HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK 2024

Information Provided by the Garden Club of Virginia

ROANOKE TOUR 
Saturday April 27, 2024 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The 2024 Historic Garden Week in Roanoke features four private homes and gardens in Lakewood, a lovely neighborhood that has not been featured in more than 40 years. This hidden gem of a community offers varied architectural styles and gardens. The tour starts at the Community Garden at Virginia Western where complimentary parking is available and courtesy shuttles will transport guests to Lakewood, where they can walk to visit the homes and gardens.

Photos: Kathryn Feldmann

2222 SEWELL LANE 
Owners: Meredith & John Draper 
The current homeowners purchased this 1952 white-brick colonial in 2012 and knew it was the ideal home and neighborhood for their busy family. Upon purchase, the Drapers completed a 3,800-square-foot addition that included a kitchen/family room, a main-level primary suite, a laundry room, half bath, exterior porches and an in-ground pool. The addition, while not compromising the traditional architecture of the home, allowed for a modern family of five to have all of the space and comfort they needed. Meredith is a consummate designer and admittedly loves to collect pieces of art, furniture and accessories and then figure out how they will work together. The home is a testament to the collected stories of the family’s life. 

Photos: Kathryn Feldmann

1345 LAKEWOOD DRIVE 
Owners: Mary Lynn Wright & Joe Alesantrino 
This spectacular 1927 English-style, stucco home is one of the original structures in this quaint neighborhood. Set on 1.5 acres of lawn and gardens, the property includes a serpentine wall, slate garden paths, an in-ground pool with an outdoor entertainment area and countless trees and flowering plants. A potting shed, original to the property, sits adjacent to a “Peter Rabbit Garden” and houses a collection of antique glass bottles found on the property during renovation. The current owners purchased the house in 2019 and began an extensive restoration, renovation and addition. While remaining true to the historical aspects of the house, they modernized it to suit their blended family and accommodate both casual and formal entertaining. The decorating style is warm, colorful and eclectic. 

Photos: Kathryn Feldmann

1341 SEWELL LANE 
Owners: Reagan & Joe Thielecke 
When the Thieleckes were considering the perfect home in which to raise their young family, Joe knew exactly the right house and neighborhood. He loved growing up in this 1953 rambling ranch set on more than 2 acres of lawn, garden and woods. When his mother was ready to downsize, the young Thieleckes jumped on the opportunity to bring the next generation to this special home. This custom-built ranch was designed by the original owners to mimic the “Florida homes” they had seen on vacation and come to love. A dramatic entryway and formal living room reflect the mid-century design of the home, but open into a modern, family-friendly kitchen and den. The contemporary art throughout the home is the work of homeowner, Reagan, and her mother, Janine McGuire, a professional artist based in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Photo Courtesy of Virginia Western Community College

VIRGINIA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
The Community Arboretum at Virginia Western Community College is a 2-acre educational, multi-garden space. The area includes 11 separate gardens and plant collections surrounding a centrally-located amphitheater. The Arboretum is home to more than 700 labeled plant species. The garden area includes a Children’s Garden with a maze and plant zoo, a Sensory Garden, a Shade Garden, native plants and a City Garden, which includes sustainable features such as rainwater collection systems and drip irrigation. Master Gardeners and VWCC students will be available throughout the day of the tour to provide information about the plantings and activities at the Arboretum. 

Tickets are available online at vagardenweek.org and at Townside Gardens: $30 in advance. Day of the tour: $40 and available only at Garden Tour Headquarters located behind the Arboretum, Virginia Western Community College. ✦