Around Town
Tour Fine Homes and Gardens on Historic Garden Day
Each April, visitors are welcomed to more than 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks during The Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week. This year’s Roanoke Historic Garden Day tour, sponsored by the Mill Mountain Garden Club and the Roanoke Valley Garden Club, will be held Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Steeped in history and modern-day charm, this day has something for everyone—unforgettable gardens at the peak of Virginia’s springtime color, and beautiful homes sparkling with fabulous flower arrangements.
Part of this year’s Garden Day fun is an upscale yard art and bulb sale to be held at the South Roanoke United Methodist Church parking lot located on 23rd Street. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Roanoke Council of Garden Clubs’ grounds. The Crystal Spring Pumping Station will also be open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the working pump is recognized as one of the last, best examples of its kind by the Smithsonian Institute.
For more information about the tour as well as purchasing tickets and gourmet boxed lunches, visit the Roanoke tour page at www.VAgardenweek.org. A $20 ticket includes admission to four properties. Here, enjoy a sneak peek at all that is in store.
15 Cardinal Road
This Tudor-style home overlooking the City of Roanoke was built in 1928 and was home to several presidents of the Norfolk and Western Railroad, which was once headquartered in Roanoke. The painted brick home was remodeled in 1960 and more recently in 2000. The angular design of the original house and a recent addition take full advantage of the spectacular setting. Inside, an impressive porcelain collection complements the furnishings. Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Hooper, owners.
2734 South Jefferson Street
This home is a fine example of American Revival Tudor Style architecture. It was built in 1929 by Arthur Needles, who was president of Norfolk and Western from 1924 to 1936. Eubank and Caldwell of Roanoke was the original architect. Of particular note are the tile garden room off the dining room, the owner’s fourth-generation dining table and the 2011 renovation to the master bath and closet. The interior features many pieces from Mrs. Vogel’s family; most notable are the three large mirrors in the hallways throughout the home. The current owners acquired the home from Mr. Vogel’s parents in 2010. The original finishes of the woodwork, walls and brass fixtures have been restored. The large sunken living room was transformed from a formal area to a family-friendly space. The garden was designed by the late Albert A. Farnham, a Roanoke landscape architect, and completed in 1933. The previous Mrs. Vogel used this property for many years as The Garden Club of Virginia’s test garden for lilies. Mr. and Mrs. George I. Vogel III, owners.
2911 Crystal Spring Avenue
This six-bedroom brick colonial was built in 1952 by a prominent Roanoke business owner. It features modern décor and furnishings collected during the owner’s time spent abroad. Classic architectural features such as expansive crown and foot molding, 10-foot ceilings, wood built-ins and hardwood floors are used throughout the home. Notable on the interior is a tiered staircase. Outside, the owners enjoy a park-like setting that includes city and mountain views, as well as a heated pool and a stone chimney located by the pool. Other outdoor features include a tiered stone perennial garden, and apple and fig trees. The house is situated on an acre of land which affords privacy rarely seen in a city home. The extra lot is enjoyed by neighborhood children who come to play on the rope swing located on it. David and Beth Scheiderer, owners.
2406 Jefferson Street (garden only)
On the corner of Jefferson Street and 24th Street in South Roanoke is a 37-year-old perennial garden bordered by boxwood and hemlock hedges. It continues to evolve as the owners plant and pamper their beloved garden. The yard is partially hidden from the street and features both sun and shade areas filled with native plants and wildflowers. Many plants were chosen to attract birds and butterflies. There is also a small pond. In addition, they have an active compost pile as part of their environmental effort to maintain and sustain their treasure. Dr. and Mrs. A. Sidney Barritt III, owners.
Home Show Offers Something for Everyone
Fall in love with your home all over again by gaining inspiration, ideas and advice from the pros at the 42nd annual SPRING Home Show, hosted by the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association, Inc. (RRHBA). To be held Friday, March 23 through Sunday, March 25 at the Salem Civic
Center, this show is the original and largest home show in southwestern Virginia.
The SPRING Home Show offers a one-stop shopping experience, featuring a unique and broad selection of businesses displaying and selling the latest in home-related products and services. For consumers who are planning to build, remodel or enhance their homes and/or outdoor living spaces, the show is an opportunity to learn the most current design trends, talk with local professionals, save money by taking advantage of “show only” discounts, watch demonstrations, receive giveaways, and win valuable prizes. Bring the kids, too; they can participate in a free “Build and Grow” wooden project compliments of Lowe’s.
Show hours are Friday, March 23, 3 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 24, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 25, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults; children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Pay once and
come back free all weekend with a hand stamp. RRHBA, presenter & sponsor of the SPRING Home Show, is a nonprofit professional trade association, which enjoys a strong membership of more than 350 member firms. To plan your visit, go to www.rrhba.com or call (540) 389-7135.
