Who doesn’t love a plant sale on a stunning historic estate overlooking the river on a perfect spring day? So this morning I was there at the opening of the Spring Garden Market at River Farm, the Alexandria, VA headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. 
Yes, I was sure tempted by these hellebores. And a bunch of other plants I don’t have room for. (Thanks to commenters, I’ve removed my mistaken nursery owner name.)
Savoring what was saved from development
You may remember reading here about the shocking battle within factions on the board of the AHS to sell the property for development – for an asking price of $33 million. Thankfully the pro-sale board members resigned – possibly over concerns about their own legal exposure – and the property was saved. In fact, AHS itself was saved from a hostile take-over.
(For background: my first post announced the intention to sell. Next, the intra-board battle. And lastly, the American Hort Society is saved!)
So let’s enjoy the grand spring show of color at River Farm, to be followed by more grand shows of color and a wild riverside meadow as the season progresses.
Front door. 
I love this color combo. 
More great results from a bold but disciplined color palette.
My camera was so loaded with stunning views, it takes real discipline not to show you every single one.
From inside the tent, all white tulips and a view of the Potomac. 
More tulips with Carolina jasmine and a redbud in the distance.
I’m feeling grateful for the fight waged by AHS insiders, local residents and elected politicians to save this beautiful and historically significant site from being turned into McMansions. Maybe McMansions with landscapes like these.
Throwback photo and a question
So my friend pointed to the front of the mansion, which looks pretty exposed after being draped in wisteria for so many years. We agreed it was a signature plant in the garden, so are curious about why it was removed.
You write of Barry Glick’s hellebores, but your picture is of the Pine Knot Farms table. Pine Knot Farms is owned and operated by Dick Tyler, in Clarksville, VA. Barry Glick is up in WV someplace.
Pine Knot is owned by the wonderful Dick Tyler
Oh I screwed up! Will correct.
I was sorry to miss it this year – but happy to enjoy it through your beautiful photographs Susan. Thanks. -MW
What an inspiring sale and locale! If only I could visit this sale some year. Is it always the 2nd weekend of April? Thank you for the eye-candy, Marianne.
Just nitpicking here. Gelsimium is commonly called “Carolina Jessamine “, not Jasmine.
Actually, both are correct common names, though Jessamine said in a southern accent really has a ring to it.
not sure about why the wisteria was gone but here in central Ky some of it is quite invasive, depending on the variety.
Non-native wisteria is at heart a thug, only a viable choice if you want to watch it constantly. That said after I spent 2 yrs removing wisteria as a 6 foot ‘ground cover’ over (and under, with vines like railroad ties) 1 acre and 40 ft high in the trees of the property I had bought. 10 years later it still tries to recover as 1′ sprouts, easily removed. AHS made a wise choice.
Someday I will get to visit. Thank you, Susan, for the wonderful pictures.
Thank goodness this beautiful property was saved from development. Having a beautiful property and space like River Farm is the envy of many other horticultural societies.
We were married at River Farm and asked about the removal of the wisteria while there for the market. We were told the new gardener in charge wanted to make the garden predominately native plants to encourage native planting of those who visit. As it was up for great debate among the volunteers who told us this tidbit, it seems the controversy is one much to be discussed among fans of the property. Loved what they did with all the tulips and excited to see what seasons to come bring for the annuals! Such a fun surprise during the market (and brought so much life and wonderful color to the gardens – what I’d do to get married there again in the sea of tulips!!)
Tulips are not native – although not invasive either. Head Gardener is being acey-deucy, as are so many public gardens, arboretums, horticulturists, speakers, garden centers, and advocates. Taking out this Wisteria, while planting hundreds upon hundreds of Tulips is contradictory, wasteful spending, and only appealing as eye-candy for a short duration. Sad.