecture, furnishings and plantings,
as well as genealogical information or historical events that may have taken place on the grounds or within the walls. These
docents also volunteer their time and talents by providing beautiufl flower arrangements that decorate the homes. Tours are
scheduled for the last full weekend in April in order to capture spring's beauty at its peak."*
The proceeds from the
first Tour in 1955 were used to purchase period furnishings for the Historic Harper House in Harpers Ferry. The house was
being renovated by the National Park Service. Through the years, participating Garden Clubs have selected various and diversified
projects to benefit and beautify their communities. Local schools, parks, and libraries have been the recipients of projects
ranging in cost from $3000.00 up to $10,000.00
* "Shenandoah House & Garden, compiled and edited by Wendy C. Kedzierski
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