2012 spring home and garden tours in the D.C. area

Open this week

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens offers docent-led garden tours with the price of admission. Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and April 15, April 29, May 13 and May 27 at 2:30 pm. Through June 9. 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. 202-686-5807. www.hillwoodmuseum.org. Tours are first come, first served at the beginning of each day and are included as part of the suggested donation: $15, seniors $12, college students $10, age 18 and younger $5, age 5 and younger free.

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Week of April 15

Washington National Cathedral’s Olmsted Woods Walks will host two garden tours led by cathedral horticulture manager Deanne Eversmeyer. April 18 and May 16 at 10 a.m. Because of construction, enter through the Postern Gate across from the Peace Cross or by way of Pilgrim Road. Wisconsin and Massachusetts avenues NW. 202-537-2937. www.allhallowsguild.org. Free.

During Historic Garden Week in Virginia, more than 250 gardens, homes and landmarks across the state are open to the public. April 21 through 28. 804-644-7776. www.vagardenweek.org. $15-$40.

Week of April 22

The homes on display for the Falls Church Home and Garden Tour include a 19th-century shingle-style cottage, an early-20th-century Sears “kit” house and several gardens. Proceeds benefit the Falls Church Elementary PTA. April 22 from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets can be picked up at Mount Daniel Elementary School, 2328 N. Oak St., from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the day of the tour. www.fallschurchpta.org. $25.

The 81st annual self-guided Georgetown House Tour 2012 features up to 10 of the neighborhood’s homes and gardens. April 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets include admission to a Parish Tea in Blake Hall at St. John’s Church, 3240 O St. NW. Pets, strollers and children in carriers are not allowed. 202-338-1796. www.georgetownhousetour.com. $40 through April 20, $45 after.

The Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage includes tours in Baltimore and in Talbot, St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel and Howard counties on select days from April 28 through May 20. 410-821-6933. www.mhgp.org. $30 per tour in advance, $35 the day of the tour.

Week of April 29

There are eight neighborhood gardens on this year’s Georgetown Garden Tour. May 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets include admission to a tea from 2 to 4 p.m. at Christ Church, Keith Hall, 31st and O streets NW. 202-965-1950. www.georgetowngardentour.com. $30 through May 2, $35 after; $25 per person for a group of 20 or more.

Week of May 6

This year’s self-guided Takoma Park House and Garden Tour concentrates on homes in North Takoma west of Piney Branch Road. May 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. The tour departs from Upper Portal Park, Piney Branch Road at Eastern Avenue. 301-270-2831. www.historictakoma.org. $18 in advance, $20 the day of the tour.

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s House and Garden Tour will focus on the area between Stanton and Lincoln parks. May 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. and May 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. 202-543-0425. www.chrs.org. $25 in advance, $30 the weekend of the tour.

Week of May 13

See Washington National Cathedral’s Olmsted Woods Walks above.

Last year’s Tuckahoe Elementary Home and Garden Tour raised more than $7,000 for Discovery Schoolyard, an outdoor classroom program. This year, the self-guided tour will showcase eight homes and two gardens in Arlington. May 19 from noon to 5 p.m. www.tuckahoetour.org. $20 in advance, $25 the day of the tour.

Week of May 20

On the 33rd annual Historic Hyattsville House Tour, participants guide themselves through nine homes, a school and a fellowship hall. May 20 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tour begins at the Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin St. 301-699-5440. www.preservehyattsville.org. $10 in advance, $12 the day of the tour.

The self-guided Shepherd Park Garden Tour takes visitors to seven gardens in Northwest Washington, including a rain and sculpture garden. May 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. The tour departs from 7800 14th St. at Kalmia Road NW. 202-829-6886. www.shepherdpark.org. $15.

Week of May 27

See Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens tour above.

Week of June 3

The 12th annual Brookland House and Garden Tour includes 10 historic homes in the largely Victorian community. June 3 from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are available at Petals Ribbons and Beyond, 3906 12th St. NE. 202-636-2408. www.gbgc.org. $12 in advance, $15 the day of the tour.

— Megan Buerger